The learning platform Sachkun.de is one of the best-known online offers for 34a preparation. The platform with e‑learning, test questions, mock exams and online help has been around since 2005, and more than 10,000 people have used it to prepare online for the 34a examination.
New: Sachkun.de 2.0
Recently, eLearning at www.sachkun.de was completely redesigned. More than 1,000 exam-related test questions, goal-oriented learning texts, instructional videos and even weekly live online seminars now await learners. The 34a preparation is available in three different versions: Classic, Pro and VIP. Those who book VIP also have access to a WhatsApp group in which they can ask questions and exchange information with other Sachkunde learners. What is new is that the preparation now runs completely via a convenient mobile phone app in which you can learn with 34a questions around the clock, i.e. 24/7 — depending on the tariff for 30, 60 or even 100 days.
Coupon code for www.sachkun.de
With the voucher code SK10YT you currently get 10% Discount on all tariffs. Click here to go directly to the Offer on www.sachkun.de.
About Sachkun.de expertise preparation
Sachkun.de is certainly not the cheapest provider on the market, but it has proven itself for years. The positive reviews on the net speak for the quality of the platform. This is also ensured by the qualifications of the operators of the 34a learning platform around Jörg Zitzmann. It should also be noted that the exam-related questions and condensed learning texts make it possible to prepare for the IHK exam very efficiently, i.e. in a particularly time-saving manner. If questions of understanding remain unanswered, a lecturer is available — depending on the tariff — in the weekly video session or additionally also in the WhatsApp 34a learning group. This ensures that participants’ questions are always answered — as in a face-to-face course — and that all content is understood. With prices roughly between 1.80 and 3.00 euros per day (as of 5 March 2023), the price-performance ratio is very reasonable. The money-back guarantee, which takes effect if you fail the 34a exam several times despite preparation, also contributes to security.
We will gradually introduce more providers here on the blog. We look forward to hearing your opinions and experiences on 34a exam preparation! Feel free to leave a comment 🙂
You don’t feel like taking the exam and preparing for it, you’ve already failed the Chamber of Industry and Commerce’s expert knowledge exam several times or you just want to save time and money — all of these can be reasons why people keep looking for “buy a 34a licence”. This article explains why this is not a particularly good idea.
Can you actually buy the “34a note”?
A short Google search it shows: Yes, you can buy a piece of paper that looks like it is an official document of a chamber of commerce and industry. But be careful! If you use such fake examination certificates, you are liable to prosecution. What you are allowed to do is hang such a piece of fantasy paper in your own hallway for amusement or use it as a lighter for the next barbecue party. However, if you use such a piece of paper in legal transactions, i.e. in the context of a job application or to register your security company, you commit forgery according to Section 267 of the Criminal Code:
(1) Any person who, for the purpose of deceiving in legal transactions, produces a false document, falsifies a genuine document or uses a false or falsified document shall be liable to a custodial sentence not exceeding five years or to a monetary penalty. (2) The attempt is punishable. (3) In particularly serious cases, the penalty shall be imprisonment for a term of six months to ten years. […]
The providers of such dubious services also know that offering IHK examination certificates, school-leaving certificates and other certificates, including doctorates, is legally questionable. They are mainly interested in making money quickly. The providers are usually based abroad or are not available and thus avoid legal disputes. This is because sellers may also be liable to prosecution because they use trademarks and thus legally protected identifying features (e.g. the logo) of the issuing organisations. In addition, some sellers even deliberately create the impression that it is a legally issued document and at the same time advertise that one may use these fake documents in legal transactions. Thus, the sellers often also pretend false facts and thus partly also call, at least indirectly, to use the sold fake like a real document. As a buyer, you can always be prosecuted and make yourself liable to prosecution if you actually use such a fantasy document professionally.
Where can I buy the certificate of competence?
The only legal way to obtain the “certificate of successful completion of a specialist knowledge examination” (this is the correct term) is to successfully complete the IHK specialist knowledge examination. You can find many free Tips for exam preparation, Test questions and a Help forum on this website. By the way, taking the real exam can even be cheaper than some of the illegal fake certificate offers. Honesty is the best policy! Don’t get involved in fake offers with fake proofs! It’s not worth it, because you will be exposed. And for the price you then pay, you could have prepared properly for the exam and passed it quite regularly.
