The IHK Exam for IT Specialists
Everything you need to know — structure, content, specializations and how to prepare.
The Four Specializations
Since 2020, there are four specializations for IT Specialists. AP1 is identical for all, AP2 differs by specialization:
Application Development
Design, develop and test software. UML, algorithms, databases, web development.
System Integration
Plan, install and administer IT systems. Networks, servers, virtualization, cloud.
Data & Process Analysis
Analyze data, optimize processes. Data analytics, BI, machine learning, statistics.
Digital Networking
Networked systems and IoT. Industry 4.0, sensors, protocols, cyber-physical systems.
Exam Structure
The IHK final exam for IT Specialists consists of two parts, taken at different times:
AP1 — Final Exam Part 1
Setting up an IT-supported workplace. 90 minutes, 20% of the total grade.
- 📋 Project Management & Business Economics
- 🔒 IT Security & Data Protection
- 🌐 Networking & Virtualization
- 🗄️ Databases & SQL
AP2 — Final Exam Part 2
Specialization-specific exam + project work. 80% of the total grade.
- 💻 Written specialization exam
- 📝 Practical project & documentation
- 🎤 Presentation & expert discussion
- 📊 Business & Social Studies
Grade Weighting
Final Exam Part 1
Final Exam Part 2
Weighting according to the IT Specialist training regulations (FIAE). Other specializations may vary.
Grade Calculator
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Final Exam Part 1
Final Exam Part 2
Calculated using FIAE weighting. No guarantee of accuracy.
Exam Schedule
The IHK offers four exam periods per year:
| Period | Part | Note |
|---|---|---|
| February / March | AP1 | Written, after approx. 18 months of training |
| April / May | AP2 (written) | Summer exam — specialization + Business Studies |
| June / July | AP2 (project) | Presentation and expert discussion |
| September | AP1 | For the winter class |
| November | AP2 (written) | Winter exam |
| January / February | AP2 (project) | Presentation and expert discussion |
Failure Rate
About one in four candidates fails the IHK exam. The most common reasons:
- Started preparing too late
- Didn't know what the IHK actually tests
- Studied alone, without feedback or structure
- Underestimated the project work and documentation
The good news: With targeted preparation, the exam is absolutely achievable. Those who systematically work through exam topics and take the project work seriously have very good chances of a strong result.
The Project Work — Key to Success
50% of your AP2 grade depends on the project work. Topic selection, proposal, documentation and presentation — we show you what matters.
Ready for your exam?
We prepare you for AP1 and AP2 — with real exam questions, personal coaching and project mentoring.
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