Take the state examination to become a psychological psychotherapist

If you are a trainee at a state-recognized training centre for psychological psychotherapy in Hessen and would like to take your state examination, you must apply for admission.

The state examination to become a psychological psychotherapist comprises a written and an oral part. Participants in training at state-recognized training centres for psychological psychotherapy in Hesse who wish to take this state examination must register for it in advance and be admitted.

Registration takes place at the Hessian State Office for Health and Care (HLfGP).

This is where, among other things, the state examination is organized, the application for admission is received, the summons to the respective examinations (written and oral) is issued and the examination certificate (certificate of professional competence) is issued.

The application for admission to the state examination and the Training and Examination Ordinance for Psychological Psychotherapists (PsychThAPrV) list in detail which evidence and information must be enclosed with the application. This regulation applies in conjunction with the transitional provisions of the current version of the Psychotherapists Act.

The Hessian State Office for Health and Care (HLfGP) has been responsible since 01.01.2023.

Please contact the Hessian State Office for Health and Care (HLfGP).

• signed application form
• birth certificate
• Documents that result in a change of name (e.g. marriage certificate)
• Certificate and diploma of a completed degree (Master's, Diploma) in psychology, which includes the subject of clinical psychology
• or, if applicable, certificate and diploma for a degree completed abroad with the certificate of an equivalent degree in accordance with § 5 PsychThG Psychotherapists Act (old version) and proof of completed studies
• Certificates of participation in training courses (in accordance with Section 1 (3) and (4) PsychTh-APrV according to the model in Annex 2 of the PsychTh-APrV)
• If applicable, notification of partial crediting of another completed training program
• Two case presentations in five copies each (individually stapled)
• Confirmation from the training center about the accepted examination cases (case presentation)
• Copy of the training contract, certified by your training institution
• Doctoral certificate, if available

• Forms: Application form
• Online procedure possible: yes
• Written form required: yes
• Personal appearance required: no

The Hessian State Office for Health and Care (HLfGP) decides on admission to the state examination upon application by the candidate and, in consultation with the

state examination and, in consultation with the management of the training center, on the invitations to the examination dates. Admission to the examination is granted once the required documents have been submitted.

Objection & legal action (Administrative Procedure Act)

• Admission to the examination must be applied for online
• The application is made electronically
• Confirmation of receipt will be sent by e-mail immediately after the online application has been submitted.
• The application for admission can be withdrawn without giving reasons as long as the notification of admission or rejection of admission has not yet been delivered. The application must be withdrawn in writing.
• Admission and the invitation to the written part of the examination will be sent via the electronic mailbox at least 14 days before the examination.
• You will receive further details on the examination venue, start and duration of the examination, seat number, procedure and technique of the examination procedure with the admission letter.
• The admission or invitation must be printed out and brought to the examination.
• The results of the written examination will be sent by post. Notifications of failed examinations are sent by post.
• Written notification of passing the oral examination will be sent by mailing the certificate of passing the state examination.
• Mailing/delivery is only possible to a domestic address.

The application for admission must be submitted electronically and must be received by the Hessian State Office for Health and Care (HLfGP) by January 10 (spring term) or June 10 (fall term) at the latest.

Admission and invitations to the respective examination dates will be communicated in writing at least 14 days before the examination.
(Section 7 (3) of the Training and Examination Ordinance for Psychological Psychotherapists (PsychTh-APrV) in conjunction with the transitional provisions)

• Fixed costs: Examination fee EUR 95.00"
• The fee must also be paid if admission is refused or withdrawal is declared after admission. If the application is withdrawn before admission or rejection has been granted, a reduced fee of EUR 40.00 must be paid.
• Subject to change without notice.