Frequently asked questions about the alternative practitioner licence

A review in Bremen is only possible if you either reside in Bremen or can prove to the Public Order Office that you wish to practise medicine in Bremen. This review serves to protect the health of the population. In accordance with the Heilpraktikergesetz (German law governing alternative practitioners), a review is conducted to determine whether the admission of an applicant could pose a risk to public health.

The check is not a performance assessment to determine qualifications, but rather ensures that the applicant does not pose a risk to human health. Essential medical basics that are indispensable for the safe practice of medicine are checked.

In addition to the relevant health regulations, the examination topics also include basic medical knowledge, the lack of which could lead to health risks.

The examination consists of a written and an oral part. Only those who have passed the written part are admitted to the oral part.

The written examinations for Bremen and Bremerhaven take place twice a year (third Wednesday in March and second Wednesday in October).
The written part covers the following topics:

• Professional and legal knowledge, including the legal limits of practising medicine without a licence
• Limits and dangers of alternative diagnostic and therapeutic methods
• Basic knowledge of anatomy, pathological anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology
• General pathology and differentiation of common diseases, in particular metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, neoplasms and mental illnesses
• Recognition and first aid for acute emergencies and life-threatening conditions
• Practice hygiene, disinfection and sterilisation
• Interpretation of basic laboratory values

Two hours are available to answer the 60 multiple-choice questions. A minimum of 45 correct answers (75%) are required to pass. For the psychotherapeutic alternative practitioner examination, 28 questions must be answered in one hour, of which 21 (75%) must be answered correctly.

The oral part of the exam takes place after the written exam:

• For March exams between April and September
• For October exams between November and February

The oral examination lasts approximately 45 minutes and covers the topics already mentioned. In addition, the technique of taking a medical history, methods of physical examination (inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation), reflex testing, pulse and blood pressure measurement, as well as injection and puncture techniques are examined.

The fees for the examinations at the health authority are:

• 552,00 Euro for the written and oral examinations
• 239,00 Euro for the written exam only
• 133,50 Euro for the review based on the files

The fees charged by the public order office are levied separately.