Apply for Approbation in Berlin: Documents, Application, and Exams (2023)

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Apply for Approbation in Berlin

• Introduction: Apply for Approbation in Berlin

In this article, Dr. Anas Al-Habash will explain all the information regarding the steps to apply for Approbation in Berlin, starting with the required documents and how to submit them, through the Medical Language Exam (Fachsprachprüfung) and the Medical Knowledge Exam (Kenntnisprüfung), and ending with obtaining the Approbation. The available information is based on previous experiences and the requirements of the modification center in Berlin. We hope it will be beneficial for everyone.

💡 The original article is in Arabic. You can read it here: link.

Facharzt JETZT!

Dr. Anas runs one of the largest Arabic Telegram groups for doctors, primarily focused on Approbation in Berlin. Join it now: https://t.me/berlinmedizinsyrian

This article outlines the general steps for getting the Approbation (German permanent medical license) and this article the required documents.

Articles from our website have been added to Dr. Anas’s article in case you wish to explore further reading, and the text has been slightly modified for SEO purposes for search engines.

The article includes several German terms such as “Beischeid” and “Eingang.” This article provides all the common terms with explanations.

• A German recruiting expert can help doctors with Approbation get a job for free. Click JETZT: here.
• If you have any doubts or need more clarification, feel free to ask any time in the main group of Facharzt JETZT on Facebook and Telegram (all Telegram groups will be added as a folder).
• This article is a guide to enhance your understanding of the topic; however, it should not be your sole resource. Always consult official websites for the most accurate and up-to-date information (you can read our full disclaimer here).

• Steps to Apply for Approbation in Berlin:

1. Preparing the Required Documents for approbation in Berlin

The required documents for Approbation Berlin for degrees from Syrian universities include:

– Proof of intention:

How Can Proof of Intention in Berlin Be Established?

– State Application/Request with Signature (This article includes all links for the integration/application for approval in all states).

– Signed CV with Date and No Gaps in Time (Lücke) (This is a free version from our website).

– Copy of Passport.

– Birth Certificate.

– No Criminal Record Document from Germany (Amtliches Führungszeugnis der Belegart). For colleagues from outside Germany, this is requested after you arrive to Germany.

– No Criminal Record from the Country of Origin and Country of Study (If currently residing in another country, a no criminal record document from there is also required).

– Certificate of Good Conduct from a Professional Association (Some officials also require a ministerial certificate).

– Medical Certificate (Ärztliche Bescheinigung) from a licensed family doctor in Germany; this is requested after arriving in Germany for colleagues from outside Germany.

– Graduation Certificate.

– Transcript (Kurtun Certificate).

– Temporary License.

– Some officials require the Baccalaureate Certificate.

– B2 Certificate from Telc, Goethe, or TestDaF only, and it must not exceed 3 years; for colleagues from outside Germany, this is requested after arriving in Germany.

• Additional information about the documents

For more details about the documents required for the modification of Medical Studies in Berlin, you can read the following article on our website, which includes a detailed explanation of it:

🇩🇪 Required documents to apply for Approbation in Germany (2024)

Important Notes about the Documents to apply for Approbation in Berlin:

2. Sending the Documents by Mail to Apply for Approbation in Berlin

  • After completing the documents and having them certified by a German translator (or translating them immediately in Germany), all documents are to be sent to Landesamt by mail (there is currently no other method for submitting the documents). Important article:

Document Translation Strategies.

  • A paper (Vollmacht) must be attached for colleagues outside Germany with the details of the representative who will receive your documents.
  • Approximately a week after sending the documents, you will receive an email titled (Posteingang). This paper is not an Eingang and does not benefit you at the embassy; it only confirms that the documents have been received and requests you to prove your connection to the state. It also includes two files: (the first file if you wish to renounce the gleich and apply for the Kenntnisprüfung exam and the second file if you want to apply for gleich). These documents must be filled out and sent back with a signature by mail. Colleagues outside Germany should prepare this in advance and leave it with the representative to save time.
  • The fees for the Beischeid in Berlin, if renouncing the gleich, amount to 400 euros and must be paid immediately upon receipt of the invoices (250 euros for the Approbation and 150 euros for the Berufserlaubnis), which are processing fees. If you request the review of the application to obtain the gleich, the fees become 570 euros in addition to the gleich fees of 1918 euros. These fees arrive with a deficiency notice called (Eingangsbestätigung).

3. Receipt of the Deficiency Notice (Eingangsbestätigung)

  • After 2 to 4 months of waiting, the deficiency notice called (Eingangsbestätigung) arrives.
  • The document contains the deficiencies required to obtain the Beischeid and Berufserlaubnis. If the application is submitted from outside Germany, there are two types of deficiencies:
  1. Deficiencies must be submitted before arriving in Germany (required to obtain the Beischeid).
  2. Deficiencies must be completed after arriving in Germany (required to obtain the Berufserlaubnis).
  • As previously mentioned, two invoices are sent along with the Eingang. They must be paid immediately within a maximum of two weeks. Otherwise, you will incur penalties, so you should be prepared in advance to pay them.
  • This document is sufficient to issue a Visa 16f at some embassies (the Eingang).
  • Another document arrives with it, called (Zwischenbescheid), which is completely different from the Beischeid and is not sufficient for the embassy to issue a Visa 16d.

