Staatlich geprüfter Biologisch-technischer Assistent/Staatlich geprüfte Biologisch-technische Assistentin

Biological-technical assistants receive school-based Ausbildung (vocational training). Learning locations include Berufsfachschule (vocational school)/Berufskolleg (vocational college): classrooms (instruction in class groups), school's own laboratories, and practical training companies: laboratories, for example, of relevant university institutes, examination and environmental protection offices, or companies, for example, in the food or pharmaceutical industry.

Occupation Type: Ausbildung (vocational training) occupation. Type of Ausbildung: School-based Ausbildung at Berufsfachschulen (vocational schools) and Berufskollegs (vocational colleges) (regulated by Bundesland (federal state) law). Ausbildung Duration: Typically 2 years, possibly 3-4 years with additional qualifications. Learning Locations: Berufsfachschule/Berufskolleg and practical training company. What does one do in this profession? Biological-technical assistants support natural scientists in conducting and evaluating experiments in the laboratory or in field trials. They take samples and prepare them, calculate the required quantities of chemicals, and operate measuring devices. In fields such as biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, or medicine, they set up experimental arrangements and provide necessary chemicals. In consultation with their superiors, they conduct experiments and test series using physical-chemical measurement methods with animals, plants, cell cultures, and microorganisms, as well as with isolated biochemical substances from organisms. On the computer, they maintain experiment protocols, document the results of their investigations, and evaluate them.

Job Title: Biological-technical Assistant. Occupation Type: Berufsfachschule (vocational school) occupation. Ausbildung Duration: Typically 2 years. Entry Requirement: Typically a secondary school leaving certificate (mittlerer Bildungsabschluss). What does one do in this profession? Biological-technical assistants support natural scientists in conducting and evaluating experiments in the laboratory or in field trials. They take samples and prepare them, calculate the required quantities of chemicals, and operate measuring devices. In fields such as biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, or medicine, they set up experimental arrangements and provide necessary chemicals. In consultation with their superiors, they conduct experiments and test series using physical-chemical measurement methods with animals, plants, cell cultures, and microorganisms, as well as with isolated biochemical substances from organisms. On the computer, they maintain experiment protocols, document the results of their investigations, and evaluate them.

Typically 2 years. With the acquisition of the general Hochschulreife (university entrance qualification): typically 3-4 years.

Berufsfachschulen (vocational schools)/Berufskollegs (vocational colleges) select applicants according to their own criteria. Good performance in mathematics and natural science subjects is usually valued. In some cases, aptitude assessments in the form of aptitude tests are conducted.

Time recommendations according to the KMK (Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs) agreement: Cross-curricular 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 the distribution of hours: General Education: German: 1st Ausbildung year 2 weekly hours, 2nd Ausbildung year 2 weekly hours. English: 1st Ausbildung year 2 weekly hours, 2nd Ausbildung year 2 weekly hours. Social Studies: 1st Ausbildung year 1 weekly hour, 2nd Ausbildung year 1 weekly hour. Sports: 1st Ausbildung year 1 weekly hour, 2nd Ausbildung year 1 weekly hour. 1st Ausbildung year total: 6 weekly hours. 2nd Ausbildung year total: 6 weekly hours. Theoretical Vocational Instruction: Mathematics: 1st Ausbildung year 3 weekly hours, 2nd Ausbildung year 3 weekly hours. Technical Physics: 1st Ausbildung year 2 weekly hours, 2nd Ausbildung year 1 weekly hour. Business Administration: 1st Ausbildung year 0 weekly hours, 2nd Ausbildung year...

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 tuition fees. Additional costs may arise, for example, for learning materials, work clothes, 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 the BAföG page.

During theoretical and practical lessons, students learn about biological, biochemical, chemical, and chemical-physical examination methods, techniques for taking and preparing samples in biochemical analytics and biological investigations, and what is important in planning, conducting, and evaluating gravimetric and volumetric analyses. They also learn how to apply instrumental-analytical working methods, such as spectroscopic, chromatographic, electrochemical, or thermoanalytical procedures, what to consider when evaluating and documenting measurement results, and how to create examination protocols. The curriculum also covers how to use information technology (e.g., for evaluating results or electronic image processing), what to consider when preserving biological material and how to prepare permanent specimens, and how to conduct physiological investigations on plants and animals.

