Educational qualifications in NRW

Overview and details

The school system in North Rhine-Westphalia offers a variety of educational paths. Every qualification is an important step - be it towards training, studying or further education. The following is an overview of the most important qualifications and their special features.

Special school certificate

The special school certificate is aimed at pupils with special educational needs. It is awarded either at Förderschulen or as part of joint learning at general schools. The qualification is based on individual learning goals and takes into account the respective special educational needs, such as learning, mental development or emotional and social development. It can facilitate the transition to pre-vocational measures, training in a protected environment or - if the child develops appropriately - to further education courses.

Secondary school certificate

The Hauptschulabschluss can be obtained in two ways: after grade 9 or after grade 10 (type B). It forms the basis for many apprenticeships in the dual system and enables students to attend a Berufskolleg. The extended lower secondary school leaving certificate after year 10 offers better follow-up opportunities, such as the transition to educational courses with intermediate qualifications. The qualification is awarded at Hauptschulen, Gesamtschulen, Sekundarschulen or Berufskollegs. With targeted support and motivation, a higher qualification can also be achieved after the lower secondary school leaving certificate.

Secondary school leaving certificate (Fachoberschulreife)

The Fachoberschulreife is an intermediate school leaving certificate that is usually obtained after year 10 - for example at Realschule, Gesamtschule or Sekundarschulen as well as at Hauptschulen with an extended course of education. It opens up a wide range of opportunities: entry into qualified apprenticeships, attendance at a Berufskolleg or - with the appropriate qualifications - the transition to the gymnasiale Oberstufe. The so-called "qualification" is achieved through certain grades in the main subjects and is a prerequisite for attending the upper secondary school.

Advanced technical college entrance qualification (Fachabitur)

The Fachhochschulreife consists of an academic and a practical part. The school-based part is usually acquired at Berufskollegs or in the upper secondary school. The practical part can be demonstrated through a supervised internship, a voluntary social year, the Federal Voluntary Service or completed vocational training. With the Fachhochschulreife, it is possible to study at a Fachhochschule. It also offers access to dual courses of study and is particularly practice-oriented.

Subject-specific university entrance qualification

The subject-specific higher education entrance qualification entitles students to study certain subjects at universities - depending on their chosen specialization. It is usually acquired in the upper Gymnasium level or at vocational Gymnasien. In contrast to the general higher education entrance qualification, no second foreign language is required. The subject-specific higher education entrance qualification is particularly suitable for pupils with clear vocational or specialist interests, for example in the fields of technology, economics or social work.

General higher education entrance qualification (Abitur)

The Abitur is the highest school-leaving qualification in North Rhine-Westphalia. It entitles the holder to study all subjects at universities and colleges in Germany and abroad. It is obtained after successfully completing the upper secondary school level and passing the Abitur examination. This is possible at Gymnasien, Gesamtschulen, vocational Gymnasien and via the second educational pathway - for example at colleges or evening schools. The Abitur opens up a wide range of academic and career prospects and is a prerequisite for many courses of study and professions.

Vocational qualification with school-leaving certificate

At Berufskollegs, students can obtain a school-leaving qualification in addition to a vocational qualification - such as the entrance qualification for universities of applied sciences or the Fachoberschulreife. These so-called double-qualifying courses combine theoretical knowledge with practical training. Examples include training courses to become a state-certified assistant in areas such as technology, design or health. This combination improves your chances on the job market and also enables you to go on to study.

Second educational path

Second-chance education is aimed at adults who want to catch up on their school-leaving qualifications - be it the Hauptschulabschluss, the Fachoberschulreife or the Abitur. There is a wide range of options: evening secondary schools, evening grammar schools, colleges, adult education centers or digital learning platforms enable flexible and often part-time further education. The second educational pathway offers a second chance - independent of the previous educational pathway - and opens up new professional and personal prospects.