Haupttermin

Haupttermin is a term used in German-speaking education and professional examinations to designate the main or official examination date within a given assessment period. It refers to the standard sitting defined by examination regulations or the exam office and serves as the primary moment of assessment.

In universities and colleges, Haupttermine are typically published in the examination timetable and are binding for the registered students. They are followed by results of the exam, and in many programs there are additional opportunities to retake the assessment if a student does not pass, such as Nachtermine (catch-up or make-up dates) or Wiederholungsprüfungen. The exact structure and number of Haupttermine can vary by institution, program, and country.

In professional and state examinations, such as medical, legal, or teaching licensure exams, the Haupttermin denotes the principal sitting of the exam. If a candidate does not pass or cannot attend, secondary dates (Nachtermine) or later retake opportunities are offered under regulatory guidelines. The scheduling and eligibility rules for Haupttermine are typically set out in the respective examination regulations (Prüfungsordnung) and are managed by the examination office of the institution or the licensing authority.

Etymology and usage: the word combines Haupt (main) and Termin (date, appointment). The term emphasizes the primary nature of the scheduled assessment, with Nachtermine serving as secondary options.