One should be prepared for the following conditions and requirements: Theoretical lessons involve classroom instruction, possibly project work, and reviewing content at home. In the school laboratory and during internships, practical work (under guidance) is performed, such as operating laboratory equipment and evaluating research results. The environment often requires sterile work at a cleanroom workbench. Clothing includes disposable gloves, lab coats, safety glasses, and, if necessary, special cleanroom attire. Shift work may be possible in production companies. Requirements include dexterity and hand-eye coordination (e.g., when checking cell conditions under a microscope or filling chemical substances), observational accuracy and attention (e.g., when observing experimental procedures), technical understanding (e.g., when handling testing devices and laboratory equipment), and diligence and a sense of responsibility (e.g., when preparing specimens and culture media, or handling dangerous microorganisms).

For Ausbildung (vocational training) abroad, the following options are available, for example: In France, you can use the onisep - French training database (e.g., by searching for 'technicien/technicienne biologiste').

No remuneration is paid for this Ausbildung (vocational training).

In-depth knowledge in the following school subjects is a good prerequisite for successful Ausbildung (vocational training): Biology (e.g., to conduct investigations on plants and animals), Chemistry (e.g., to perform analyses in the laboratory), Physics (e.g., to describe measurement methods), Mathematics (e.g., to calculate percentage compositions).

The following vocational training (Ausbildung) alternatives are available for the profession of Biological-technical Assistant in the laboratory field: Biology laboratory technician, Chemistry laboratory technician, State-certified chemical-technical assistant, State-certified agricultural-technical assistant, Food technical assistant, Medical technologist for laboratory analytics, Medical technologist for veterinary medicine, Dairy laboratory technician, Plant technologist, Pharmaceutical-technical assistant, Environmental protection technical assistant, and Cytology assistant. The commonality among these professions is performing laboratory and analysis work.

In the state of Bavaria, the vocational training (Ausbildung) lasts 2 years.

In the state of Berlin, the vocational training (Ausbildung) ranges from 1 to 3 years. It is 3 years with a secondary school leaving certificate, 2 years with a general university entrance qualification (Abitur) if the admission requirements for the one-year program are not met, and 1 year with a general university entrance qualification (Abitur) and sufficient academic performance.

In the state of Bremen, the vocational training (Ausbildung) lasts 2 years.

In the state of Hessen, the vocational training (Ausbildung) lasts 2 years.

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

The Ausbildung (vocational training) for Biological-technical Assistant was first offered in 1964 at the Dr. Künkele Scientific Technical School (Naturwissenschaftliches Technikum Dr. Künkele) in Landau/Pfalz. This marked the first distinction between technicians and technical assistants. In 1992, a framework agreement on the training and examination of State-certified Technical Assistants at vocational schools (Berufsfachschulen) was established by the Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs (KMK). From 1992 onwards, based on this framework agreement, the Bundesländer (federal states), such as Hamburg, issued their own regulations.

During theoretical and practical lessons, knowledge is imparted in the following areas: General education subjects (Religious Studies, German, English, Politics and Society) and specialized subjects (Information Processing, Physics, Mathematics, general and organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, general Biology and Immunology, Microbiology and Biotechnology, Molecular Biology and Gene Technology). Practical training (Praktika) is also conducted in Chemistry and Physics, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Biology, and Cell Culture.

During the theoretical and practical lessons of the State-certified Biological-technical Assistant Ausbildung (vocational training), knowledge is imparted in the following areas: Interdisciplinary learning area (German/Communication, Economics and Social Studies, Foreign Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Sports/Health Promotion) and job-specific learning area. This includes applying biological, biochemical, chemical, and physical-chemical technical knowledge for independent problem-solving of job-specific tasks, applying mathematical procedures for chemical, physical-chemical, and physical work, and planning, conducting, and evaluating work processes based on work instructions and using specialized literature. Furthermore, creating examination protocols including graphical representations, evaluating and documenting measurement results, and documenting work results according to specialized literature rules, also using photographic methods, are taught.

During theoretical and practical lessons, knowledge is imparted in areas such as: Interdisciplinary learning area (German/Foreign Languages, Politics/Economics, Elective Compulsory Area) and vocational learning area/learning fields. These cover applying basic laboratory techniques, preparing solutions and analyzing substance systems; qualitatively and quantitatively analyzing substances; examining and cultivating plants; planning and conducting zoological investigations; implementing hygiene measures and performing sterile working techniques; exploring and applying molecular biological techniques; planning and conducting instrumental analytical work; planning and conducting molecular genetic work; isolating, cultivating, and examining microorganisms; applying ecological, histological, and immunological investigation techniques; planning and conducting biochemical analyses; examining food. A Praktikum (internship) in suitable companies or institutions is part of the school-based Ausbildung (vocational training).

