Working as a Physician, Dentist or Pharmacist in the Czech Republic:
Information for International Healthcare Professionals

The approbation exam is a key requirement for medical doctors, dentists, and pharmacists educated outside the EU who wish to practice their profession in the Czech Republic. The exam consists of three parts:
1.  Written test
The first part includes two written tests. The first assesses the candidate’s professional knowledge, and the second focuses on the Czech healthcare system and basic legal principles related to the provision of healthcare.
The exams are conducted exclusively in Czech, and the candidate must achieve at least 60% correct answers to pass. Here is the link for more information

2. Practical part
   The second part involves performing practical work in the relevant healthcare profession under direct supervision at an accredited medical facility.
   This practical training lasts 6 months, during which the candidate prepares 5 case studies, one of which will be defended during the oral exam. Here is the link for more information
3. Oral exam
   The third part verifies the candidate’s medical knowledge and communication skills in the Czech language. The candidate must defend one of the case studies. If the defense fails, they may continue with the oral exam, but even if they pass the oral exam, failure to defend the case study will result in non-recognition of professional competence.

Preparatory courses for the approbation exam are organized twice a year by the Institute for Postgraduate Medical Education (IPVZ). These courses are optional but highly recommended. Course dates and locations are listed on the IPVZ website.

Useful links:

• Ministry of Health – Approbation Exams
• IPVZ – Approbation Exams

For more information, see the video titled “Approbation Exam 🇨🇿” in the Study Materials section.

Detailed information about the approbation exam process is available on the official websites of the Ministry of Health and the Institute for Postgraduate Medical Education (IPVZ).

• The Ministry of Health provides information on the requirements, procedures, and conditions necessary to take the approbation exam. You can find details about each part of the exam, including the written test, practical part, and oral exam. Here is the link for more information
• The Institute for Postgraduate Medical Education (IPVZ) also offers an overview of the approbation exam, including information about preparatory courses and additional support materials. Here is the link for more information

For more information, watch the video titled “Approbation Exam – How to Apply?” in the Study Materials section.

The application for the recognition exam must be submitted in writing to the Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic. The application form, detailed instructions, and required attachments can be found on the official website of the Ministry of Health. The application includes, among other things, identity verification, documents confirming nostrification, and a certificate of health suitability and good character.

• Official information and forms: Ministry of Health. At the very bottom of the page, you will find links to specific forms.
• Preparation and exam schedule: ipvz.cz – Application portal for candidates
  For more information, watch the video titled “Recognition Exam – How to Apply?” in the Study Materials section.

Detailed information about the practical part of the recognition exam – including the duration of the practice, requirements for case studies, and the accreditation criteria for workplaces – is available in the video titled “Practical Part of the Recognition Exam 🇨🇿” in the → Study Materials section..
Additionally, we recommend following the official methodology on the Ministry of Health’s website, where the exam process, including the practical part, is described:

• Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic → Recognition Exams

This option applies to doctors, dentists, and pharmacists educated outside the EU and allows them to practice in the healthcare profession to gain experience before their professional qualifications are recognized. You can find the link for more information here.
To obtain this permission, you must meet three basic conditions:

1. Have residency authorization and access to the labor market (e.g., based on a visa).
2. Have nostrification (recognition) of your university diploma.
3. Obtain permission from the Ministry of Health to perform healthcare work for the purpose of gaining practical skills.

To practice a healthcare profession in the Czech Republic (doctor, dentist, pharmacist), the following is required:

• Nostrification of the diploma (recognition of education)
• Successful completion of the recognition exam
• Obtaining specialized qualification (according to the field); for more detailed information, see the video “Specialization Training in General Practice” in the STUDY MATERIALS section
• Becoming a member of the relevant professional chamber (e.g., Czech Medical Chamber, Czech Dental Chamber, Czech Chamber of Nurses).

A detailed overview can be found on the Ministry of Health’s website:

Procedure for Recognition of Qualifications – Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic

The Career Center offers:

• Information support in the area of qualification recognition and integration into the Czech healthcare system for healthcare professionals who obtained their higher education outside the EU.
• A wide range of educational programs, including Czech language courses focused on medical terminology and preparatory courses for both the written and oral parts of the recognition exam, as well as retraining programs.
• Consultations on employment and practical experience matters.
• Opportunities for financial support within the project.

