Those who commercially safeguard the lives or property of others often require a competence examination in the security industry pursuant to § 34a GewO – for example, when conducting:

• specific activities in public spaces (e.g. nightclubs, entry checks),
• security at refugee accommodations or similar facilities,
• security for major events.

The examination covers, among other things, legal foundations (e.g. commercial, criminal, and weapons law), interaction with people, and de-escalation strategies. The contents are described in a nationwide coordinated framework plan.

For the commercial brokerage of specific financial products, a certificate of competence is legally required. This includes, in particular:

• from November 2026: Certified Expert in Loan Brokerage IHK (§ 34k GeWO)
  Certificate of competence for brokering general consumer loan agreements and financing assistance.

(more information here)

• Certified Financial Investment Expert IHK (§ 34f, § 34h GeWO)
  Certificate of competence for brokering and advising on investment assets, capital investments, and closed-end funds.
• Certified Expert in Real Estate Loan Brokerage IHK (§ 34i GeWO, ImmVermV)
  Certificate of competence for brokering real estate loans to consumers.
• Certified Expert in Insurance Brokerage IHK (§ 34d GeWO)
  Certificate of competence for brokering insurance contracts and providing insurance advice.

The German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) provides framework plans and materials for these areas that specify the requirements for professional competence. The exams are conducted by the IHKs.

Exam dates for "Certified Financial Investment Expert IHK"

From 2027, there will no longer be nationwide exam dates for the "Certified Financial Investment Expert IHK" examination. Exams will then be conducted "on demand," i.e., as needed. Please contact an exam-conducting IHK for further options. The following dates are still planned for 2026:

Exam dates for "Certified Expert in Real Estate Loan Brokerage IHK"

Similarly, from 2027, the examinations for "Certified Expert in Real Estate Loan Brokerage IHK" will also no longer have nationwide dates. Exams will also be conducted "on demand" as needed. Please contact an exam-conducting IHK for further options. The following dates are still planned for 2026:

Exam dates for "Certified Expert in Insurance Brokerage IHK"

The "Certified Expert in Insurance Brokerage IHK" examination will continue to be offered nationwide:

These IHKs conduct the exam "Certified Expert in Insurance Brokerage IHK":

© DIHK Bildungs-gGmbH

For a larger view of the map, click here: Map of participating IHKs (JPG, 221 KB).

In the transport sector, proficiency and specialist knowledge examinations are a central aspect of professional access:

• EU professional drivers (freight and passenger transport): Proof of special qualification as a supplement to the driving licence.
• Drivers transporting dangerous goods: Special training and examinations for the transport of hazardous materials.
• Dangerous goods safety advisers: Specialists supporting companies in handling hazardous goods safely.
• Entrepreneurs in freight and passenger transport: Specialist knowledge examination as a prerequisite for obtaining an EU licence.

Examination content is regulated in nationwide framework plans and question catalogues. 

For specific examination dates and registration conditions, please contact your local IHK.

Additional details and downloadable documents: Proficiency and Specialist Knowledge Examinations in Transport

The Condominium Modernisation Act of 16 October 2020 introduced the term "certified administrator" for the first time: This designation may be used by those who have successfully passed the corresponding examination at the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK). Since 1 December 2023, condominium owners have been entitled to appoint such a qualified administrator.

Continuing Education Requirement

Since 1 August 2018, real estate agents and residential property managers have been required to undertake regular continuing education. Section 34c Paragraph 2a of the Gewerbeordnung (Trade Regulation Act) stipulates that 20 training hours must be completed within a three-year period.

Persons wishing to offer over-the-counter medicines in retail trade require expertise in accordance with Section 50 of the German Medicines Act (AMG). This expertise can be demonstrated by successfully completing the IHK qualification examination. The legislator has commissioned the German Chambers of Commerce and Industry (IHKs) nationwide to conduct these examinations.

What is examined?

The examination covers knowledge of:

• Basics of medicines law,
• Classification of over-the-counter medicines,
• Active substance groups and areas of application,
• Advisory obligations and product safety.

Who prepares the examination materials?

The examination materials are developed in cooperation between the IHKs and the DIHK by the DIHK-Bildungs-gGmbH. Further professional information, background materials and preparation tips are provided in German on the website of the Bildungs-gGmbH.

In other areas, specific expertise may also be required – for example, in expert opinions or certain technical activities. Separate procedures and proof are applicable in these cases.

Please contact your responsible IHK directly in case of doubt, to verify whether a qualification examination is required for your intended activity.