No items in cart
Exam Date: August 17, 2025
The Upper Service Exam (Höherer Dienst Prüfung) qualifies candidates for senior and leadership positions within the German civil service, such as management roles in ministries, federal agencies, judiciary, and diplomatic services. This level typically requires advanced academic qualifications and extensive preparation.
Eligibility Criteria:
• Educational Qualification:
o A Master’s degree or equivalent university degree (Diplom, Magister, or comparable) in law, economics, public administration, political science, or related fields.
o Some positions require a state examination (Staatsexamen), especially in law or teaching sectors.
• Age Limit: Usually below 40 years (varies by state).
• Citizenship: German or EU citizenship generally mandatory.
• Language Skills: Excellent proficiency in German (written and oral).
• Additional Requirements:
o Relevant professional experience may be required.
o Clean legal record and good health.
Job Offers and Career Prospects:
• Leadership and managerial roles in:
o Federal and state ministries (e.g., Finance, Interior, Justice).
o Diplomatic service and foreign affairs.
o Judiciary (higher courts).
o Federal agencies and public corporations.
• Competitive salary with civil servant benefits.
• Opportunities for career growth into top administrative and political advisory roles.
Exam Pattern :
• Written Exams:
o Multiple papers, typically including law, economics/public administration, and specialized subjects.
o Essay writing, case studies, policy analysis, and problem-solving tasks.
o Duration: Several hours per paper.
• Oral Exams:
o Comprehensive interviews on general knowledge, law, and public administration.
o Presentation of a prepared topic or case study discussion.
o Assessment of leadership, decision-making, and communication skills.
• Assessment Center (in some cases):
o Group exercises, role-playing, and psychological assessments.
Syllabus:
Core Subjects:
• Constitutional Law and Administrative Law
• Public Finance and Taxation
• Economics and Business Administration
• Political Science and Public Policy
• European Union Law and Institutions
• Ethics and Public Service Values
Sector-Specific Subjects (depending on role):
• Criminal Law (for judicial posts)
• International Relations and Diplomacy (for foreign service)
• Environmental and Social Law
• Advanced Public Management and Governance
• Exam dates are set by the respective federal states or federal ministries.
• Usually held once or twice a year.
• Application deadlines often 3–6 months prior to the exam date.
• Oral exams and assessment centers follow written exams by several weeks.
• Exam dates are set by the respective federal states or federal ministries.
• Usually held once or twice a year.
• Application deadlines often 3–6 months prior to the exam date.
• Oral exams and assessment centers follow written exams by several weeks.
To qualify for the Upper Subordinate Services, candidates generally need:
Educational Background: A bachelor's degree (Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, or equivalent) from a recognized institution.
Language Proficiency: Proficiency in the German language, typically at a C1 level, depending on the specific requirements of the position.
Nationality: Candidates must be nationals of Germany or another EU/EEA member state or Switzerland. Some federal states may allow non-EU citizens to apply for certain positions, especially in technical or specialized roles.
Yes, candidates undergo a specialized training program (Vorbereitungsdienst), which includes:
Duration: Approximately 2 to 2.5 years.
Structure: Combines theoretical instruction at a university of applied sciences (Fachhochschule) with practical experience in various administrative departments.
Outcome: Successful completion leads to appointment as a civil servant (Beamter) with full tenure.
