Germany (federal law; exams run by the Länder): Volljurist (qualification for judicial office, Befähigung zum Richteramt) pathway
Scope
- Degree recognition
Federal law requires a university law course concluded with the first examination, consisting of a university specialisation exam and a state compulsory-subject exam.
“die erste Prüfung besteht aus einer universitären Schwerpunktbereichsprüfung und einer staatlichen Pflichtfachprüfung”
- Program approval or accreditation
Not confirmed. Professional eligibility must be confirmed with the relevant regulator.
- Additional education or training
The law course lasts four and a half years, of which at least two years must be at a university within the Act's area of application.
“Die Studienzeit beträgt viereinhalb Jahre”
- Examination requirements
The qualification is acquired through the first examination and then a preparatory service concluded with the second state examination.
“einen anschließenden Vorbereitungsdienst mit der zweiten Staatsprüfung abschließt”
- Supervised practice
A preparatory service (Vorbereitungsdienst) follows the university course and ends with the second state examination.
“einen anschließenden Vorbereitungsdienst mit der zweiten Staatsprüfung abschließt”
- Foreign qualification assessment
Not confirmed. Professional eligibility must be confirmed with the relevant regulator.
- Residency or other restrictions
Not confirmed. Professional eligibility must be confirmed with the relevant regulator.
- Online study
Not confirmed. Professional eligibility must be confirmed with the relevant regulator.
Regulator: Federal Ministry of Justice (publisher of the Deutsches Richtergesetz) · official source for this record · last checked 1 November 2026.