During theoretical and practical lessons, knowledge is imparted in the following areas: Compulsory subjects (General education area: German/Foreign Languages, Politics and Economics, Religion/Ethics, Sports) and vocational education area (learning fields). These include performing basic laboratory operations, preparing solutions and analyzing substance systems; characterizing, examining, and analyzing biomolecules; understanding cellular structures of organisms and performing cytological work; anatomically and physiologically examining plants; anatomically, histologically, and physiologically examining animals; establishing cell and tissue cultures; applying classical genetic methods; understanding and investigating ecological relationships; understanding and applying physical and physical-chemical basic operations; understanding the physical principles of spectroscopic and electrochemical analysis methods; recording, evaluating, and documenting experimental data; understanding and applying basic mathematical operations; and using English in a professional context.

During theoretical and practical lessons, knowledge is imparted in the following areas: Learning Area I (Cell Biology: analyzing eukaryotic cells and identifying tissues, examining organs of vertebrates, applying cell culture techniques, performing immunological procedures), biological-technical investigation methods (identifying bacterial cells, cultivating microorganisms, inhibiting bacterial growth, biotechnologically utilizing microorganisms, performing molecular cloning), biochemical investigation methods (separating and examining simple substance mixtures, investigating the structure and properties of substances, isolating and examining proteins, isolating and characterizing nucleic acids, investigating nucleic acids with genetic engineering methods, biotechnologically utilizing enzymes), and physical-chemical investigation methods (preparing and examining solutions, photometrically investigating natural substances, chromatographically investigating natural substances, using databases and bioinformatics for proteins and nucleic acids).

Biological-technical assistant is a school-based Ausbildung (vocational training) regulated by state law at Berufsfachschulen (vocational schools) and Berufskollegs (vocational colleges). It typically lasts 2 years, possibly 3-4 years, and leads to a state examination.

2 years

This training is legally regulated only in the specified Bundesländer (federal states) and leads to the following qualification titles there: Baden-Württemberg: State-certified biological-technical assistant; State-certified biological-technical assistant, with a focus on Biology and Biotechnology; State-certified biotechnological assistant. Bavaria, Brandenburg, Bremen, Hamburg, Hesse, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saxony-Anhalt, Schleswig-Holstein, Thuringia: State-certified biological-technical assistant. Berlin: State-certified biological-technical assistant; State-certified technical assistant for chemical and biological laboratories.

2 years

During theoretical and practical lessons, knowledge is imparted in the following areas: General subjects (German, English, Social Studies, Sports); Theoretical professional subjects (Mathematics, Technical Physics, Business Administration, Biology/Microbiology, Informatics, Biotechnology, Chemistry); Practical professional subjects (Project work with a focus on biological practical training, biotechnological practical training, chemical practical training, information technology practical training). Within the framework of practical professional lessons, a company internship with a minimum duration of four weeks is completed. Elective subjects are offered according to the school's possibilities (e.g., Environmental Protection and Ecology, Biochemistry, Bionics).

2 years

During theoretical and practical lessons, knowledge is imparted in the following areas: Mathematics, biometrics, biological working methods, biochemical, chemical, chemical-physical and physical examination procedures, information technology, documentation, German, political education/economics, technical English, and sports. The lessons are supplemented by an internship.

Prospective Biological-technical Assistants can improve their chances during their vocational training (Ausbildung) by acquiring additional qualifications, such as the Fachhochschulreife or allgemeine Hochschulreife as a basis for a later university degree (Studium). After their training, Biological-technical Assistants primarily work in research institutes in the fields of natural sciences, medicine, or environment, as well as in companies in the chemical or pharmaceutical industry. Continuing education for adaptation (Anpassungsweiterbildung) can help keep specialist knowledge current or bring it up to date. The range of topics extends from biology to measurement technology. Further training for career advancement (Aufstiegsweiterbildung) helps to advance professionally and achieve leadership positions. Further training as a technician in biotechnology is a logical step.

2 years

2 years

During theoretical and practical lessons, knowledge is imparted in the following areas: Cross-vocational learning area (German/communication, English/communication, politics, sports, religion) and vocational learning area with subjects/learning fields (chemical and instrumental-analytical working area: preparing solutions, separating and purifying substance systems, qualitatively and quantitatively analyzing substances, working physico-chemically and instrumental-analytically; botanical-zoological working area: examining plants, examining ecosystems, working zoologically and human-biologically; microbiological-biochemical working area: examining microorganisms, working biochemically and immunologically, examining nucleic acids, performing cell culture and biotechnological work). Elective courses include molecular biological work, medical-laboratory diagnostics, environmental analysis, and food examination. A practical internship is conducted within the vocational learning area.