4. Sending the Deficiencies and Waiting for the Beischeid (This phase is specific to colleagues from outside Germany)

  • After sending the required deficiencies, a document called (Fristbeginn) will arrive. Indicating that your file is complete and is under review for the issuance of the Beischeid (and the Approbation in the future).
  • The review period varies significantly, ranging from one month to several months. Depending on the employee and the workload (currently, it can take up to 8 months according to the latest experiences!).
  • After the wait, you will finally receive a document called (Feststellungsbescheid). Which is equivalent to the Beischeid and you can use it for an appointment at the embassy to obtain a Visa 16D.

5. Registering for the Fachsprachprüfung Exam at the Berlin Medical Association (Ärztekammer Berlin)

  • Once you receive the deficiency notice (Eingangsbestätigung), you can contact the Berlin Medical Association to book the Fachsprachprüfung. This can be done through the association’s website (you can make an appointment without completing your file or submitting the deficiencies. Meaning you can book an appointment even while you’re outside Germany!). You can choose a suitable date by contacting them via email.
  • All details regarding the Fachsprachprüfung and how to register are available on the association’s website (via the following link). You will need to provide a copy of the Eingang, a photo of your passport, and a form (Interag) to be filled out on the website and then signed.
  • In the Interag form, you can specify a preferred date or mention that you’d like the earliest possible appointment (by writing in the notes section).
  • The association is very cooperative and responds quickly; usually, available appointment dates are sent out for 4 months in advance, and you can select what suits you.
  • Typically, the earliest appointment is after two to three months. But you can also schedule an appointment, for example, six months later if you are not yet ready for the exam.
  • Upon registering for the exam, you will receive an invoice for the exam fee. And the exam fee must be paid within a month (the fee is €420). After payment, you can schedule a suitable date (you cannot book an appointment before payment).
  • The formal invitation for the exam usually arrives two to three weeks in advance. And you can always cancel or postpone the appointment if you are not ready, provided it is done before you receive the formal invitation. However, after receiving the invitation, it is not possible to cancel or postpone.

6. Preparing for the Fachsprachprüfung Exam (The Medical Language Exam) to Apply for Approbation in Berlin

  • The exam in Berlin is considered medium difficulty, neither easy nor overly challenging. Success is achievable with good preparation.
  • We recommend that you take a preparatory course for the Fachsprachprüfung or an observership, or both if possible. To understand the exam’s requirements and to practice adequately.
  • Several books are available regarding study materials. I personally recommend Fachsprachprüfung erfolgreich bestehen, in addition to the resources related to Berlin (I will attach them here).
  • In Berlin, there are no specific cases outlined; any general medical case may arise. However, there are approximately 40 cases that are the most important and should be practiced thoroughly. Therefore, preparing for the exam requires ample time, so do not rush into taking it, as it demands a lot of preparation and study.
  • There is a detailed link for preparing for the Fachsprachprüfung in Berlin that contains many useful materials. Which I highly recommend:

The link to Berlin files
The link to the most important cases in Berlin

– Information about Berlin

The most important cases in Berlin (as mentioned, others may come)

How can one obtain a Hospitation in Berlin?

How can I get the email of the relevant department?

7. Taking the Fachsprachprüfung Exam and Its Details

  • The Fachsprachprüfung exam is conducted at the Berlin Medical Association (Ärztekammer Berlin) to apply for Approbation in Berlin.

– Parts of the Fachsprachprüfung Exam for Medical Certificate Recognition in Berlin

  • This exam is divided into three sections:
Section One:

Taking the Medical History (Anamnese)
Duration: 20 minutes. In this section, you enter the room, and to your right is the examination committee, usually consisting of a doctor or two along with a language instructor. After introducing yourself, the exam begins, and the committee informs you of the setting (clinic, hospital, or emergency department). There will be a “patient” (a role-play representative) next to you, from whom you need to take a complete medical history. After that, the patient may ask you a few questions about their condition, the next steps, and how to manage the situation. Generally, the patient’s language will be clear, but there may be some challenges with certain patients. You will have a draft to jot down the information you gather from them. You must communicate with the patient in standard German, and you should practice a lot by conducting many role plays with German speakers, friends, or patients (during internships).

Section Two:

Writing the Medical Documentation (Brief)
Duration: 20 minutes. After completing the first section, you will enter another room to write the medical history using the appropriate medical terms (Fachbegriffe). You can choose to write the brief on a computer or on paper. Depending on your preference and what is easier for you. The brief should start with the patient’s name, age, weight, main complaint, and end with the diagnostic procedures (Diagnostik) and treatment measures (Therapie). It is essential to practice well and write many briefs in advance to manage your time effectively, as time is indeed limited, and you must pay close attention to this aspect.

