The state examinations for psychological psychotherapists and for child and adolescent psychotherapists take place every six months in spring and fall. They comprise a written and an oral part. The dates for the written examinations in March and August can be found on the website of the Institute for Medical and Pharmaceutical Examination Questions (see "Further links"). The oral examinations follow a few weeks later.

The written examinations are prepared by the Institute for Medical and Pharmaceutical Examination Questions. The content of the examination is set out in Section 16 of the Training and Examination Regulations for Psychological Psychotherapists (PsychTh-APrV) and Section 16 of the Training and Examination Regulations for Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists (KJPsychTh-APrV).

The oral examinations are to be held before an examination board whose at least four members are appointed by the competent authority (Section 9 PsychTh-APrV / KJPsychTh-APrV). The content of the examination is set out in Section 17 PsychTh-APrV / KJPsychTh-APrV.

The written and oral parts of the examination can each be repeated twice. This means that only the part that was not passed must be repeated.

An application for admission to the examination can be withdrawn in writing without giving reasons as long as admission to the examination has not yet been granted. After admission to the examination, § 13 PsychTh-APrV / KJPsychTh-APrV and the instructions for the examination sent with the letter of admission must be observed.