FSP in Nordrhein-Westfalen (Nordrhein): Fee, Format & Application
For international doctors who want to work in Germany, the Fachsprachprüfung (FSP) in Nordrhein-Westfalen (Nordrhein) is run by Ärztekammer Nordrhein (ÄKNo). The exam takes place in Düsseldorf. Below you'll find this state's current fee, exam format and application steps.
ℹ️ Some of this information comes from secondary sources; verify on the Kammer's official page before your exam.
Nordrhein-Westfalen (Nordrhein) FSP — at a glance
| Ärztekammer | Ärztekammer Nordrhein (ÄKNo) |
|---|---|
| Exam city | Düsseldorf |
| Fee | 430 € — The official aekno.de states '430 €'; some tables list 350 € (outdated). The official 430 € figure applies — confirm with the Kammer. |
| Format | OSCE-style 3 stations × 20 min: (1) doctor-patient/anamnesis, (2) documentation, (3) doctor-to-doctor presentation. 3 assessors, each scoring up to 20 points. |
| Pass criteria | 60% = at least 36/60 points. |
| Application | The NRW Kammers run the exam on behalf of the Bezirksregierung; registration goes through Bezirksregierung Münster. |
| Waiting time | Not specified. |
What's specific to this state?
Explicitly an OSCE format. Only blank scratch paper is allowed; dictionaries are forbidden. Only language is assessed, not medical knowledge. Multiple retake attempts.
Dialect note: Rheinisch — warm and fast; the exam is in Hochdeutsch. The exam expects standard Hochdeutsch from you; but the simulated patient may slip into everyday speech — so knowing the regional dialect helps.
Practice the exam in Nordrhein-Westfalen (Nordrhein) format
A real FSP simulation with an AI patient in this state's format — anamnesis, Arztbrief and case presentation.
How do you apply?
The NRW Kammers run the exam on behalf of the Bezirksregierung; registration goes through Bezirksregierung Münster.
General rule: you don't apply directly to the Kammer. First you apply to the relevant state authority (Approbation / Berufserlaubnis); that authority refers you to the FSP. Start preparing early — waiting times range from weeks to months depending on the state.
Official source
For current and binding information, always rely on the Kammer's official page: Ärztekammer Nordrhein (ÄKNo) — official FSP page ↗