Depending on the federal state, people who want to obtain a school-leaving qualification can attend a general education school, evening school or course. A qualification may strengthen an application or open access to school-based training, but it is not a general requirement for dual training. Programs and conditions vary by federal state and school. For company-based training, the company’s selection criteria apply; individual occupations may require additional evidence. Admission requirements for school-based training depend on the occupation and the rules of the relevant federal state. Check the requirements for specific training places and schools before starting a longer course of study. Foreign school certificates may need to be translated or formally recognized.
Second-chance education before vocational training in Germany
Not having a school-leaving qualification, or having a lower one, does not automatically prevent access to dual vocational training in Germany: the law does not require a specific school qualification for it. Companies select applicants themselves; school-based training programs and individual occupations may require their own evidence of eligibility.
Tip
Obtaining a school-leaving qualification is most useful when it is required for the training place you want or would strengthen your application to that specific program. Base the effort on actual admission requirements instead of planning a longer course of study just in case.