Structure of Civil Service (Beamte) Career Paths
The civil service career paths in Germany are divided into three main categories: the intermediate, upper, and higher service. The intermediate service is typically responsible for tasks in administrative processing, while the upper service generally performs managerial functions in the administration. The higher service targets executives and specialized experts in public administration. Each career group requires specific training that prepares individuals for their respective areas of responsibility. Access is obtained either through vocational training (for the intermediate service) or through a degree (for the upper and higher service).
Requirements for the Civil Service Career
To begin civil service training in Germany, certain prerequisites must be met. These include German citizenship or citizenship of an EU member state, character suitability, health requirements, and the respective school qualifications. For direct access to the intermediate service, at least a secondary school diploma is required, while immediate entry into the upper service requires the Abitur or a specialized high school diploma. The higher service generally requires a completed university degree.
Vocational Training for the Intermediate Service
The vocational training for the intermediate service is conducted in the form of a preparatory service, which usually lasts two years. During this time, trainees receive theoretical education at a public administration school and practical experience in various government agencies. The training concludes with a career examination that enables immediate entry into professional life as a civil servant in the intermediate service. Typical areas of work can be found in administrative processing and general administrative service.
Studies for the Upper Service
The upper service typically requires a dual study program at a university of applied sciences for public administration. The duration of the studies is usually three years and includes both theoretical and practical training phases. Students are prepared for managerial roles and acquire knowledge in administrative law, constitutional law, and business administration. Upon successful completion and passing the career examination, they can immediately enter the job market as civil servants in the upper service.
Higher Service and Requirements
The higher service requires a completed university degree, usually with a Master’s qualification. The civil service training takes place in the form of a legal clerkship or preparatory service, which lasts about two years. This training prepares individuals for leadership positions and specialized activities, such as judges, senior administrative officials, or research associates in ministries. The higher service requires a high level of expertise, leadership skills, and flexibility to enable immediate entry into professional life as a leader.
Special Training Paths for Certain Professions
Certain professional fields, such as the police, judiciary, or customs service, have specialized civil service training programs. The training for police service, for example, includes intensive theoretical and practical training in criminal law, operational techniques, and physical fitness. In the judiciary, training for immediate entry into the job market typically occurs as a judicial clerk (intermediate service) or as a legal advisor (upper service). In financial administration, there are also special training paths that prepare for tax law and financial management tasks.
Professional Benefits of a Civil Service Career
Civil service training in Germany offers numerous professional benefits, including high job security, attractive salaries, and comprehensive retirement plans. Salaries are tiered according to career group and experience levels and are determined in salary tables. Additionally, there are a variety of special allowances and grants, for example, for families. Immediate entry into professional life as a civil servant is associated with special employment law privileges, including protection against dismissal after a certain period of service and special regulations for maternity leave and parental leave.
Further Education Opportunities for Civil Servants
After civil service training, there are numerous further education opportunities that promote professional advancement. Civil servants can participate in training programs that prepare them for specialized areas of responsibility or pursue studies at a university of applied sciences for public administration to qualify for the higher service. Moreover, there are special leadership training programs and advancement courses that enable immediate entry into higher positions within the administration.
