If you are planning to takethe Heilpraktiker exam for psychotherapy in Germany, preparing the documents is the first important step. I have gone through the entire process myself and would like to share my experience and current knowledge (as of 2025) with you.

Who can be admitted to the exam?

You must fulfil the following requirements:

• Minimum age: 25 years
• Registered address in Germany
• No previous convictions
• No serious psychiatric diagnoses

Only those who fulfil these requirements will be admitted to the examination by the public health department.

What documents do you need to prepare?

To register with the Munich Health Department, you will need

• Completed application form (Heilpraktikererlaubnis application form)
• Copy of your identity card or passport
• Current registration certificate
• Certificate of good conduct (document type "O"), not older than 6 months
• Medical certificate from family doctor regarding mental health (also not older than 6 months)
• School leaving certificate (e.g. school leaving certificate)
• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Optional: Copies of additional training or study qualifications (especially for psychological training)
• Only in Munich: Self-declaration that you have not previously worked as a non-medical practitioner in Munich

My tip: Get your certificate of good conduct and certificate early, as it can take a few weeks to be issued!

Where do you need to send the documents?

Address:
Munich Health Department - Department 54 Alternative Practitioners
📍 Bayerstraße 28a, 80335 Munich
📧heilpraktikerwesen@muenchen.de
🌐 F urther information here

Deadlines and dates

The examinations take place twice a year: in March and October.
The registration period ends three months before each exam:

• For the October exam: by 15 June
• For the March exam: by 15 December

My advice: It is better to submit the documents a little earlier to avoid delays.

Costs

The total cost of registration and examination fees is approx. 920 euros (as of 2025).

How does the exam work?

Written part:

• Format: Multiple-choice test with 60 questions
• Subject areas:
• • Psychiatric and psychotherapeutic basics
  • Diagnosis of mental illnesses (F-codes according to ICD-10)
  • Differentiation between psychoses, neuroses and personality disorders
  • Crisis intervention and borderline situations
  • Overview of psychotherapeutic approaches
  • Legal foundations (Heilpraktikergesetz, IfSG)
  • Forced hospitalisation and emergency measures

Oral part:

• Only takes place if the written part is passed
• Format: Individual interview with examiner
• Duration: 20 to 60 minutes
• Important:
• • Recognise dangerous conditions such as suicidal tendencies or psychosis
  • Clearly state your own limits of competence
  • Know when a referral to a doctor or psychiatrist is necessary
  • Know the legal restrictions for alternative practitioners

How can you prepare well?

Here are some resources that have helped me personally:
Useful websites:

• heilpraktiker-psychotherapie.de
• paracelsus.de
• Heilpraktiker Academy

Book tip:

• Examination knowledge for alternative practitioners for psychotherapy (available as Kindle)

YouTube channel:

• Likamundi_en

Exam questions from previous years:

• Structured listing
• Downloadable PDFs

My personal tips

• Create a folder for all important documents in good time.
• Find out about current requirements from the relevant health authority.
• Start collecting the documents at least 2 months before the application deadline.
• Reflect in advance: Does the alternative practitioner route really suit your professional goals?
  If you want to work independently as a psychotherapist, the path is ideal. If you would rather work in a counselling capacity, there may be alternative qualifications.

ℹ️ Note: The requirements described apply to Munich and are valid as of 2025. There may be minor deviations depending on the federal state or city. It is best to check with your local health authority.