During theoretical and practical lessons, knowledge is imparted in the following areas: Cross-vocational learning area (German, social studies, sports, religion or ethics) and vocational learning area (mathematics, physics, data processing, biology, inorganic and organic chemistry, instrumental analytics, microbiology/biotechnology, molecular biology, biochemistry, chemical practical, bioanalytical practical, biological-histological practical, microbiological and biochemical practical). Elective offerings (primarily in the vocational learning area) are available. During the course of study, practical training is also carried out in suitable companies.

During theoretical and practical lessons, knowledge is acquired in the following areas: Profession-related learning area, profession-related instruction, subject-specific instruction, location-specific instruction. An relevant internship (Praktikum) in a suitable company, supervised by the school, is also undertaken. Students also gain knowledge in self-directed learning, German/communication, optionally a first foreign language, optionally MINT (Mathematics, Informatics, Natural Sciences, Technology) in the profession, and health education/sports. The basis for the 'subject-specific instruction' are the learning fields: Finding one's way and engaging in professional situations, applying physical and physicochemical working and measuring methods, describing and qualitatively and quantitatively analyzing substances, preparatively developing botanical and zoological systems, explaining properties and reaction behavior of fundamental organic compounds, performing biochemical work, physiologically and histologically examining biological systems, applying microbiological methods, and molecular biology.

This Ausbildung (vocational training) lasts 2 years.

This Ausbildung (vocational training) lasts 2-4 years. The Berufsfachschule (vocational school) training is 2 years (with the acquisition of the schulische Fachhochschulreife (vocational baccalaureate)). The training can also be done part-time, but no information on the duration is currently available. Dual-qualification educational program at the berufliches Gymnasium (vocational high school): 3 years (with the acquisition of the Fachhochschulreife (vocational baccalaureate)) or 4 years (with the acquisition of the allgemeine Hochschulreife (Abitur - general university entrance qualification)).

This Ausbildung (vocational training) lasts 24-39 months. Berufsfachschule (vocational school) training: 36 months (access with a secondary school leaving certificate (Fachoberschulreife); with the acquisition of the Fachhochschulreife (vocational baccalaureate)) or 24 months (access with a (Fach-)Hochschulreife (vocational baccalaureate/university entrance qualification)). Dual-qualification educational program at the berufliches Gymnasium (vocational high school): 39 months (with the acquisition of the allgemeine Hochschulreife (Abitur - general university entrance qualification)).

For state-certified biological-technical assistants, knowledge is acquired in the following areas during theoretical and practical lessons: General area (religious education, German, English, economics and social studies), theoretical area (mathematics, physics, chemistry, general biology, special biology, data processing), and practical area (physical practical, chemical practical, biological practical, microbiological and biotechnological practical, photographic practical). For state-certified biotechnological assistants, knowledge is acquired in the following areas during theoretical and practical lessons: General area (religious education, German, English, economics and social studies), theoretical area (mathematics, subject-specific English, chemistry, physics, biology, microbiology, biotechnology, information technology), and practical area (biological practical, microbiological practical, chemical practical, general laboratory methodology, biotechnology).

During theoretical and practical lessons, knowledge is acquired in the following subjects: Biotechnology, biology, German, foreign languages (English and additionally Danish, French, Latin, Russian, Spanish or Turkish), mathematics, chemistry, professional informatics, economics, social studies, sports, religion or philosophy, art, literature, music or performing arts. Practical periods are treated like a subject or a learning field and are graded on the report card.

Depending on the Bundesland (federal state), this Ausbildung (vocational training) is also offered with specializations such as Biology and Biotechnology, Bioinformatics and Molecular Biology, and Biochemistry.

During theoretical and practical lessons, knowledge is imparted in job-related learning areas, subjects of the technical specialization (Biochemistry/Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Microbiology/Bioprocess Engineering, Botany/Zoology, further subjects like Occupational Safety, Biotechnology, Immunology), Mathematics, Economics, English, and company internships. Additionally, cross-curricular learning areas include German/Communication, Religious Studies, Sports/Health Promotion, Politics/Social Studies, and a differentiation area for supplementing, expanding, and deepening individual knowledge, skills, and abilities.

2 years.

The training is regulated at the federal level by the 'Framework Agreement on the Training and Examination for State-Certified Technical Assistants and State-Certified Commercial Assistants at Berufsfachschulen (vocational schools)' (Resolution of the Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs from 30.09.2011, as amended on 21.03.2024). This framework agreement is not directly applicable law. Individual Bundesländer (federal states) regulate assistant training in their school or vocational school regulations based on this framework agreement. The training is regulated by state law in the following Bundesländer (federal states): for example, in Baden-Württemberg, there is the 'Ordinance of the Ministry of Culture on Training and Examination at the Two-Year Berufskollegs (vocational colleges) for Technical Assistants (Technical Assistant Ordinance - TAVO)' from 11.10.1983.

