Transition to the preparatory service

After completing the first state examination, the preparatory service for the second state examination follows. This usually lasts 21 months in Hesse.

The application periods for the preparatory service in Hesse are

• for the start of the preparatory service on May 01
  • in the main procedure September 16 to January 01
  • in the succession procedure January 02 to March 15
• for the start of the preparatory service on November 01
  • in the main procedure March 16 to July 01
  • in the succession procedure July 02 to September 15

If, as a teacher in the preparatory service, you look after or care for a child under the age of 18 and/or another relative in need of care, you may be granted a leave of absence upon informal application in accordance with §38 para. 5 HLbG you may be granted part-time teaching training (at least 50% of regular working hours).

Please note that if you pass the First State Examination in the spring campaign in Hesse, you can start your preparatory service on November 1 at the earliest and in the fall campaign in Hesse on May 1 of the following year at the earliest.

If you would like to apply in other federal states, please note that the deadlines and requirements may differ. Information on this can be found on the websites of the relevant ministries of education.