Teacher Training Colleges
Universities of Education (Pädagogische Hochschulen) or teacher training colleges prepare students to teach in primary, secondary or special needs schools.
The standard course of study leads to the First State Examination (Erstes Staatsexamen) after six or eight semesters and to the Second State Examination (Zweites Staatsexamen) after another year-and-a-half of study. Students must pass both examinations to become eligible for employment as teachers in the state.
The universities also participate in training high school and vocational school teachers and offer continuing education courses for teachers who are already in the work force.
Each of these universities has long-standing international partnerships and exchange programs.