Prüfungsordnungen

Prüfungsordnungen are formal regulations that govern the examination portion of degree programs at higher education institutions. They define the framework for how assessments are organized, conducted, and regulated within a study program, and they often form part of the broader Studien- und Prüfungsordnung as well as separate program-specific rules.

A Prüfungsordnung typically covers the structure of the program, including required modules, credit points (ECTS), and the conditions for progressing from one module to the next. It specifies the types of assessments allowed (written, oral, practical, coursework), the grading scheme, the weighting of modular results, and the criteria for overall degree classification. It also describes the number of attempts allowed for examinations, deadlines, procedures for registration and deregistration, and the time limits for completing the program.

The order also addresses formalities such as recognition of prior academic achievements, credit transfer within and between institutions, and provisions for academic integrity, inclinations for plagiarism and sanctions. It provides the rules for appeals, corrections, and revisions of examination results, as well as any accommodations for special groups of students.

Legal basis and governance vary by country and university. In many systems, Prüfungsordnungen must comply with state or national frameworks, and changes typically require approval by university bodies such as the senate or faculty councils. They are distinct from Studienordnungen, which regulate the structure of study, though the two are closely linked to ensure coherent curricula and assessment.