Beamter/Beamtin im Verfassungsschutz (mittlerer Dienst)

Learning locations are: The Centre for Intelligence Training and Further Education (Zentrum für nachrichtendienstliche Aus- und Fortbildung), possibly Schools for the Protection of the Constitution (Schulen für Verfassungsschutz): Classrooms (classroom-based instruction); The Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (Bundesamt für Verfassungsschutz), possibly State Offices for the Protection of the Constitution (Landesämter für Verfassungsschutz): Offices.

Occupation Type: Civil service training (Beamtenausbildung). Type of Training: Preparatory service (Vorbereitungsdienst), regulated by federal or state (Bundesland) ordinances. Duration of preparatory service: 2 years. Learning locations: Centre for Intelligence Training and Further Education, Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution, possibly State Offices for the Protection of the Constitution. What does one do in this profession? Civil servants in the intermediate service of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution support case officers in the higher service (gehobener Dienst), for example, in observing anti-constitutional activities of right-wing, left-wing, or foreign extremist groups. They evaluate the collected information, prepare the results, and forward them to decision-makers. In counter-espionage, they participate in monitoring the activities of hostile intelligence services and in defending against espionage and cyberattacks. Administrative tasks, such as in the budget management of the intelligence service, are also part of their duties. Where does one work? Work...

Job Title: Civil servant in the intermediate service of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (Beamter/Beamtin im mittleren Dienst des Verfassungsschutzes). Occupation Type: Civil service training (Beamtenausbildung)/Preparatory service (Vorbereitungsdienst). Training Duration: 2 years. Entry Requirement: Usually a secondary school leaving certificate (mittlerer Bildungsabschluss) or a Hauptschule certificate and a relevant completed vocational training (Berufsausbildung). What does one do in this profession? Civil servants in the intermediate service of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution support case officers in the higher service, for example, in observing anti-constitutional activities of right-wing, left-wing, or foreign extremist groups. They evaluate the collected information, prepare the results, and forward them to decision-makers. In counter-espionage, they participate in monitoring the activities of hostile intelligence services and in defending against espionage and cyberattacks. Administrative tasks, such as in the budget management of the intelligence service, are also part of their duties. Where does one work? Civil servants in the intermediate service...

2 years.

The selection process consists of a written and an oral part. In the written part, which comprises up to three performance tests, cognitive abilities and the ability to reliably comprehend a text are particularly examined. The oral part consists of a semi-structured interview and a maximum of two further tasks (e.g., presentation, simulation task, group task, group discussion) and serves to test the applicants' motivation, social competence, and communication behavior. Furthermore, a security clearance check is carried out according to the Security Clearance Act (Sicherheitsüberprüfungsgesetz - SÜG).

Structure of the preparatory service in the intermediate service of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution: Basic Course (Grundlehrgang) at the Centre for Intelligence Training and Further Education (ZNAF): 3 months. Internship I (including practice-oriented courses) at the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV): 4 months. Advanced Course (Aufbaulehrgang) at the Centre for Intelligence Training and Further Education (ZNAF): 3 months. Internship II (including practice-oriented courses) at the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV): 10 months. Final Course (Abschlusslehrgang) at the Centre for Intelligence Training and Further Education (ZNAF): 4 months. Career Examination (Laufbahnprüfung). Total training duration: 24 months.

No tuition fees or course fees are charged. Travel expenses or costs for learning materials may arise. Accommodation costs at the training location may also be incurred.

During the theoretical training, one acquires knowledge in areas such as operational procurement and observation, intelligence information analysis, constitutional, administrative, and criminal law, laws concerning intelligence services and other intelligence-related laws, international politics and forms of political extremism, security fields with intelligence relevance (especially self-protection, secrecy protection, and counter-espionage), intelligence psychology, foreign language training, and budget, treasury, and accounting. During the practical training, one learns about the essential tasks, organization, and working methods of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution. Practice-oriented courses deepen the knowledge acquired in theoretical training and internships, in close relation to practical application.

One should be prepared for the following conditions and requirements: During the theoretical training phases: classroom instruction, possibly project work, and reviewing content at home. During the practical training phases: practical collaboration (under guidance), e.g., researching and evaluating information, writing reports. Practice-oriented courses deepen specialized knowledge. Requirements include diligence (e.g., careful collaboration in evaluating information), a sense of responsibility (e.g., balancing the preservation of internal security with citizens' personal freedom rights when collecting information), discretion (e.g., observing data protection and maintaining silence towards outsiders about indications of anti-constitutional endeavors), and willingness to learn (e.g., staying up-to-date on the latest developments in technical possibilities for acquiring intelligence information).

The monthly gross basic salary for candidates in the public service (middle-level) at federal agencies is 1,473 € (Source: dbb beamtenbund und tarifunion, as of March 2024). The monthly gross basic salary for candidates in the public service (middle-level) at Bundesland (state) agencies varies between 1,510 € and 1,528 € depending on the Bundesland (Source: dbb beamtenbund und tarifunion, as of February 2025). In addition to the basic salary, candidate allowances include capital-forming benefits, and possibly family allowances and other surcharges, remunerations, and bonuses.

In-depth knowledge in the following school subjects is a good prerequisite for successful Ausbildung (vocational training): German: Since civil servant candidates learn to prepare reports and statements during their Ausbildung, good German language skills are essential. Mathematics: During their Ausbildung, civil servant candidates acquire knowledge in areas such as budget, treasury, and accounting. Therefore, mathematical knowledge is required. Politics/Social Studies: Civil servant candidates learn to procure and evaluate information relevant to constitutional protection, taking political circumstances into account. Therefore, knowledge of politics is important.

