Teacher training is not reformed in one go across Germany. Each federal state sets rules for studies, practical training and the trainee service in its own law. Using North Rhine-Westphalia as an example, this guide explains what the state teacher training act (LABG) in the version of 1 July 2026 sets out. For other states, you need to check their own rules.
Short answer: Since 1 July 2026, the amended NRW teacher training act (LABG, German: Lehramtsausbildungsgesetz) applies to teacher training students in North Rhine-Westphalia. The bachelor has a standard period of six semesters and the master four semesters. The practicum semester of at least five months applies to students who start their bachelor from the summer semester 2027. Last updated: November 2026.
The most important points at a glance
- The LABG in the version of 1 July 2026 was amended by a law of 22 June 2026. The changes apply from 1 July 2026.
- For all teaching qualifications, the bachelor has a standard period of six semesters and the master of education four semesters (section 10(1)).
- The practical phases comprise an orientation internship, a field internship and a practicum semester of at least five months (section 12(1)).
- The new practical rules apply to students who start their bachelor in the summer semester 2027 or later (section 20(7)).
- The trainee service lasts 18 months, and the state examination takes place during this period (section 5(1), section 7(2)).
Which practical phases does the new teacher training in NRW include?
Under section 12(1) LABG, the practical offer consists of three components with fixed minimum lengths. The table gives an overview. The detailed organisation of each phase is set out in your university study regulations, because the law only defines the framework.
| Component | Minimum length under section 12(1) | Timing under the law |
|---|---|---|
| Orientation internship (Eignungs- und Orientierungspraktikum) | usually 30, at least 25 days | see the study regulations of your university |
| Field internship (Berufsfeldpraktikum) | at least 20 days | see the study regulations of your university |
| Practicum semester (Praxissemester) | at least five months, at least half at schools | in the second, at the latest the third master semester (section 12(3)) |
The order matters. Under the law, the practicum semester should take place in the master, not in the bachelor. If you started your bachelor before the summer semester 2027, the amended section 12(1) does not apply to you. Instead, the previous version continues to apply, because section 20(7) ties the new version to a bachelor start from the summer semester 2027. If a change of programme or an interruption affects your position, the study office of your university can clarify your individual case.
How long do studies and the trainee service take?
Section 10(1) sets the standard period for the bachelor at six semesters, and the master of education at four semesters. The trainee service follows, which section 5(1) gives as 18 months. The standard period is a guideline. The time you actually need depends on subjects, examination performance and practical phases.
A worked example shows how the periods add up. Assumption: you start in the winter semester 2027/28 and keep to the standard periods. The bachelor then ends after six semesters and the master after four more. Studies are complete after ten semesters, that is in the summer semester 2032. The trainee service would then last 18 months. Extensions caused by repeated examinations are not included.
Who enters the trainee service, and how are places allocated?
Under section 6, admission to the trainee service can be limited when more people apply than there are places. Under section 6, up to 10 of 100 places go first to applicants with a subject in urgent demand, at least 60 of 100 according to the result of the degrees, up to 25 of 100 according to waiting time since the first application, and up to 5 of 100 to hardship cases. Ties are otherwise decided by lot. In addition, section 9(3) requires that applicants offer assurance that they will at all times uphold the free democratic basic order. This requirement applies regardless of grades and waiting time.
For teacher training, it is also important that, under section 7(2), the civil service relationship ends when the state examination is passed. If you plan to become a civil servant during training, clarify the consequences for insurance and pension provision early. Our article on teacher training insurance from studies to traineeship describes the typical stages.
Does this apply in other federal states?
The LABG applies only in North Rhine-Westphalia. Other states have their own teacher training laws with their own status, and some are changing their rules at present. This guide therefore cannot provide an overview of all states. If you study in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Berlin or another state, check the rules of your state with the responsible ministry before you make decisions.
Pay also differs across Germany during the trainee service. Our article on trainee teacher salary in Germany by state gives an overview. The figures there are tied to a specific date and should be checked with the state authority before you rely on them.
When does anything change for you specifically?
The answer depends only on when you start your bachelor. The following table sorts the cases roughly. The statute and the advice of your university always remain decisive.
| Start of bachelor | Practical rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| before the summer semester 2027 | previous version of section 12(1) | section 20(7) LABG |
| from the summer semester 2027 | new practical phases with practicum semester in the master | section 12(1) and (3), section 20(7) LABG |
Frequently asked questions
Does the new LABG also apply to my current studies?
Under section 20(7), the new practical rule applies to students who start their bachelor in the summer semester 2027 or later. How other parts of the law affect ongoing programmes is governed by its transitional provisions. Ask your study office for a written answer.
Does the state examination still take place during my studies?
No. Under the amended section 7(2), the state examination takes place during the trainee service. The civil service relationship ends when the examination is passed. The examination regulations of the state describe the details.
Where can I find the exact text of the law?
The law is published in the legal database of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia at recht.nrw.de. The page shows the version of 1 July 2026. The page names the amending act of 22 June 2026 (GV. NRW. 2026 p. 389). Individual dates in the page text differ from each other, for example the reference to the original act of 12 May 2009. The text in the official gazette is authoritative, so use the official version for legally important questions.
Is the model also available for vocational college teacher training?
Section 10(3) provides for a pilot project. For vocational college teaching in engineering technology with building, electrical or mechanical engineering, access via universities of applied sciences master degrees is then possible. The condition is that teaching started by 2028 at the latest. Access is possible for the last time in 2035, and the rule is reviewed for the first time in 2030.
Do I receive pay during the trainee service?
Yes, the trainee service is paid, but the amount depends on the state and on the current pay scale. This guide does not give a figure, because such amounts change regularly. Ask the responsible state authority for the current amount. Our article on trainee teacher salary by state explains the background.
What you should do now
- Find out which state your university is in and obtain the teacher training law that applies there.
- Determine your bachelor start date, because it decides whether the new practical-phase rule in section 12 or the previous version under section 20(7) applies.
- Ask your study office for the study regulations with the dates for the orientation internship, field internship and practicum semester.
- Plan practical phases so that you reach the minimum lengths under section 12(1).
- Clarify early what the trainee service means for insurance and pension provision.
Related reading
- Teacher training insurance: from studies to traineeship
- Trainee Teacher Salary in Germany by State
- Health Insurance for Referendare in Germany
- Staatsexamen and Referendariat: Reforms, deadlines and rules at a glance
Sources: Teacher Training Act of North Rhine-Westphalia (LABG, German text), version of 1 July 2026, recht.nrw.de, status 1 July 2026, retrieved 2 November 2026 (in German)
Last updated: November 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
