Kenntnisprüfung in North Rhine-Westphalia

• Oral part: case presentation and professional discussion (Fachgespräch) on the competence areas (Kompetenzbereiche) of the PflAPrV (nursing training and examination regulation)
• Practical part: care of patients in 2–4 nursing situations (real or simulated, § 45 PflAPrV) at a hospital or nursing school
• No written part – the Kenntnisprüfung is purely oral and practical (§ 45 PflAPrV)
• The exam language is German; B2 level is usually required

Administrative fees for the equivalence assessment (Gleichwertigkeitsprüfung) are usually €112.50–350, mostly split across two fee notices (tariff item 12.1.3.2 AVwGebO NRW, according to the FAQ of the Bezirksregierung Münster, as of 10/2026). The Bezirksregierung does not state an amount for the professional licence (Berufserlaubnis) – the licensing authority will tell you. The Bezirksregierung charges no further fees for conducting the Kenntnisprüfung – but exam schools may charge their own costs. Large NRW hospitals and employers very often cover the costs – be sure to ask your employer!

1. Wait for the Defizitbescheid (deficit notice) from the Bezirksregierung Münster – it states that you are allowed to take the Kenntnisprüfung
2. Choose an exam school from the Bezirksregierung Münster's list of providers (list for Pflegefachfrau/-mann) and ask there for dates (NRW has many centres, but also the most applicants – register early!)
3. Submit the completed registration form for the Kenntnisprüfung to the Bezirksregierung Münster, preferably by e-mail to pug-kenntnispruefung@brms.nrw.de – your registration only becomes binding once the form has arrived
4. Clarify any costs charged by the exam school and wait for the invitation
5. Before the exam, find out which care area (e.g. acute care, long-term care) will be tested

Exams take place at recognised nursing schools and hospitals in many cities, including Köln, Düsseldorf, Essen, Dortmund, Münster and Bielefeld. The choice is the largest in Germany.

NRW processes the most recognition applications in Germany – processing can take time. Tip: Send everything together and complete by post instead of sending documents later – digital applications are not yet possible for nursing professions, and the Bezirksregierung does not accept documents by e-mail.