Assistent/Assistentin für Informatik (technische Informatik)

Technical Assistants for Informatics are trained in a school-based Ausbildung (vocational training). Learning locations include Berufsfachschule/Berufskolleg (vocational school/college): classrooms (classroom instruction), school's own computer labs and workshops. Internship companies: offices, e.g., of IT industry companies or industrial manufacturing technology businesses.

Occupation Type: Ausbildung (vocational training) occupation. Type of Training: School-based training at Berufsfachschulen (vocational schools) and Berufskollegs (vocational colleges) (regulated by state law). Training Duration: Typically 2 years, possibly 3-4 years with additional qualifications. Learning Locations: Berufsfachschule/Berufskolleg and internship companies. What do you do in this profession? Technical Assistants for Informatics create and program system solutions for operational processes. They adapt existing software or hardware to changed requirements or develop databases and programs using suitable programming languages and software development tools. They also install software and networks, administer computers, and maintain them. In process data processing, they control, monitor, and optimize computer-supported industrial processes. They install, repair, configure, and maintain automation equipment and computer-integrated production facilities, commission them, and instruct operating personnel.

Job Title: Technical Assistant for Informatics. Occupation Type: Berufsfachschule (vocational school) occupation. Training Duration: Typically 2 years. Entry Requirement: Generally, a secondary school leaving certificate (mittlerer Bildungsabschluss), Fachhochschulreife (university of applied sciences entrance qualification), or allgemeine Hochschulreife (general university entrance qualification). What do you do in this profession? Technical Assistants for Informatics create and program system solutions for operational processes. They adapt existing software or hardware to changed requirements or develop databases and programs using suitable programming languages and software development tools. They also install software and networks, administer computers, and maintain them. In process data processing, they control, monitor, and optimize computer-supported industrial processes. They install, repair, configure, and maintain automation equipment and computer-integrated production facilities, commission them, and instruct operating personnel. They automate technical processes.

Typically 2 years. With acquisition of Fachhochschulreife (university of applied sciences entrance qualification) or allgemeine Hochschulreife (general university entrance qualification): typically 3-4 years.

Berufsfachschulen/Berufskollegs (vocational schools/colleges) select applicants according to their own criteria. For example, good performance in natural science subjects is valued.

Time guidelines according to KMK (Conference of Ministers of Education) agreement: Cross-occupational learning area: 320 hours. Occupation-specific learning area: 2,240 hours. Total hours: 2,560 hours. The division into subjects, learning fields, or projects is regulated in the Berufsfachschule (vocational school) ordinances of the Bundesländer (federal states). Example for hour distribution: General Area: German: 1st year 2 weekly hours, 2nd year 1 weekly hour. English: 1st year 2 weekly hours, 2nd year 2 weekly hours. Religious Education: 1st year 1 weekly hour, 2nd year 1 weekly hour. Politics and Society: 1st year 1 weekly hour, 2nd year 1 weekly hour. Sports: 1st year 2 weekly hours, 2nd year 0 weekly hours. General Area total: 1st year 8 weekly hours, 2nd year 5 weekly hours. Theoretical Area: Mathematics: 1st year 2 weekly hours, 2nd year 2 weekly hours. Operating Systems: 1st year 4 weekly hours, 2nd year 8 weekly hours. Network Technology: 1st year 5 weekly hours, 2nd year 7 weekly hours.

Ausbildung (vocational training) at public schools is generally free for students, but admission and examination fees may apply. Private schools, on the other hand, usually charge course fees. Additional costs may arise, for example, for learning materials, travel to the training facility, or external accommodation. Under certain conditions, students participating in vocational training can receive funding under the Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz (BAföG). For more information, please refer to BAföG.

During theoretical and practical lessons, one learns, for example: what to know about data processing and microcomputer technology; how to apply programming languages like C++ or Java; how to develop software for technical applications and program industry-specific software solutions for controlling and regulating technical processes and systems; how databases are programmed and database management systems are used; how to plan, set up, and administer PC systems; how computers are integrated into technical processes and computer networks are set up; how to ensure the energy supply for information technology systems; how software and hardware components are installed and tested, and how to proceed with troubleshooting; how to plan projects and create and manage technical documents. General subjects such as German, economics, and social studies are also taught during the training. Practical experience is gained through company internships.