What does a forged certificate of competence cost?
Prices start at just under 10 euros for a personalised fake certificate for direct PDF download.
Fake 34a certificate as PDF download
This “low-cost provider” of fake proofs emphasises that you are not allowed to use the purchased documents, but for his own security he has nevertheless indicated a company headquarters in the USA. He knows why.
Possibly the tip of the iceberg is a provider offering all kinds of examination certificates and degrees — including various professional qualifications, school-leaving certificates, bachelor’s and master’s degrees from colleges, university diplomas and even doctorates. Such printed papers are available for a “ridiculous price” of several hundred euros — apparently a worthwhile business. He also promotes the offer commercially through an advertisement on Google, which appears at the top of the results page for the relevant search terms — see illustration below. This fraudulent trader even advertises that it is a legal offer and “100% genuine and registered documents, which can be checked by the university/training company, or even by your employer”. complete bullshit!
Google advertising for an “original proofLet’s talk turkey: If you buy a fake or make one yourself and print it out, you’ll be caught anyway — and then it will be really unpleasant and really expensive. You will learn why this is inevitable in the next section.
Why it’s really stupid to present a forged 34a certificate.…
Just a few years ago, one would have considered a factualunThe only way that a knowledgeable security employee could have been lucky is if the forged certificate had not been noticed during the application process, during a customs or police check or in the course of an enquiry with the examining Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK). But since 1 June 2019, there is the central guard register, where all data converge. Your employer must report you there before you start employment and wait for clearance. Only then will you receive a guard ID as a security guard and be allowed to start. In the course of this check and data comparison, it quickly becomes apparent if you have submitted a false document. You bear the full consequences under criminal and civil law!
You don’t speak German, but another language?
Qualified workers are currently urgently needed in many areas in Germany. One of these areas is the private security industry. To be allowed to work for a security service in Germany, you need the following for many guarding activities Examination of expert knowledge according to § 34a of the Trade Regulation Act. You are then a qualified applicant with a 34a certificate of competence and have excellent Job prospects with corresponding pay!
Information on the German 34a-Sachkundeprüfung (Security) in your language
You will find a lot of free information on the German qualification examination for security staff here in the qualification info portal. Navigate via the main menu at the very top through our Information pages, browse the current blog posts or make targeted use of the Search. If you have an individual request, you can also contact us at any time. Post your question in the help forum.
Available languages in the Subject Guide Infoportal
Normally, the system automatically detects which language you are using and sets the 34a portal to this language. The following languages are currently supported:
German
Bulgarian
Czech
English
French
Italian
Polish
Romanian
Slovenian
Spanish
Russian
Turkish
Ukrainian
You can always adjust the website language via the selection menu at the top left (flag and language code). Or simply via the button below:
Your language is not available?
Feel free to write a comment on this page below this blog post. Tell us the language into which you would like our 34a information translated. We will gladly take up any suggestions for improvement and implement them if possible.
Free tests and exam questions to prepare for the expert knowledge examination (§ 34a GewO) are very useful for practising. However, tactical tips are almost as important. Because even if you don’t immediately know the answer to an exam question in the 34a test, you can pass the 34a exam with the help of a few tips & tricks.
No idea, no answer? Please don’t!
You can’t know everything. Even if you have prepared well for the 34a test with test questions, mock exams and other study material, you may simply not know what to do with some questions. Yes, you do: Even if you don’t know the answer to an exam question, you can still clear the hurdle of the expert knowledge exam!
10 simple tips on how to pass the examination of professional competence
If you take the following tips for the written IHK examination for expertise § 34a GewO into account, you can also score points for gaps in your knowledge:
It can a solution be correct, or it can two solutions be correct. Therefore, never give three or more solutions as correct!
Singular or plural? Pay attention to whether in the Questioning after one or more correct answers is asked! Example: In the case of a question that begins with “What prerequisiteen, a security guard must fulfil,…” begins, there is more than one correct solution.
Note the Context of the question (subject area)! If, for example, a question is asked about a fact in criminal law (StGB), an answer referring to civil law (BGB) cannot be correct.
