Staatsexamen

The Staatsexamen ("state examination" or "exam by state"; pl.: Staatsexamina) is a German government licensing examination that future physicians, dentists, teachers, pharmacists, food chemists, psychotherapists and jurists (i.e., lawyers, judges, public prosecutors, civil-law notaries) as well as surveyors have to pass to be allowed to work in their profession. The examination is generally organized by government examination agencies which are under the authority of the responsible ministry. These agencies create examination commissions which consist of members of the examination agency, university professors and/or representatives from the professions. The Staatsexamina are both legally equivalent to a master's degree in the respective operating ranges. Graduating Staatsexamen is separated into two independent sequences: the first and the second Staatsexamen. Students usually study at university for four to eight years before they participate at final examinations to graduate by the first Staatsexamen. This shows the academic qualification and knowledge on theoretical and practical skills. Afterward, teachers and jurists continue to the practical phase of two to three years in their future jobs ending with an examination sequence in order to graduate by the second Staatsexamen, which amongst others tests their professional skills in their respective jobs. In law, the first Staatsexamen (Erste juristische Prüfung, or first legal exam) since 2003 consists of two parts: The first part (the Schwerpunktbereich, i.e. elective subject) is taken at the university level under the authority of the respective universities and at their discretion. The second part is taken at the Oberlandesgerichte (Higher State Courts). The latter are often also the responsible authorities providing the administrative infrastructure during the Referendariat and in the end holding the exams of the second Staatsexamen. Only a lawyer possessing both Staatsexamina is a fully qualified lawyer (Volljurist or Assessor) and hence entitled to appear in court whether as judge, prosecutor, attorney (assumed representation is mandatory) or as an agent for the government.