One should be prepared for the following conditions and requirements: In theoretical lessons, instruction takes place in a classroom setting, possibly with project work, and content is reviewed at home. In the school's own classrooms and in the internship company, practical work is carried out (under guidance): e.g., developing computer programs and application software, setting up computer networks and software, maintaining hardware. The environment involves changing workplaces (offices, production halls, possibly fieldwork). Working hours can be irregular (in customer service/maintenance and repair areas). Requirements include technical understanding and spatial imagination (e.g., implementing technical sketches when planning networks, reading circuit diagrams, narrowing down or eliminating hardware and software errors), creativity and perseverance (e.g., developing system solutions for computer networks, persistent searching for program errors), meticulousness (e.g., configuring system and application software), and verbal communication skills.

For Ausbildung abroad, the following options are available, for example: Austria offers training opportunities via AMS Ausbildungskompass (e.g., with the search term 'Informatik') and France via onisep - French training database (e.g., using the free text search with the term 'assistant/assistante informatique').

No remuneration is paid for this Ausbildung.

In-depth knowledge in the following school subjects is a good prerequisite for successful Ausbildung: Computer Science for programming software, Mathematics for understanding complex relationships in programming, Technology for solving hardware problems, and English for understanding English-language computer programs.

The following Ausbildung (vocational training) alternatives are available for the profession of Technical Assistant for Informatics: Hardware and Software Development Area: Assistant for Informatics (general informatics), Assistant for Informatics (media informatics), Assistant for Informatics (software engineering), Assistant for Informatics (business informatics), Specialist Consultant for Software Techniques (dual-qualified Ausbildung), IT Specialist in Application Development, Commercial Assistant/Business Assistant - Business Informatics, State-certified Mathematical-Technical Assistant, Mathematical-Technical Software Developer. Commonality: Developing, programming, testing, and installing software. Networking, Data and Information Security Area: IT Specialist.

2 years

3 years

2 or 4 years. A 2-year Ausbildung is available. A 4-year Ausbildung is also available with the acquisition of the general Hochschulreife (Abitur).

2 years

1984: Ordinance on the final examination of the Berufsfachschule (vocational school) for assistants in commercial-technical fields in Berlin. 1992: Framework agreement on the Ausbildung and examination of state-certified technical assistants at Berufsfachschulen by the Kultusministerkonferenz (KMK). From 1992: Ordinances by the Bundesländer (federal states), e.g., Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, based on the framework agreement.

The Ausbildung (vocational training) in Saarland lasts 2 years.

In Bavaria, theoretical and practical lessons cover the following areas: Compulsory subjects include religious studies or ethics, Islamic studies, German, English, politics and society, sports, mathematics, operating systems, network technology, computer systems, and application development. Additionally, a relevant company internship is completed as part of the school education.

In Berlin, theoretical and practical lessons cover the following areas: For a state-certified assistant for information and telecommunication systems, the interdisciplinary learning area includes German, economics and social studies, English, mathematics, physics, IT materials, sports/health promotion. The job-related learning area covers information and telecommunication systems, business processes, application systems, specialized practice, laboratory project: information and telecommunication systems, laboratory project: business processes, laboratory project: application systems. For a state-certified IT assistant with a focus on automation and computer technology, theoretical subjects include mathematics, physics, technical informatics, programming, data protection and data law, and technical English. A company internship is completed during the training program.

In Bremen, theoretical and practical lessons cover the following areas: The interdisciplinary learning area includes German/foreign languages, politics/economics, and elective subjects. The job-related learning area includes specialized theory (mathematics, physics, technical English, network technology, technical informatics, programming, data protection and data law) and specialized practice (technical informatics internship, programming internship).

In Hessen, theoretical and practical lessons cover the following areas: Compulsory subjects in the general education area include German/foreign languages, politics and economics, religion/ethics, and sports. In the vocational education area, topics include describing and applying mathematical thinking and working methods to solve IT problems, describing and applying physical models and working methods to IT problems, deepening language competence and describing IT contexts in English, processing orders according to operational structures and processes, configuring and commissioning single-user computer systems, documenting and presenting IT systems, developing and adapting applications, planning, commissioning and maintaining networks, setting up and administering network services, planning and executing projects. Elective subjects are offered for deepening and supplementing the training, and typically a company internship of at least 160 hours is required.