Pay attention to Negative formulationsIf there is a negative in the question, so maybe the question is asking you to tick what exactly you want to tick. not applies? Then you need to rethink and choose exactly the opposite answer options!
Key terms like “never” or “never or “always” or “always should be warning signs! It is rather rare that e.g. prohibitions or permissions always or never apply, i.e. are absolute. For many things there are exceptions or certain framework conditions and no strict black and white. Such key terms in an answer indicate that it is rather wrong.
Other terms that should set alarm bells ringing are those such as “exclusively” or “without exception”. The same applies here as in the previous tip. It is not often that something applies without any exception.
In the written examination you have enough time. Take your time and read the questions in detail and, if necessary, several times. If you cannot think of the answer, put the question back. Mark the question so that you do not forget to look at it again later.
You are unsure of the correct answer to a question. Work according to the Exclusion principle and sort out the possibilities that definitely cannot be true. This often helps.
If you don’t have a clue about a question, don’t leave it unanswered. Guess if you have to! Not answering a question definitely gets you 0 points. Even if your gut tells you one or two solutions, luck may be on your side.
Finally, the most important thing: Even if this article is about “tactics tips” in the narrower sense — it’s not about tactics. prepare yourself! Timely and purposeful learning is the essential factor for passing the examination.
Insider tips
You can get many more tips on how to successfully master the 34a professional qualification examination if you read our free newsletter subscribe. Directly afterwards we will send you our 34a PDF with a total of 25 tips for the expert examination to.
Talking around it is useless. One thing is clear: The traditional security industry is a low-wage sector!
Nevertheless: the security industry offers variety, responsible, exciting and also quiet jobs. And if you’re smart, you can make ends meet. But — what do you earn as a security guard with a certificate of competence?
What matters when it comes to earnings in the security industry…
If you decide to work in the private security sector or are looking for a new employer, the financial aspects certainly play a major role. There are several factors that contribute to a good hourly wage. The most important aspects for a more attractive salary are listed below.
Level of education and training
Obviously, the better trained you are, the higher your earning potential. As an unskilled security guard only with training according to § 34a GewO, you will very often not be paid much more than the minimum wage. With the expert knowledge examination, you can achieve a good bit more basic hourly wage with manageable effort.. You can go even further with further training to become a certified protection and security worker or with training to become a specialist for protection and security. Incidentally, the minimum wage nationwide has been 12.43 euros per hour since 1 January 2023. The increase to 13 euros per hour from 1 April 2023 has already been decided.
Additional qualifications
Additional qualifications, for example in first aid or fire protection (e.g. as a fire protection assistant), are very helpful and increase the market value of security staff. These do not always have a direct effect on the hourly wage, but they are always a plus point in job applications. Additional qualifications include the following:
Fire safety helper
Evacuation helper
Lift rescue (rescue of persons from lifts)
Intervention force
NSL specialist
Safety Officer (Occupational Safety)
Hygiene/Health Officer
Basic knowledge course in radiation protection and decontamination
Weapons expertise examination
Intercultural skills and knowledge of foreign languages, especially at least basic English, should also not be underestimated.
Activity
The security industry has many facets and therefore the activities that security workers perform are also very diverse. Accordingly, there are sometimes serious wage differences. Security activities such as separate guards and simple guarding activities are often rather poorly paid. Jobs that require special skills often pay well. For example in the Aviation security, in the range Cash and valuables transport, during the activity in nuclear facilities, in which Underground and suburban railway guarding or as an NSL specialist in Emergency call and service control centres the earnings are often significantly higher than the industry average. The exact amount of the wage for the job can be found in the Collective agreements take from them. If they have been declared generally binding, which is usually the case, they apply to all employees. (It is best to add the federal state to the Google search to narrow down the results).
Working hours
Anyone who is already active in the industry and works in shifts knows it: Often, biorhythms and private life suffer from the changing working hours. However, working night shifts, Sundays and public holidays often offers decisive financial advantages. Depending on the federal state/collective agreement, the following benefits can be earned Night, Sunday and public holiday surcharges that are well worth seeing. What’s more, these tax-free! On public holidays in many places 100% Surcharge possiblei.e. in addition to the actual daily wage, you receive the same amount again — but tax-free! Viewed over the month, depending of course on the amount of night, Sunday and public holiday hours, the following can be achieved Several hundred euros on top earn. Especially around the turn of the year or at Easter, this can be a lucrative affair.
