Exams
"You don't need to go to the intermediate exam, it doesn't count."
The company wants you at work on the day of the intermediate exam.
§ 43 Abs. 1 Nr. 2 BBiG / § 15 Abs. 1 BBiG
The boss may NOT do that
Yes you do — no participation, no admission to the final exam.
Taking part in the intermediate exam is a requirement for admission to the final exam (§ 43 (1) no. 2 BBiG) — even if its result does not count towards the grade in many occupations. In the stretched final exam there is "Part 1" instead of the intermediate exam, and it does count towards the final result. You must be released with pay for the exam (§ 15 (1) BBiG, § 19 (1) BBiG), and the company must register you with the chamber. Keeping you from it puts your qualification at risk.
What the law says
§ 43 (1) no. 2 BBiG – Admission
Anyone who has taken part in the prescribed intermediate exams is to be admitted to the final exam.
§ 15 (1) BBiG – Release
Trainers must release trainees to take part in exams.
What you can do
- Pass on the exam date early and get it confirmed in writing.
- Ask whether you have a stretched exam — then Part 1 counts.
- Contact the chamber if you do not receive an invitation.
- Exam day is training time — no leave, no minus hours.
Email template for your trainer
Subject: Intermediate exam on [date]
Dear [name of trainer],
my intermediate exam at the [IHK/HWK] takes place on [date]. Taking part is a requirement for my admission to the final exam under § 43 (1) no. 2 BBiG; I must be released for the exam day under § 15 (1) BBiG.
Please briefly confirm that I am not scheduled at work that day.
Kind regards
[Your name]