Technical Assistant for Informatics is a school-based Ausbildung (vocational training) regulated by state law at Berufsfachschule (vocational schools) and Berufskolleg (vocational colleges). It usually lasts 2 years, but can also be 3-4 years, and leads to a state final examination.

The Ausbildung (vocational training) in Thuringia lasts 2 years.

During theoretical and practical lessons in Saarland, knowledge is imparted in interdisciplinary areas such as technical English, project and quality management. In the professional field, training covers electrical engineering, electronics, measurement and control technology, microprocessor technology, automation systems, automation technology, technical informatics, programming technology, network systems, and databases. Elective subjects include CAD-mechanical engineering and CAE-electrical engineering. The school-based training is supplemented by a relevant company internship.

This Ausbildung (vocational training) is legally regulated only in the mentioned Bundesländer (federal states) and leads to the following qualification titles there: Bavaria, Thuringia: State-certified technical assistant for informatics. Baden-Württemberg: State-certified assistant for information and communication technology; State-certified IT assistant. Berlin: State-certified assistant for information and telecommunication systems; State-certified IT assistant, with a focus on automation and computer technology. Brandenburg: State-certified assistant for automation and computer technology. Bremen: State-certified IT assistant.

The Ausbildung (vocational training) in Brandenburg lasts 2 years.

During theoretical and practical lessons in Thuringia, knowledge is imparted in general subjects (social studies, sports, German, English), professional theoretical subjects (mathematics, technical physics, business administration, programming, application systems, operating systems, IT systems), and professional practical subjects (project work with a focus on programming, application systems, operating systems, IT systems, process technology). A company internship of at least four weeks is completed as part of the professional practical lessons. Elective subjects include multimedia technologies, automation technology, and network technologies.

The Ausbildung (vocational training) in Lower Saxony lasts 2 years.

During this Ausbildung (vocational training) in Brandenburg, knowledge is acquired in applied mathematics, technical mechanics, machine elements, electrical engineering, electronics, automation technology, measurement and control technology, computer technology and system analysis, programming languages, German, political education, economics, technical English, and sports. The training is supplemented by an internship.

Prospective technical assistants for computer science can improve their chances during their Ausbildung (vocational training) by acquiring additional qualifications, such as the Fachhochschulreife (university of applied sciences qualification) or the allgemeine Hochschulreife (general university qualification) as a basis for later Studium (university studies). After graduation, they can work for software developers, in software and hardware consulting, or for companies providing automation solutions. Through continuing education (Anpassungsweiterbildung), they can keep their expertise current in areas like software development, programming, and IT project management. To advance their careers, they can pursue further training (Aufstiegsweiterbildung) such as becoming a Techniker (technician).

The duration of this Ausbildung (vocational training) in Sachsen-Anhalt is 2 years.

The duration of this Ausbildung (vocational training) in Rheinland-Pfalz is 2 years.

During this Ausbildung (vocational training) in Niedersachsen, knowledge is acquired in general subjects like German, English, politics, sports, and religion, as well as vocational topics such as creating and managing technical documents, integrating computers into technical processes, planning and administering PC systems, planning and maintaining databases, setting up computer networks, developing software for technical applications, ensuring power supply for information technology systems, and planning, executing, and evaluating projects. Practical training is also conducted in suitable companies during the school-based education.

During this Ausbildung (vocational training) in Sachsen-Anhalt, knowledge is acquired in general subjects like German, social studies, sports, religion or ethics, as well as vocational topics such as mathematics, English, analyzing economic and business processes, understanding and applying technical fundamentals of information processing, preparing and presenting information, analyzing and building simple IT systems, networking and administering IT systems, developing and adapting structured and object-oriented programs, developing and adapting databases, measuring, controlling, and regulating in technical processes, integrating microcontrollers into technical processes, and binary controlling technical processes. Elective courses and practical training in suitable companies are also included.