Overtime/overtime
Overtime is, of course, a partial aspect of working hours. Nevertheless, I would like to devote a separate point to this aspect here. Why? Because experience shows that a lot of overtime is worked in the security sector, often much more than is legally permissible and with too few breaks between assignments. Think carefully about whether you want to go along with this and should actually work 200, 220, 240 or even more hours per month. My tip at this point would be to invest in further education and not to trade so much time for money: Memento Mori — your lifetime is also limited. Set priorities and make a good decision for you, also for your future.
State
As in other industries, there is a West-East divide in the private security sector. In the past, these wage differences were really glaring. Security workers in Berlin earned in some areas not even half of those who worked in Bavaria. As a rule, the best-paid federal states include Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg and North Rhine-Westphalia. Among the lowest paid are still the new federal states, for example Brandenburg or Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Just a few years ago, one could barely keep one’s head above water with a job as a security guard in the East German states. However, the minimum wage and the gradual convergence of collective agreements are increasingly putting the differences into perspective. In addition, one should not forget that where people earn more, they usually earn less. Cost of living (especially rents) are higher. So think carefully — if you are toying with the idea — whether a move is really worth it for you.
Industry
Many people think of security service jobs in the classic way, as the security company that as a service provider external customers. Whereas in the past, veteran employees in factories came to the plant security service towards the end of their working lives to spend the last years of their careers doing less strenuous work, the situation has changed considerably nowadays. Professional, external security service providers look after a large number of companies from business and industry or the public sector as clients. But they still exist, despite the decades-long trend towards outsourcing. The Internal plant security. Especially in industry, property and plant protection activities are when you are directly employed by the manufacturing company, very well paid. The reason for this is that you are paid according to the industry pay scale to which the bulk of the workforce belongs. Take a look at the Rate tables for the metal and electrical industry! These monthly salaries are in a different league.
Allowances
Allowances regulated by collective agreement are usually paid for guard/shift leaders, for dog handlers or in certain facilities such as military properties. Likewise, there are often allowances for on-call duties, e.g. for (additional) work in the plant fire brigade. These range from a few cents per hour up to over 10% more pay. In Bavaria, there is also slightly more money if you work in the greater Munich area.
Security companies or their clients also sometimes pay Voluntary (revocable) allowances. Sometimes there are also one-off bonuses for particularly successful assignments or for outstanding work performance. Unfortunately, these kinds of bonuses tend to be the exception. Increasingly common, however, is a Switch premium or, if you like, a kind of “welcome money”. However, this alone should not necessarily be the sole reason for changing employers.
Concrete numbers
You would like to know concrete figures?
If you have read the article up to this point, you will realise that this is difficult, as it can depend on a number of factors such as the federal state, the job, the working hours and their (additional) qualifications. Nevertheless, a concrete example:
Monthly salary in the separate guard service with IHK specialist knowledge examination in 2023 in Bavaria:
14,00 Euro per hour
180 hours per month
thereof
12h holiday
16h Sunday
60h night
This results in approx. 2520 euros of taxable income (gross) and just under 420 euros of tax-free supplements.With income tax class 1 and no children, a single person thus receives approx. 2170 Euro net transferred. However, this calculation is for illustrative purposes only. Your actual salary paid out may depend on numerous factors!
Hint: This article was last updated in February 2023. As there are regular adjustments to both the minimum wage and collective agreement regulations, the framework conditions may have changed in the meantime! (All information without guarantee.)
Only security staff require a competence examination, which is special guarding activities according to § 34a GewO or wish to set up their own security company. The activities that may only be carried out with the 34a licence include, in particular, guarding in public areas, at admission areas or in various security activities in a managerial position: More here.
However, even if you want to carry out an activity for which the successful passing of a certificate of competence examination is actually mandatory, there are certain exceptions. Not all persons need the certificate of competence, even if they carry out regulated guarding activities or are self-employed as a security contractor with their own security company.
Who is exempt from the 34a examination…
Basically applies: Anyone who has completed a higher-level training or further training with a recognised (IHK) qualification in the security industry does not need an additional certificate of competence!