At least a secondary school leaving certificate (mittlerer Bildungsabschluss) is required. Further prerequisites may apply depending on the Bundesland (federal state) and the educational offering.

During theoretical and practical lessons, knowledge is imparted in cross-curricular learning areas such as German, Social Studies, Religion or Philosophy, and Sports. In job-related learning areas, topics include applying biological, biochemical, chemical, and physical-chemical technical knowledge for independent problem-solving in professional tasks; applying mathematical procedures for chemical, physical-chemical, and physical work; planning, conducting, and evaluating work processes based on instructions and using specialized literature; creating examination protocols including graphical representations; evaluating and documenting measurement results; documenting work results according to specialized literature rules, also using photographic methods; applying job-related information technology; determining physical properties of substances; and planning, conducting, and evaluating gravimetric work.

In the Bundesland (federal state) of Bavaria, a 'mittlerer Schulabschluss' (intermediate school leaving certificate) is required for this Ausbildung (vocational training).

In the Bundesland (federal state) of Berlin, a 'mittlerer Schulabschluss' (intermediate school leaving certificate) is required for the 3-year training program. For the 2-year program, 'Allgemeine Hochschulreife (Abitur)' (general university entrance qualification) is needed. For the 1-year program, 'Allgemeine Hochschulreife (Abitur)' is required, along with at least sufficient grades in chemistry and biology, and at least sufficient grades in chemistry and biology technology in every course semester.

In the Bundesland (federal state) of Bremen, a 'mittlerer Schulabschluss' (intermediate school leaving certificate) is required. Typically, a minimum grade of 'satisfactory' is expected in the two subjects of particular importance for admission.

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

In the Bundesland (federal state) of Hamburg, a 'mittlerer Schulabschluss' (intermediate school leaving certificate) with an average grade of at least 3.5 (excluding sports) is required. Alternatively, a 'mittlerer Schulabschluss' combined with at least 2 years of vocational training in a recognized profession, in public service, or at a 'Berufsfachschule' (vocational school), or a recognized higher qualification is accepted. The average grade check is waived if eligibility to attend the 'gymnasiale Oberstufe' (upper secondary school) is present. Furthermore, medical fitness (doctor's certificate) is required.

In the Bundesland (federal state) of Thüringen, a 'Realschulabschluss' (intermediate school leaving certificate) is required for this Ausbildung (vocational training).

In the state of Brandenburg, the required educational background for this Ausbildung (vocational training) is Fachoberschulreife (specialized secondary school leaving certificate).

In the state of Niedersachsen, the required educational background for this Ausbildung is Sekundarabschluss I - Realschulabschluss (lower secondary school leaving certificate).

In the state of Sachsen-Anhalt, the required educational background for this Ausbildung is Realschulabschluss (lower secondary school leaving certificate) and health suitability. The maximum age is 24 years.

In the state of Rheinland-Pfalz, the required educational background for this Ausbildung is Qualifizierter Sekundarabschluss I (qualified lower secondary school leaving certificate).

In the state of Baden-Württemberg, the required educational background for this Ausbildung is Realschulabschluss (lower secondary school leaving certificate) or eligibility to attend the gymnasiale Oberstufe (upper secondary school).

In the state of Schleswig-Holstein, the required educational background for this Ausbildung is mittlerer Schulabschluss (intermediate school leaving certificate) or eligibility to attend the gymnasiale Oberstufe (upper secondary school).

In the Bundesland (federal state) of Nordrhein-Westfalen, there are different entry requirements for this Ausbildung (vocational training). For the three-year program at a vocational school (Berufsfachschule), a secondary school leaving certificate (Fachoberschulreife) or eligibility to attend the upper secondary level of Gymnasium is required. For the two-year program at a vocational school, a university entrance qualification (Hochschulreife) or the school-based part of the Fachhochschulreife (university of applied sciences entrance qualification) is needed. For the dual-qualification program at a vocational Gymnasium, eligibility to attend the upper secondary level of Gymnasium is sufficient.

In the Bundesland (federal state) of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, the requirements for this Ausbildung (vocational training) include a secondary school leaving certificate (Mittlere Reife) or eligibility to attend the upper secondary level of Gymnasium. Additionally, health suitability, confirmed by a medical certificate, is another prerequisite.