During theoretical and practical lessons, knowledge is imparted in the following areas: Profession-related learning area, profession-related instruction, subject-specific instruction, location-specific instruction. Additionally, a relevant internship supervised by the school in a suitable company, self-directed learning, German/Communication, first foreign language, optionally MINT (Mathematics, Informatics, Natural Sciences, Technology) in the profession, and health education/sports are included. The learning fields for subject-specific instruction are: Orienting oneself and engaging in professional action situations, building, configuring, and administering IT systems, structured programming, planning, realizing, and administering computer networks, developing object-oriented applications, ensuring IT security, developing IT systems for hardware-related applications, developing a database with a user interface. The interdisciplinary learning area includes social studies/economics and religion or ethics.

This Ausbildung (vocational training) lasts 2 or 3 years. For a state-certified Assistant for Information and Communication Technology, it is 2 years, and for a state-certified Computer Scientist in the field of Technology, it is 3 years.

The full-time Ausbildung (vocational training) lasts 2 years. The Ausbildung can also be completed part-time, but currently, no information on the duration is available.

The Ausbildung (vocational training) lasts 24-39 months. Berufsfachschule (vocational school) training: 36 months for access with a secondary school leaving certificate (Fachoberschulreife), with the acquisition of the Fachhochschulreife (university of applied sciences entrance qualification). 24 months for access with a (Fach-)Hochschulreife (university entrance qualification). Dual-qualification educational program at the vocational Gymnasium: 39 months (with the acquisition of the general Hochschulreife (Abitur)).

For a state-certified Assistant for Information and Communication Technology, knowledge is imparted in the following areas during theoretical and practical lessons: General area (Religion, German, English, Economics and Social Studies), Theoretical area (Mathematics, Electrical Engineering/Electronics, Programming Techniques, Information Technology, Communication Technology), Practical area (Electronics Internship, Programming Techniques Internship, Information Technology Internship, Communication Technology Internship). Elective subjects vary depending on the education provider, e.g., Digital Technology, Media Design and Presentation, Business Communication. For a state-certified Information and Communication Technology Assistant, knowledge is imparted in the following areas during theoretical and practical lessons: Compulsory subjects (General area: Religious Studies/Ethics, German, English, Economics and Social Studies), Theoretical area (Mathematics, Electronics, Programming Techniques).

During theoretical and practical lessons, knowledge is imparted in the following areas: Profession-related areas with learning fields such as using, analyzing, and designing information technology systems, planning and creating simple application programs, analyzing and designing internet applications, setting up, analyzing, and administering networked IT systems, planning, realizing, and testing application software, planning and carrying out information technology projects, analyzing, realizing, and testing electrotechnical systems, selecting and using embedded systems, selecting and using communication systems. Practical periods are also treated as a subject or learning field and are graded on the report card. The interdisciplinary area includes subjects such as Economics/Politics, German/Communication, English, Mathematics, Sports, Religion or Philosophy.

The Ausbildung (vocational training) content in North Rhine-Westphalia for a state-certified IT assistant (informationstechnische/r Assistent/in) includes theoretical and practical lessons. These cover professional subjects like software, electrical engineering, operating systems/networks, databases, economics, mathematics, and English. General subjects such as German/communication, religious studies, sports/health promotion, and politics/social studies are also part of the curriculum. There are also opportunities to supplement and deepen individual knowledge and skills. For a state-certified IT assistant (double-qualification program at a vocational high school - berufliches Gymnasium), the curriculum focuses on mathematics, technical informatics, computer science, electrical engineering, physics, economics, and foreign languages (English and, if applicable, a second foreign language). Internships are conducted in both programs.

The duration of the Ausbildung (vocational training) in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is 2 years.

Legal regulations for this Ausbildung (vocational training) are set at the federal level. The framework agreement by the Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs (Kultusministerkonferenz) from 2011, last amended in 2024, outlines the training and examination for state-certified technical and commercial assistants at Berufsfachschulen (vocational schools). This framework agreement is not directly applicable law; each Bundesland (federal state) regulates assistant training in its own school or Berufsfachschule regulations based on this framework. For example, in Bavaria, the Berufsfachschulordnung (vocational school regulation) from 2023, last amended in 2023, governs this training.