But be careful! There are a few more pitfalls. Here are the details on the exemption from the expert knowledge examination:
A person is exempt from the expert knowledge examination if he…
certified plant security specialist (WSFK) or as a certified protection and security worker (GSSK),
as a service worker for protection and security (SSS) or as a specialist for protection and security (FSS),
as a certified master craftsman for protection and security or as a certified master craftswoman for protection and security (MSS),
as a certified plant security foreman or forewoman,
…has successfully passed the corresponding final examination. Proof of this can be provided by presenting the respective examination certificate.
I have successfully completed the so-called “plant security courses”. Is this the same as the examination for expert knowledge?
No! The factory security courses (factory security course 1–2 or 1–4) are — without successfully passing the examination to become a factory security specialist — not equivalent! You need the expert examination. In addition, the IHK works protection specialist examination is no longer offered.
I was in the armed forces. Do I still have to take the examination?
Basically already. Caution is advised here: As a person doing basic military service, a temporary soldier or a professional soldier, you have to take the expert knowledge examination — regardless of whether you are currently obliged to be a soldier or not — if you (additionally) want to work in the private security sector and perform the corresponding guarding tasks. The only exception is for military police, i.e. the military police of the German Armed Forces. Military police officers are exempt from the expert knowledge examination, as military police officers have acquired a large part of the knowledge required in the expert knowledge examination during their training courses. Military police officers or sergeants, for example, do not need to take a Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) examination; the proof is provided by the Bundeswehr’s training or service record. All other soldiers must acquire the 34a certificate.
Do I need a certificate of competence as a police officer?
There are exceptions both for police officers at state level (Land police) and at federal level (Bundespolizei). By the way, the same applies to employees in the correctional service and to the weapons-carrying area of the customs service. It is important to note that the obligation to take the examination is only waived if you work in law enforcement and have successfully completed the corresponding career examination — at least for the intermediate service. Police officers who work as civil servants in the police enforcement service therefore do not need a certificate of competence. Many police officers earn extra money privately, e.g. as doormen. Especially in conurbations where life is expensive, such as Munich, Stuttgart, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Berlin or Düsseldorf, a part-time job in a security company is a good way to earn extra money. Tip on the side: Make sure that you inform your (main) employer about your side job and ideally have it approved in writing.
I studied law, have an LL.B. or a state law degree. Do I really still need to take the expert knowledge examination?
It’s hard to believe: but of course, a (part-time) job in the security industry can also be interesting for prospective lawyers, be it to finance their studies or to gain impressions of the industry. Of course: In the field of law (public safety and order, trade law, data protection law, criminal law and criminal procedure law, civil code, code of criminal procedure, etc.) law graduates are already fit. That’s why you only need to catch up on the topics of accident prevention in the security industry (UVV, DGUV regulation 23), dealing with people and the basics of security technology. A certificate of participation in the IHK instruction procedure serves as proof of this. Together with a certificate of successful completion of a law degree at a university or academy that awards a degree equivalent to a university degree, no additional completion of the expert knowledge examination pursuant to §34a GewO is required.
I have been working as a security guard for many years. Is work experience not enough recognition?
No, not normally! However, there are certain transitional arrangements for “veteran” security workers. Employees in the private security sector who have participated in the required training since 1 April 1996 or who were already working in the security sector before 31 March 1996 and were previously exempt from training due to this cut-off date regulation are, so to speak, “grandfathered”. Attention: This exemption may only be invoked if it can be shown that the guarding activity was uninterrupted for at least three years before the cut-off date of 1 January 2003. For all others who have only been active in the security industry since 2003, such exemptions do not apply. So it is complicated! My tip: It is better to invest in taking the qualification examination and benefit from a “knowledge update” even as an experienced security employee!
Attention: Special cases!
There are some other special cases, such as the possible recognition of foreign certificates of competence. It is also not always clear whether the type of activity to be performed requires a qualification examination at all. If it is a matter of simple stewarding activities (e.g. car park ushers) or simply checking and tearing off admission tickets, there is usually no need for an expert knowledge examination, and in some cases not even the instruction according to § 34a GewO. However, borderline cases such as supervision or security services in museums or certain constellations of activities in event protection are sometimes controversial. (Such borderline cases are discussed again in separate articles here on the Infoportal). An important note: To be on the safe side, ask the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) and the competent authority whether your qualification is sufficient or whether you also have to take the IHK examination according to § 34a GewO. You will then receive legally secure, personal information. If you are new to private security, you are then allowed to carry out the corresponding activities after your reliability has been checked and you have been assigned the guard ID!
