Exams
"You use your holiday for the exam!"
The boss says you have to use holiday for the exam and exam preparation.
§ 15 BBiG
The boss may NOT do that
No! Release from work is mandatory!
You do not have to take vacation for exams: your company must release you with pay to take part in exams (§ 15 (1) BBiG, § 19 BBiG). This applies to the intermediate and the final exam. In addition, you are off on the working day immediately before the written final exam — for all trainees, whatever their age. That extra day exists only before the written final exam, not before every exam.
What the law says
§ 15 (1) BBiG – Release from work
Trainers must release trainees to take part in exams and in training measures outside the training site, and on the working day immediately preceding the written final exam.
§ 19 (1) no. 1 BBiG – Pay
Pay continues for the time of release under § 15.
What you can do
- You never have to sacrifice holiday for exams or vocational school!
- The day before the written final exam = a paid day off.
- Interim exams also fall under the release obligation.
- Record the exam dates in writing and communicate them in good time.
Email template for your trainer
Subject: Release for the exam under § 15 BBiG
Dear [name of trainer],
my [interim/final] exam takes place on [date]. I would like to point out that, under § 15 BBiG, I must be released from company duties to take part in exams.
In addition, under § 15 (2) BBiG, I am entitled to a day off on the day before the written final exam.
This is paid release that may not be credited against my holiday entitlement.
I kindly ask for confirmation of the release for [date/dates].
Kind regards
[Your name]