Section Three:

Discussion with the Supervising Doctor (Arzt – Arzt Gespräch)
Duration: 20 minutes. You enter the second room, holding your draft, and present yourself as the assistant doctor (Assistenzarzt) to the physician, fully presenting the case, including all the details you wrote in the brief. The committee will then ask you about details, differential diagnoses, and general medical questions that are not too deep, to confirm your understanding of the German language and a moderate medical approach. At the end of this section, you have to translate five specialized terms into general language, which concludes the exam.

In Berlin, you are not informed of the result immediately; they send it to you by email after 7 to 10 days. Finally, on the Berlin Medical Association’s website. You can find some useful documents that explain the details of the exam and how the examiners evaluate candidates. These documents are very important and will guide you well in your study approach.

– Documents and Experiences from Exam Candidates

Check the documents section in Dr. Anas’s group.

8. Success in the Fachsprachprüfung Exam and Obtaining a Temporary medical license (Berufserlaubnis)

After successfully passing the Fachsprachprüfung exam to apply for Approbation in Berlin, you will receive a notification of success from the medical association. After sending this to the Landesamt and completing any outstanding documents, you will receive an email confirming that your application is complete. Approximately a month after that, you will get an email stating your eligibility for the temporary license (Berufserlaubnis). If there is a job offer (Zusage), the license is going to be issued within two weeks, retroactive to the start of your employment (Stelle). Some staff may issue the temporary license directly and send it to you, but this can vary slightly depending on the responsible staff member.

Unfortunately, the opportunities to work with a temporary license, if not negligible, are nearly impossible based on the experiences of most colleagues. Hospitals and departments in Berlin mostly require an Approbation (Permanent medical license) and often additional experience, making it generally difficult to work with just a temporary license. It is essential to keep this in mind beforehand.

You can read the following article on our website about the difference between the Berufserlaubnis and Approbation:

Approbation vs Berufserlaubnis: Can I work as a doctor with Berufserlaubnis?

9. Completion of the Application and Waiting for the Kenntnisprüfung

After your application is complete to apply for Approbation in Berlin, they processe the documents. This process differs based on the following scenarios:

  • First Case: If you sent your documents from outside Germany and have already received a notice (Fristbeginn) along with a Beischeid. This means your application has been reviewed, and it will likely save you some time.
  • Second Case: If you sent your documents from within Germany, once your application is complete, you will receive a (Fristbeginn). After the review of your documents (which can take between 4 to 6 months), you will receive a (Feststellungsbescheid).

Following this stage, you will receive a document called (Zulassung zur Kenntnisprüfung). This document indicates that your file has entered the examination committee and is awaiting an appointment. It includes details about the exam and its sections. Typically, after you receive this document, the waiting period for the appointment can take around 4 to 8 months.

It’s important to be patient during this process, as the timelines can vary based on the workload of the reviewing authorities and other factors.

💡 Important Note: In Berlin, you do not need to register for the exam; instead, you are automatically registered for the exam once your file is complete, and you will often not be able to postpone it!

Dr. Anas Al-Habash

• Apply for Approbation in Berlin: Pros and Cons

In the end, why choose Berlin? Is Berlin a suitable state for modification? Or should I avoid it and choose another state?

In short, like all states, each one has its pros and cons, and as you have noticed, Berlin is not an ideal state, just like all other states.

– Pros

  • The exams for the Fachsprachprüfung exam and the Kenntnisprüfung exam have a manageable level of difficulty.
  • The exam appointments are not very long (especially for the Fachsprachprüfung).
  • The city has a diverse cultural scene, with a large Arab and Muslim community. And there are Arabic markets (and delicious shawarma as well 😋).
  • The public transportation in the city is excellent, with various types of trains, trams, and subways, making it very easy to get around despite the city’s very large size.
  • The city is vibrant and not quiet like other German cities, offering many cultural, sports, and social events, allowing you to enjoy your time.

– Cons

  • There is a significant difficulty in finding housing, and it is relatively expensive when available.
  • As we discussed, working in the bureaucracy is almost impossible.
  • The financial aspect, you will be delayed starting work (usually until after obtaining the Approbation).
  • The waiting period between the Fachsprachprüfung exam and the Kenntnisprüfung exam is a bit long. Which can lead to frustration and depression, so you need a lot of patience to endure it.
  • The cultural diversity also has its downsides, as there are many prevalent ideas that may not suit you, along with some negative habits, especially for families and raising children.

In the end, there is no perfect place in Germany; each place has its features and downsides. And you should choose based on your priorities. Therefore, this issue varies a lot from person to person.

This month, the “Landesamt” issued a new “Intrague” version for applying to Berlin. And the abandonment of the gleich or applying to it can now be done immediately from the first “Intrague” (link to the new “Intrague”).

Author of the Article “Apply for Approbation in Berlin”:

Dr. Anas Al-Habash deserves all the thanks and respect.

• Interview in English with a doctor from South America who got her Approbation in Berlin

She told us in detail about her great experience and how she passed all exams in Berlin and got a job there. You can watch the interview on our YouTube channel: link.

• An interview in Arabic with Dr. Anas on how to apply for Approbation in Berlin

• Group for Modification of Medical Studies in Berlin on Telegram

Join Dr. Anas’s group now on Telegram.

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