The topics of the expert knowledge examination in the guarding trade (§ 34a GewO) are
Law of public safety and order including trade law,
Data protection law,
Civil Code,
Criminal law and criminal procedure, handling weapons,
Accident prevention regulation for guard and security services,
Dealing with people, especially behaviour in dangerous situations, de-escalation techniques in conflict situations as well as intercultural competence with special attention to diversity and social diversity and
Basic principles of safety engineering.
Weighting
It is particularly important for preparation that some subject areas count twice. In particular the legal contents are with regard to the scoring stronger weightednamely concretely Law of public safety and order, Civil Code and Criminal law and criminal procedure.
The number of questions and the maximum points to be achieved in the overview:
Dealing with people: 16 questions / 16 points
Safety engineering: 8 questions / 8 points
Exam questions
When studying, it is best to concentrate on exam questions on legal topics. Basic knowledge is relevant here (Basic Law, e.g. state structure/principles) as well as the relevant paragraphs from the Criminal Code (StGB) and the Civil Code (BGB). Classics are questions on the basic structure, legal definitions, offences with their characteristics and offences. You should also place a strong focus on the so-called everyman’s rights (grounds for justification and excuse). In the area of the Code of Criminal Procedure (StPO), the provisional arrest found in section 127 is relevant.
Both the written and oral examinations cover the topics listed above.
The legal basis is the Surveillance Ordinancenamely § 9 in conjunction with § 7 BewachV. The list of examination topics or contents can be found in Annex 2 of the BewachV.
In this blog of the Sachkunde-Infoportal, questions are presented again and again that can occur in the exam in this or a similar way. For more insider tips and to stay up to date, you can subscribe to the newsletter for free: https://www.sachkunde-34a.de/insider-tipps-lernunterlagen-34a/
The expert knowledge examination according to § 34a of the Trade, Commerce and Industry Regulation Act is an entry-level qualification for employees in the private security industry. It serves as proof of basic knowledge, especially with regard to fundamental legal aspects relevant to working in the guard and security service. In addition, the successfully passed expert knowledge examination with proof from the Chamber of Industry and Commerce is a prerequisite for carrying out special guarding tasks and being allowed to become self-employed as a security contractor.
A certificate of competence is required for the following activities
As a security guard (employee), you need proof that you have successfully passed an examination of competence at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) (according to § 34a GewO) if you provide security in the entrance area of discotheques in the hospitality industry (bouncers), patrols in public traffic areas (e.g. city patrols), patrols in areas with actual public traffic, activities to protect against shoplifters (department store or store detectives). (e.g. city patrols), patrols in areas of the premises with actual public traffic, activities to protect against shoplifters (shop detectives), guarding of asylum and refugee accommodation (only in a managerial capacity) as well as guarding of large events with protected access (only in a managerial capacity).
The purpose of the expert knowledge examination
Why there is the expert knowledge examination has several reasons. When private individuals — including employees of security companies — guard other people’s lives or property, this entails special duties and a great responsibility. As a security guard, you have to know your rights and the legal limits, i.e. what is allowed and what is forbidden. On the other hand, due to their position as guarantor, they are obliged to prevent damage to the client. In contrast to the police, you do not have any special powers and must therefore be able to weigh up exactly to what extent you are allowed to interfere with the rights of third parties in a particular situation. If you go too far, you run the risk of being charged with offences such as deprivation of liberty or bodily harm. If you sleep on duty and do not comply with your duty to protect, you can also end up in court for committing an offence by omission if you cause harm. For these reasons, among others — listed here as examples — it is important to acquire the specialised knowledge in order to later have the necessary confidence to act in the guarding business.
In April 2021, in the blog post “Are there currently any examinations at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce because of Corona?” about the current state of affairs at that time regarding the implementation of IHK professional examinations. For a while, exams were cancelled or postponed. A strict hygiene regime applied.
