Graduating is mostly, but not always, separated into two independent sequences: the first and the second . For some degrees, such as physical therapists and psychotherapists, only one is held.
Students usually study at university for four to eight years before they participate at final examinations to graduate by the
first . 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 , which amongst other things tests their professional skills in their respective jobs. In law, the first
Staatsexamen (
Erste juristische Prüfung, or first legal exam) consists since 2003 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. The performance on both Staatsexamen is graded on a scale of 0 - 18 points. Four points are required for passing the exam and nine points are the threshold for an exam with "distinction". The career prospects of German jurists are uniquely shaped by the results of the Staatsexamen. Approximately 13% of each class achieve a "distinction" in both state exams. In medicine, the (
Ärztliche Prüfung, or physician exam) consists of three parts as of 2013. The first part is taken after the first two years of the six-year medical degree, i.e., after the basic sciences part of the degree (somewhat similar to U.S. pre-med) whereas the second part is taken after the fifth year of studies. Following a practical year, the third part follows at the end of the six-year medical degree. In pharmacy, the (
Pharmazeutische Prüfung, or pharmaceutical exam) consists of three parts. The first part is taken after the first two years of the four-year pharmacy degree, the second part at the end of the four-year pharmacy degree, and the third part after the so-called
Praktisches Jahr (practical year) that prospective pharmacists have to take after graduation. In physical therapy, the consists of one part. This one part takes place at the end of the four-year therapy degree and contains written, oral and practical exams. In some cases, the second can be a substitute for a doctorate when it comes to applying for certain jobs at a university (i.e.,
Akademischer Rat). == Teaching position ==