Partial qualification (Teilqualifizierung) (TQ, Teilqualifikation): A partial qualification (Teilqualifizierung, TQ) teaches a clearly defined part of a recognised occupation that requires vocational training. Together, several partial qualifications cover the whole occupation; after that, the external examination (Externenprüfung) for a full vocational qualification is possible.
How a partial qualification is structured
According to the Federal Employment Agency, each partial qualification teaches the requirements of an occupation in a clearly defined area, lasts several weeks and combines classroom teaching with practical work in a company. Several partial qualifications, some building on one another, together cover the entire occupation. Employers' associations, business education institutes (Bildungswerke der Wirtschaft) and the Federal Employment Agency have standardised them.
The route to a vocational qualification
According to the Federal Employment Agency, anyone who has completed all partial qualifications of an occupation can take the external examination, for example at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK). Under section 45 (2) BBiG, a person is to be admitted to the final examination if they have worked in the occupation for at least one and a half times the length of the training period; this can be waived wholly or partly if vocational competence is credibly demonstrated in another way. Which evidence the chamber requires is decided in the individual case.
Funding
The Federal Employment Agency expressly names the partial qualification as a form of training that can be funded with the education voucher. Employees can also be funded under section 82 SGB III; in the Federal Employment Agency's example, a warehouse assistant received an education voucher for each partial qualification. For partial qualifications that lead on to a vocational qualification (berufsanschlussfähige Teilqualifikationen), according to the Federal Employment Agency, the training allowance (Weiterbildungsgeld) may also be an option.
In practice: an example
An employee has worked for years as a warehouse assistant and dropped out of her vocational training back then. Instead of a two-year retraining in one go, she completes the partial qualifications for her occupation one after another alongside her job, each over a few weeks. At the end, she takes the external examination at the IHK and has a full vocational qualification.
How we help you
We clarify with you which funding route fits your situation and look for an approved course in our course finder. All funding routes at a glance are on our funding page, and you can request an appointment here.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a partial qualification and retraining?
Retraining leads to a vocational qualification in one go, usually a third shorter than the regular vocational training. A partial qualification breaks the occupation down into modules that are completed individually, and only leads to the qualification via the external examination.
Is a single partial qualification worth anything on its own?
Yes, each module ends with a certificate for the area learned. For the full vocational qualification, however, you need all modules and the external examination.
Is a partial qualification funded with an education voucher?
That is possible, according to the Federal Employment Agency also for employees. As always, the employment agency decides in the individual case, and the course and the provider must be approved.
Related terms
Sources
Legal texts and official bodies this article relies on. Links last checked on .
- Step by step to a qualification with a partial qualification (Mit der Teilqualifizierung Schritt für Schritt zum Abschluss)Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit)
- Education voucher for vocational trainingFederal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit)
- Section 45 BBiG: Admission in special casesFederal Ministry of Justice, gesetze-im-internet.de
- Section 81 SGB III: Principle of funding for vocational trainingFederal Ministry of Justice, gesetze-im-internet.de
Note: This information is for general guidance and is not legal advice. Whether you receive funding is decided in each individual case by the responsible office, for example the employment agency (Agentur für Arbeit), the job centre or the pension insurance. As of 08.11.2026.