After the back and forth of politics regarding covid protection measures and different rules, some of which were difficult to comprehend factually, a large part of the previous requirements have now been repealed in most federal states.
In principle, masks are no longer compulsory. However, it is recommended to carry an FFP‑2 mask.
Wearing at least a medical face mask during the examination is recommended, but is usually no longer compulsory.
Proof of testing, vaccination or convalescence is generally no longer required. (= no 3G requirement)
If you have tested positive for SARS-CoV‑2 and your examination date is coming up, it is best to enquire at the responsible IHK about the currently possible course of action. It is conceivable to withdraw from the exam and take it again at a later date or — depending on the federal state — to take it under certain protective measures.
Note: All information is without guarantee (as of 20.11.2022). Please note the current requirements of the examining IHK or the federal state!
Both Jörg Zitzmann as well as Kai Deliomini are very well known in the private security industry.
Among other things, both are represented in IHK examination committees in the field of protection and security, are active as authors of books for the preparation of the expert knowledge examination and are represented with many helpful videos on YouTube and in podcasts.
With not infrequent failure rates between 30 and 50%, the question naturally arises: What’s the reason?
Some factors for success or failure are obvious. Some problems can be solved quickly and easily, some simply require intensive learning, practice and perseverance. Before I go on to point out what I consider to be the main (mis)success factors, here is the very interesting conversation between Jörg Zitzmann and Kai Deliomini on YouTube:
My top 5 reasons why so many people fail the written and oral IHK specialist knowledge examination
From my experience, the following factors are the main reasons for failure with the “34a-licence”:
Lack of motivation / lack of interest
Many participants do not see any added value in the exam. They have no real interest in the content, so they don’t want to learn at all. This is particularly pronounced among people who are “sent” by their employer or the employment agency and are not actually interested in the private security sector at all. But even if the participation itself is of their own accord: The examination is often not seen as an opportunity but as a necessary evil. Lack of motivation and interest, however, are diametrically opposed to exam success.
No sufficient preparation of the content
Some people take the exam lightly. Multiple-choice questions with pre-set answers to tick off and only 50% necessary correct answers to pass — what could go wrong, you ask yourself. But far from it. The legal topics in particular are tough. In addition, there is excitement, especially in the oral exam, and questions where you may have to think a little outside the box. If you don’t have the necessary knowledge and thus the confidence to act, you will quickly be eliminated. Comprehensive preparation is the be-all and end-all for exam success!
Insufficient knowledge of German
A lot has already been asked and said about German language skills. One thing is certain: many people who work in the security sector are not native speakers of German. Multilingualism is often important for the job, but so is sufficient knowledge of German. This is because the examination is offered exclusively in German and you must also be able to communicate confidently in German in your everyday work as a security guard. Legal texts are written in difficult language, “officialese” is usually just as difficult to understand, and the exam questions sometimes depend on individual words that can change the meaning in one direction or another or provide hints for solutions.
Structure and manner of the examination are unclear
Many people are not completely clear about the framework conditions of the exam. But only if you know which topics are important and how, and how the exam is structured, can you prepare for it specifically and efficiently. For example, there are topics that you can quickly get over, which can usually be answered with common sense. Some topics, on the other hand, count twice and some require more intensive study. In addition, there are empirical values for the oral examination and tactical tips for working through test questions, which should be conveyed by a competent lecturer or author, for example.
Difficult individual conditions
Of course, people are different. Everyone has different personal prerequisites and the general conditions (e.g. family obligations, free time for learning, learning environment, etc.) also play a significant role in success and failure. You may also know people who can memorise things with a “quick glance” and recall this knowledge at the snap of a finger. Others, on the other hand, find this significantly more difficult. Some people also have no problem at all speaking in front of others in an exam situation, most are naturally tense, some participants suffer downright from exam anxiety.
Ask yourself to what extent the points above apply to you, how you can avoid mistakes in your preparation and compensate for any deficits. You can find more information on this right here in the subject knowledge information portal numerous tips and Links to other sites or media such as YouTube.
English (UK) 
Deutsch (Sie) 
Български 
Čeština 
Français 
Italiano 
Polski 
Română 
Slovenščina 
Español 
Русский 
Türkçe 
Українська 
