Doctors: Knowledge Exam Preparation – In-Person or Online Courses

Passing the knowledge exam is the final step of the recognition procedure toward obtaining the professional license (Approbation) for practicing medicine in Germany. The key difference from the professional language exam is that the knowledge exam does not assess language competence but the doctor’s actual medical knowledge and professional expertise. For this reason, many doctors choose a preparation course to structure their exam preparation clearly and train both subject-specific and language content systematically.

This article explains what types of preparation courses are available, how online and in-person courses differ, what advantages and limitations each format brings, and how the current course offering is structured.

Types of preparation courses

Specialized preparation courses serve the systematic review and consolidation of clinical expertise in line with German standards. Like professional language exam courses, knowledge exam preparation courses are offered in different formats – primarily as in-person or online courses. Both formats offer specific advantages but also limitations, which are outlined below.

Online courses

Online courses offer doctors flexibility in terms of time and location. This is particularly relevant because the knowledge exam requires broad subject-specific preparation across several medical topics. The format is especially well suited to those already working under a temporary professional license, those with demanding professional schedules, or those with family commitments who cannot regularly attend an in-person course.

Another advantage is that many digital formats provide access to learning materials or accompanying platforms. Content can therefore be revisited, worked through at one’s own pace, and more easily integrated into a personal daily routine. Online courses can thus be a practical solution when flexible, location-independent, and continuous preparation is needed.

At the same time, online courses have clear limitations. Practical skills such as conducting physical examinations are difficult to build and consolidate in a digital format. Direct clinical exchange with other participants is also more limited, meaning spontaneous case discussion, informal exchanges, and the sharing of experiences in a course environment are less intensive. Added to this is the fact that the oral exam conversation before the examination board cannot always be realistically simulated online. Participants also do not always receive immediate feedback on their errors, for example regarding professional formulations, which means language or subject-matter inaccuracies can become ingrained before they are identified and corrected.

Appropriate technical equipment, a stable internet connection, and a focused learning environment are also required.

In-person courses

In-person courses offer important advantages, particularly for practical clinical training. They allow direct practice of physical examination and complete patient history taking in an exam-like environment. A key benefit is the immediate correction of errors by experienced teachers – not only subject-matter mistakes can be identified, but examination procedures, clinical reasoning, and the structure of case presentations can also be specifically improved. In-person courses can also help build confidence when performing in front of others.

On the other hand, in-person courses come with less flexibility in terms of location and scheduling. The range of available courses is often limited to providers at or near the place of residence or within the relevant federal state. Not every city has a course offering specifically tailored to the knowledge exam. In addition to course fees, travel costs and considerable time spent commuting may also arise.

Overview of available preparation courses

The Freiburg International Academy (FIA) offers a diverse and comprehensive range of courses, structured as follows:

1. Funded intensive courses – knowledge exam preparation, medicine

These courses are a good option for those seeking state funding: their AZAV certification entitles participants to receive an education voucher through the Federal Employment Agency or the Jobcenter. They are offered in two formats:

• Full-time: 12 weeks with 600 teaching units
• Part-time: 24 weeks with 600 teaching units

More information on this course can be found here for full-time and part-time.

2. Self-funded compact courses – communication and interaction medicine

Those who do not wish to wait for a funding decision or do not meet the eligibility requirements will find more flexibility with this format: it is open to doctors both inside and outside Germany. They are offered in two formats:

• Full-time: 12 weeks with 360 teaching units
• Part-time: 24 weeks with 360 teaching units

More information on this course can be found here for full-time and part-time.

3. Simulation courses

These courses run for two weeks and cover 100 teaching units. They are aimed at participants who have already worked through the relevant subject matter and wish to prepare specifically for the exam situation. The focus is on realistic simulation of the complete exam process. Funding may be available. More information on this course can be found here.

All courses are based on teaching methods specifically tailored to international doctors and are taught by teachers with genuine clinical backgrounds. The courses include a review of previously acquired knowledge as well as exam simulations with practical exercises designed to set doctors up for exam success and a smooth transition into everyday medical practice.

Important notes on preparation courses

Unlike the professional language exam, the knowledge exam may only be taken a maximum of three times. Therefore, a preparation course usually makes sense for many international doctors. The following points should be considered when choosing a course:

• Those still outside Germany should bear in mind that funded courses require a residence in Germany. Doctors already in Germany who wish to apply for funding should check before registering whether the course holds AZAV certification.
• Given the enormous volume of exam-relevant material, it is strongly recommended to study independently alongside the course. The course provides the methodological framework on which daily independent work must be built.
• Many doctors who have passed the knowledge exam recommend completing a clinical observership at a hospital either alongside the course or beforehand: contact with real patients, participation in morning briefings, and interpreting X-rays and ECGs provide practical insights that a preparation course can only convey to a limited extent.

When choosing a suitable course, accounts from other doctors can be helpful. The channels of the Community Portal of the Freiburger Bund offer the opportunity to connect with other international doctors.

Using preparation courses to consolidate knowledge and train its application

The knowledge exam cannot be passed through memorization alone. It requires a solid medical understanding and the ability to present clinical connections in a structured way and justify them confidently under exam conditions. A suitable preparation course – online or in-person – can provide important support. It helps to organize existing knowledge, review exam-relevant content in a targeted way, and practice applying it in clinical case examples.

More tips on practice and self-directed learning for the knowledge exam can be found in the relevant articles.