What is the Fachsprachprüfung (FSP)?
The Fachsprachprüfung (FSP) is a medical language exam administered by the competent Landesärztekammer (state medical board). It tests whether you can communicate professionally in German with patients and colleagues.
The FSP is not a medical knowledge test — it is a linguistic-communicative assessment in a medical context. In most federal states it is a prerequisite for the Berufserlaubnis (provisional licence to practise).
Who must take the FSP?
The FSP is generally mandatory for all doctors whose native language is not German and who wish to practise medicine in Germany. This applies in particular to:
Doctors from non-EU/EEA countries
In many cases, also EU nationals with a different native language
The key difference between FSP and KP
Both exams complement each other but are fundamentally different:
FSP (Fachsprachprüfung): Tests communicative language ability in a medical setting. Three parts: patient history-taking (Anamnese), a medical letter (Arztbrief), and a doctor-to-doctor case presentation.
KP (Kenntnisprüfung): Tests medical-clinical competence. Confirms that your foreign qualification is equivalent to the German one.
What is the usual order?
Typically, the FSP is taken first, followed by preparation for the KP. The standard path is:
Pass the FSP (recommended level: C1 medical)
Apply for the Berufserlaubnis (temporary licence to practise)
Pass the KP
Receive the Approbation (permanent, unrestricted licence)
When are you exam-ready?
Registering for the FSP is advisable once you can reliably:
Conduct a complete patient history in 20-25 minutes fluently
Write a structured medical letter in 20-25 minutes
Present a case to colleagues precisely and in a structured way
How does Kennti support your preparation?
Kennti offers specialised FSP preparation courses with history-taking and medical-letter training, individual correction, and realistic simulation sessions.
For more on the exam structure, see the article: Aufbau der FSP – die drei Prüfungsteile im Überblick.
For individual advice on your starting point and a preparation plan, visit: kennti.com/termin-buchen
Note: FSP requirements and procedures vary by Bundesland and may change at any time. Please always check the latest information with your competent Landesärztekammer.