Failed the FSP? Retake rules in the German medical chambers

What the chambers say about retakes

At the chambers that describe it, you retake the whole exam, not a single part. In Rheinland-Pfalz (Mainz) the exam also stops at the first part you fail.

How many pass on a later attempt?

The Westfalen-Lippe chamber has published figures: by the end of 2023, 52.4 percent of the sittings there were failed, yet 86.6 percent of candidates (4,217 of 4,868) eventually passed (Westfälisches Ärzteblatt 2/2024). A first fail is common and not the end.

When do I get my result?

It varies: Bremen tells you right after the exam, Berlin by email after ten days at the earliest. Ask when you register how you will receive the result and any feedback.

What about my temporary work permit?

Many doctors work with a temporary permit (Berufserlaubnis) during the process. In Mecklenburg-Vorpommern it is valid for two years. Plan retakes so that the full licence (Approbation) is still possible before the permit ends, and talk to your licensing authority early.

Preparing for the second attempt

1. Find out which part fell short: interview, documentation or doctor-to-doctor talk. Berlin's marking sheet has a field "Empfehlung zur Nachbesserung" (recommendation for improvement).
2. Practise that part under time pressure, with real cases and 20 minutes per part.
3. Drill the vocabulary list: medical term and everyday word in both directions, plus abbreviations and lab values.
4. Only then rebook, keeping the waiting time and fee in mind.

How the parts work: patient interview, doctor's letter and doctor-to-doctor conversation. Fees and formats of all chambers: FSP exam in Germany: cost and format.