20 November 2022
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rules, some of which were difficult to comprehend factually, a large part of the previous requirements have now been repealed in most federal states.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!
7 April 2021
Whether pandemic-related 34a exams are currently being conducted is a hot question
As things stand, the Chambers of Industry and Commerce (IHK’s) are trying to stick to the existing dates for examinations. Yes! The exams usually take place. However, there can be deviations, because in principle each chamber can decide for itself whether an examination is carried out, cancelled without replacement or postponed. In the case of the current corona crisis, this also depends on the regional incidence value, the current legal requirements and political decisions.
Pandemic plans/hygiene concepts and specifications of the IHK
Most chambers have hygiene concepts that specify the conditions under which examinations can be carried out.
For many chambers, the following rules apply (without guarantee):
- A self-disclosure form must be filled out (no signs of illness, no previous stay in risk areas, no contact with infected persons, etc.).
- Access and stay is only permitted with a mask (FFP 2 or comparable), so-called community masks (fabric masks) are usually not sufficient.
- There are disinfectant dispensers at the entrances that are to be used for hand disinfection upon access
- A minimum distance of 1.5 — 2 metres must still be maintained
- Handshakes and other physical contact are not permitted.
- Lifts are not to be used or are not to be shared
- The examination rooms are ventilated continuously or at intervals (therefore remember to bring warm clothing if necessary!).
- Only the participants’ own writing material may be used, working utensils may not be exchanged among the participants.
- The gathering of people in the premises (corridors, etc.), e.g. during breaks or before and after the examination, will not be tolerated.
Up-to-date information!
Further applies: It is best to find out directly from the examining IHK what you have to observe — whether, for example, a medical certificate must be submitted or whether changes have occurred at short notice. The website of the respective IHK (keyword News / Corona) quickly provides substantial information here.
17 June 2020
In the past months, the examinations according to § 34a GewO (guarding) were cancelled due to the Corona crisis (COVID-19). Now the examinations will take place again at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK). For all those who registered in time or whose date was postponed, the written examination will take place tomorrow, 18 June 2020. Special regulations currently apply in many places for taking the exam, e.g.:
- you are only allowed to participate if you do not show any symptoms of a cold
- one must not have had contact with persons with corona infection within 14 days
- you have to keep a minimum distance (usually 1.5 metres) from others
- there is a general obligation to wear a mouth-nose mask
- one should also not form groups before and after the event
- if you have to cough or sneeze, then in the crook of your arm
- one should pay attention to hygiene (e.g. use hand disinfection)
- Handshakes and personal contact should be avoided
You can find out exactly which regulations apply on the letter from the IHK for the examination or also on the website of the respective IHK.
To all those taking the exam tomorrow, I wish you every success!
PS: If your exam, which should have taken place in April, for example, has been cancelled without replacement, you must register for a new date!
Due to the current high demand, you should register early for the exam. As minimum distances have to be observed, the already scarce places are even more limited. You can find all exam dates at https://www.sachkunde-34a.de/wann-termine-34a/