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Medicinal products; registration for the examination of expertise for the trade in over-the-counter medicinal products

In order to be able to offer so-called over-the-counter medicines in the trade, you must prove the corresponding expertise by passing an examination.

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Procedure details

In principle, medicines may only be sold in pharmacies. However, there are exceptions for so-called over-the-counter medicines. These can be, for example, teas, ointments or tablets containing herbal substances such as valerian. If you want to sell these products in your store, an employee with proven expertise must always be on site. You can prove this expertise by taking the test.

In the exam, for example, you must be able to answer questions on the proper storage of over-the-counter medicines, possible dangers of overdosing the active ingredients and legal regulations on handling and sale. The questionnaire comprises 50 multiple-choice questions and 5 open questions.

You should prepare for the content of the examination, for example by attending a preparatory course. However, this is not a prerequisite for registering for the exam.

If you have a university degree or vocational training in the field of pharmacy, you may already have the expertise and do not have to prove this by taking a separate exam. You can find out more about this in the further information.

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  • Required Documents
    • Photo ID for identification during the test

First you register in writing or online with the relevant IHK.

  • The IHK will confirm your registration
  • You take the exam on the chosen date
  • If you pass the exam, you will then receive a certificate

After receiving the certificate, you are allowed to sell medicines that are not subject to the pharmacy obligation.

Costs are incurred. The exact amount can be found in the fee schedule of the local IHK.

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You will usually receive the certificate within a few days of passing the exam.

Detailed information on how to appeal against an examination result can be found in the notification that you have failed the examination.

Status: 20.10.2025
Editorially responsible for prodecure description: Deutscher Industrie- und Handelskammertag e.V. + Zentrale Redaktion BayernPortal im Bayerischen Staatsministerium für Digitales
Source: Federal Portal
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