Generally, a secondary school leaving certificate (mittlerer Bildungsabschluss) or a Fachhochschulreife (university of applied sciences entrance qualification) or a general university entrance qualification (allgemeine Hochschulreife) is required for the Ausbildung (vocational training). Further requirements may vary depending on the Bundesland (federal state) and the educational program.

During the theoretical and practical lessons in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, knowledge is imparted in areas such as programming and software development, network technology/system integration, information and telecommunication systems, application systems, and electrical engineering. General subjects like German, social studies, religion or philosophy, and sports are also included. A several-week company internship is completed during the training program.

The required school education for the Ausbildung (vocational training) in Bavaria is a secondary school leaving certificate (mittlerer Schulabschluss).

In Berlin, a secondary school leaving certificate (mittlerer Schulabschluss) is required for this Ausbildung (vocational training).

In Bremen, a secondary school leaving certificate (mittlerer Schulabschluss) with at least a 'satisfactory' grade in two subjects important for the course is required for the 2-year program. For the 4-year program, eligibility to attend the gymnasiale Oberstufe (upper secondary school) is required.

In Hessen, eligibility to attend the gymnasiale Oberstufe (upper secondary school), a Realschulabschluss (intermediate secondary school leaving certificate), a certificate from a 2-year Berufsfachschule (vocational school), or Fachhochschulreife (university of applied sciences entrance qualification) is required. For all qualifications, at least 'satisfactory' grades are needed in two of the subjects Mathematics, German, and English, with no grade lower than 'sufficient' in these subjects. An additional requirement is a maximum age of 25 years.

In Saarland, Fachhochschulreife (university of applied sciences entrance qualification) or Hochschulzugangsberechtigung (university entrance qualification) is required. Admission is also possible with special professional qualifications: a final examination in a relevant recognized Ausbildung (vocational training) with a regular training period of at least 2 years, at least 3 years of full-time professional activity in the learned or a related profession, and proof of German language skills.

In Thüringen, a Realschulabschluss (intermediate secondary school leaving certificate) is required for this Ausbildung (vocational training).

In Brandenburg, Fachoberschulreife (technical college entrance qualification) is required for this Ausbildung (vocational training).

For vocational training (Ausbildung) in Niedersachsen (Lower Saxony), a Fachhochschulreife (university of applied sciences entrance qualification) is required.

For vocational training (Ausbildung) in Sachsen-Anhalt (Saxony-Anhalt), a Realschulabschluss (secondary school certificate) and a maximum age of 24 years are required.

For vocational training (Ausbildung) in Rheinland-Pfalz (Rhineland-Palatinate), a Qualifizierter Sekundarabschluss I (qualified secondary school certificate I) is required.

For vocational training (Ausbildung) in Baden-Württemberg, a Realschulabschluss (secondary school certificate) is required for 'Staatlich geprüfte/r Assistent/in für Informations- und Kommunikationstechnik'. For 'Staatlich geprüfte/r Informatiker/in in der Fachrichtung Technik', an allgemeine Hochschulreife (general higher education entrance qualification) or fachgebundene Hochschulreife (subject-specific higher education entrance qualification) is needed. In exceptional cases, access is also possible with a Fachhochschulreife (university of applied sciences entrance qualification).

For vocational training (Ausbildung) in Schleswig-Holstein, a mittlerer Schulabschluss (intermediate school leaving certificate) or the qualification to attend the gymnasiale Oberstufe (upper secondary school) is required.

For vocational training (Ausbildung) in Nordrhein-Westfalen (North Rhine-Westphalia), a 3-year educational program at the Berufsfachschule (vocational school) requires a mittlerer Schulabschluss (intermediate school leaving certificate) or the qualification to attend the gymnasiale Oberstufe (upper secondary school). A 2-year educational program at the Berufsfachschule requires a Hochschulreife (higher education entrance qualification) or the school-based part of the Fachhochschulreife (university of applied sciences entrance qualification). For the dual-qualification educational program at the berufliches Gymnasium (vocational grammar school), the qualification to attend the gymnasiale Oberstufe is required.

In the Bundesland (federal state) of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, the prerequisites for this Ausbildung (vocational training) are a secondary school certificate (Mittlere Reife) or eligibility to attend the upper secondary level (gymnasiale Oberstufe).