For more information, visit the Healthcare Facilities section.

Current job opportunities for healthcare professionals (including doctors, dentists, pharmacists, and others) can primarily be found in the “Healthcare Professionals” section on the Career Center IPVZ website, where you can select your specific category based on your specialization.

Occasionally, we also share selected job offers on our social media platforms:

• Facebook of the Career Center IPVZ
• Instagram of the Career Center IPVZ

Other platforms where you can search for job opportunities include:

• Jobs.cz – Healthcare section
• Czech Labor Office – Employment of Foreigners

An interview can be stressful, but thorough preparation will help increase your chances of success. Here are some tips on how to prepare for it:

1. Preparation: The interview usually lasts 30–90 minutes and can be conducted in person, online, or by phone. It may consist of one or two rounds, depending on the recruitment method (internal recruitment or through a recruitment agency).
2. Prepare your resume and cover letter: Make sure they match the requirements listed in the job advertisement. This will show that you’ve thoroughly researched the position and are an ideal candidate.
3. Prepare for questions: Expect questions about your previous experiences and successes (behavioral approach). Prepare specific answers to questions like: What have you accomplished in the past? How did you tackle challenges?
4. Prepare questions for the employer: During the interview, it’s good to show that you’re interested in the company and the position. Prepare several questions related to the job and working conditions.
5. Mistakes to avoid:
• Not maintaining communication: Even if you have another offer, inform other employers.
• Being late: Make sure you have contact details saved so you can inform them of any delay in advance.
• Being unprepared: Don’t forget to research information about the company and the position you’re applying for before the interview.
• Talking too long or too short: Try to be specific and answer questions directly.
6. Tips for interviews in a foreign language: If the interview is in a foreign language, it’s recommended to practice your answers in advance with a native speaker. If you don’t understand something during the interview, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification.

The interview is an opportunity to show that you are the ideal candidate. Prepare yourself and use it to make the best impression.

For more information, watch the video titled “Preparing for an Interview (for Foreigners)” in the Study Materials section.

We offer online Czech language courses with specialized medical terminology, ranging from level A1 to B2.

The duration of each course is 2 months and includes 18 lessons (54 hours).

The price of each course is set at 7,900 CZK. For more information or if you are interested, please contact us at the email address [email protected].

Educational materials are available in PDF format online on the Career Center website in the Study Materials section, under “Materials for Download.”
We offer various study materials that will help you prepare for job interviews, create resumes, cover letters, and other important steps in career development.

Information about courses and the registration process can be found on the IPVZ website. For specific courses, including the Online Czech Language Course, go to the EDUCATIONAL EVENTS section – educational event catalog, and search for ONLINE CZECH LANGUAGE COURSE FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS in the search bar.
You can find the website here.

Registration Process:

1. Registration on the IPVZ website: Before applying, you need to register on the IPVZ website. Create a user account where you can manage your applications.
2. Choose the course: After registering, select the educational event you want to apply for.
3. Fill out the application: After choosing the course, fill out the application form and, if necessary, attach the required documents.
4. Confirmation and payment: After registering and submitting the application, you will receive a confirmation and information about payment or the next steps.

This project is intended for doctors, dentists, and pharmacists who have obtained their professional education outside the European Union and are interested in working in healthcare in the Czech Republic.

What the project offers:

• Intensive Czech language lessons focused on medical terminology
• Professional preparation for the recognition exam, which is required for recognizing professional qualifications
• Special preparatory courses before each part of the recognition exam
• The possibility of accommodation at the ILF Hotel during the educational courses
• A one-time payment for the first attempt at the written or oral part of the recognition exam
• Partial reimbursement of the practical part of the recognition exam, up to 50,000 CZK

The project aims to facilitate the integration of foreign healthcare workers into the Czech healthcare system and increase their chances of successfully passing the recognition exam and securing employment in their field.

If you are interested, please contact us at: [email protected].