The following Ausbildung (vocational training) alternatives are available for the profession of civil servant in the middle-level service of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution: Area of Law and Administration: Civil servant at the Federal Intelligence Service (middle-level non-technical service), Police officer in the Federal Police (middle-level non-technical service), Police officer in the middle-level non-technical service, Civil servant in the correctional service (middle-level non-technical service), Civil servant in the deportation detention service (middle-level non-technical service), Civil servant in the middle-level customs service, Administrative specialist in federal administration, Administrative specialist in municipal administration, Administrative specialist in state administration. Commonality: Processing administrative procedures. Area of Protection and Security: Civil servant for the middle-level technical service of remote.

In Bavaria, no preparatory service (Vorbereitungsdienst) is established. Access to the career path is granted with appropriate qualifications.

2 years

In 2019, a new regulation was introduced for the middle-level service in the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution. With the regulation of August 9, 2019, the career trainings of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution and the Federal Intelligence Service in the middle non-technical administrative service were merged. The career path 'Intelligence Services' has since been offered in the specializations 'Protection of the Constitution' and 'Federal Intelligence Service'.

The Ausbildung (vocational training) in the middle-level service of the Protection of the Constitution takes place as a 2-year preparatory service (Vorbereitungsdienst). It is regulated by ordinances of the federal government or the Bundesländer (federal states) and leads to a career examination (Laufbahnprüfung).

This career path is established at the federal level and in the following Bundesländer (federal states), but specific graduation/professional titles are not available: Bavaria, Saxony. Example career titles include: Official - Protection of the Constitution (middle-level service), Official - Protection of the Constitution (career group 1, second entry level), Official - Protection of the Constitution (second qualification level). These titles are examples and may vary depending on the Bundesland or federal authority. The responsible bodies determine whether the career path is offered as an Ausbildung (vocational training).

Monthly gross basic allowance for candidates (Anwärtergrundbetrag) in the public service (middle-level service) at federal authorities: 1,473 €. Source: dbb beamtenbund und tarifunion, as of March 2024. Monthly gross basic allowance for candidates in the public service (middle-level service) at state (Landesbehörden) authorities: 1,510 €. Source: dbb beamtenbund und tarifunion, as of February 2025. In addition to the basic allowance, candidate emoluments include capital-forming benefits, possibly also family allowances, and other supplements, remuneration, and bonuses. In Bavaria, no preparatory service (Vorbereitungsdienst) is established. Access to the career path is granted with appropriate qualifications.

Monthly basic remuneration for candidates in the public service sector (middle-level) at federal authorities (gross): 1,473 € (Source: dbb beamtenbund und tarifunion, as of March 2024). Monthly basic remuneration for candidates in the public service sector (middle-level) at state authorities (gross): 1,528 € (Source: dbb beamtenbund und tarifunion, as of February 2025). Note: In addition to the basic remuneration, candidate allowances include capital-forming benefits, possibly family allowances, and other additional allowances, remunerations, and surcharges.

After their Ausbildung (vocational training), civil servants in the middle-level service of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution work at the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution or in state offices for the Protection of the Constitution. They can keep their specialized knowledge up-to-date or bring it to the latest standard through adaptive further training. The range of topics extends from politics to data protection law. With appropriate aptitude, civil servants in the middle-level service of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution have the opportunity to move to the next higher career path after a successful promotion procedure. With a university entrance qualification (Hochschulzugangsberechtigung), one can also pursue a Studium (university degree) and, for example, obtain a Bachelor's degree in state and administrative sciences.

The preparatory service (Vorbereitungsdienst) for civil service careers is regulated by the federal government and the Bundesländer (federal states), partly in their own ordinances. Federal-level regulation: Ordinance on the preparatory service for the middle-level service in the Federal Intelligence Service and the middle-level service in the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (MDBNDVerfSchVDV), promulgated as Article 1 of the ordinance of 09.08.2019 (BGBl. I S. 1221), last amended by Article 2 Para. 25 of the ordinance of 11.03.2026 (BGBl. 2026 I Nr. 67). State-level regulations: Ordinance on the specialist career path Police and Protection of the Constitution (Fach V-Pol/VS) of 09.12.2010 (Bay.GVBl. S. 821), last amended by ordinance of 26.03.2019 (Bay.GVBl. S. 98). Ordinance of the Saxon State Ministry of the Interior on the training and examination for the middle and higher service in the Protection of the Constitution of the Free State of Saxony (Sächsische Verfassungsschutzprüfungsverordnung) of 24.07.1996 (SächsGVBl. S. 349). In the following federal states, there are no state-level regulations.

A secondary school leaving certificate (mittlerer Bildungsabschluss) or a Hauptschulabschluss (lower secondary school leaving certificate) in conjunction with a beneficial completed vocational training (Berufsausbildung) is generally required. Furthermore, German citizenship according to Art. 116 of the Basic Law is required for access to the Ausbildung.

In Bavaria, no preparatory service (Vorbereitungsdienst) is established. Access to the career path is granted based on appropriate aptitude.

School/vocational pre-education: Realschulabschluss (intermediate secondary school leaving certificate) or Hauptschulabschluss (lower secondary school leaving certificate) and a beneficial completed vocational training (Berufsausbildung). Further access requirement: Maximum age of 31 years (exceptions possible).