Kenntnisprüfung in Thuringia

• 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

Feststellungsbescheid (assessment decision) max. €160, Erlaubnisurkunde (licence certificate) €80, Kenntnisprüfung or adaptation course (Anpassungslehrgang) €250, plus fees for repeat exams; withdrawing the application or amending decisions costs extra depending on the effort (TLVwA FAQ, as of 10/2026). The TLVwA does not send decisions and certificates that carry costs abroad – for this you need an authorised representative with an address in Germany. On top of that there may be costs for preparation courses and travel. Thuringian hospitals often cover the costs – ask your employer!

1. Wait for the Defizitbescheid (deficit notice) from the Thüringer Landesverwaltungsamt – it states that you are allowed to take the Kenntnisprüfung
2. Contact an exam school or exam centre and ask for a date (few centres – register early!)
3. Submit the registration documents: Defizitbescheid, proof of identity, B2 language certificate if required
4. Pay the exam fee 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, mainly in Erfurt, Jena (university hospital) and Gera.

You submit the application digitally in the portal “Anerkennung in Deutschland” (log in with BundID); applications by post to the TLVwA are expected to remain possible until the end of 2026. According to the TLVwA, the oral exam lasts 45–60 minutes with one complex case situation, and in the practical part two nursing situations are assessed. Tip: In nursing you can waive the equivalence assessment (Gleichwertigkeitsprüfung) (§ 40 Abs. 3a PflBG) and go straight to the Kenntnisprüfung or an adaptation course (6 months) – then you do not need proof of professional experience, and the procedure at the TLVwA is considerably shorter.