state examination

Meanings

1. In Germany, the graduation not under the auspices of an educational institution but conditional on governmental interference regulating the admission to a profession; if immediately following education in an academic institution, successful completion of such an examination concludes academic studies and is equivalent to a level 7 academic degree, otherwise it usually immediately follows preparatory service for public office (Referendariat), not mutually exclusively (undergoing two is regular for certain professions in all or some states).

Etymology

Calque of German Staatsexamen.