Overview of Master Craftsperson Qualification

This overview provides information on

 the title, level of education and legal basis of Master Craftsperson Qualification

the competent institutions and/or awarding bodies

the examination

the training schemes and training providers

 the qualifications in which Master Craftsperson Qualification can be achieved

inAustria (AT), France (FR), Germany (DE), Norway (NO) and Slovenia (SI).

Country / Master Craftsperson – General Information
Number of Professions[1] / Title / Level of Education
(NQF/ISCED) / Legal Basis
AT / 78 different Master Craftsperson titles / Meister / - CVET
- ISCED 5B / - Vocational Training Act
- Trade, Commerce and Industry Regulation Act
- Master Craftsperson Directive
DE / 84 different Master Craftsperson titles / Meister / - CVET
- Post-secondary/ tertiary vocational education
- ISCED 5B / - Skilled Crafts Act
- Regulation about common requirements at Master craftsman's examination
- Requirements of the practical and theoretical examinations in the respective profession
FR / Since 2007 APCMA reform all 66 master craft titles and enhance the level from French level 4 to French level 3. In 8professions the title is effective. 18 more are in the process to be reformed. / Brevet de Maîtrise (BM) / - IVET (apprenticeship training) and CVET as well as the validation of experience.
- Level 3 French NQF
-ISCED 5B / - Decree concerning the crafts qualification and crafts register
- The examination regulation is national. Common requirements at Master craftsman’s examination (General regulation+ specific regulations of the professional module for each profession).
Country / Master Craftsperson – General Information
Number of Professions[2] / Title / Level of Education
(NQF/ISCED) / Legal Basis
NO / 72 different Master Craftsperson titles / Mester / - CVET
- Post-secondary/ tertiary vocational education / Master of Skilled Crafts Act
SI / 52different Master Craftsperson titles
Masters can additionally be educated for court experts and appraisers. / Mojster / - CVET
- Upper secondary professional education
- ISCED 4B / - Skilled craft Act
- Vocational Training act
- Adult Education Act
- Regulation about Master craftsman's examination
Country / Master Craftsperson – Examination
Minimum admission requirements / Competent Institution / Awarding Body / Extent of the Master Craft Examinations / Examiners
AT / The only formal admission requirement for sitting the exam is 18 years of age (Amendment of the Trade, Commerce and Industry Regulation Act in 2002) / - Federal Economic Chamber (Crafts Section) is responsible for contents.
- The Ministry of Economics publishes examination regulation for each master craftsperson examination. / 5 modules which are assessed separately. There is no prescribed order in which they must be taken. / Commission consisting of 3 people – head of commission and two vocationally-specific experts
DE / Successfully completed apprenticeship training (3 – 3,5 years) in the occupation in which the Master craftsperson examination should be taken. / - Chamber of Skilled Crafts is responsible for examination.
- The Federal Ministry of Economics publishes examination regulation for each master craftsperson examination. / 4 Modules which are assessed separately.
- Part I – Professional practice
- Part II – Professional theory
- Part III – Economics and legal regulations
- Part IV – Teaching and training skills / Examination board of 3 examiners and their substitutes nominated by the Chamber of Skilled Crafts (social partners are represented)
FR / Training is open to holders of a degree French level IV in the trade concerned. Admission to the training is delivered by a departmental evaluation committee, set up in each chamber of skilled crafts. Special admission rules may be applicable for some professions or, alternatively, the number of years of experience may be considered as a prerequisite. / APCMA and all the chambers of crafts can organize the certification as long as they have an agreement (label) for the professional domain concerned delivered by APCMA.
The title is issued by the President of the regional or departmental skilled craft chamber by delegation from the President of APCMA.
APCMA (supported by the Ministry) has to register the title in the national directory of professional certifications (RNCP). / 7 modules are assessed:6 modules for transversal management competences: Entrepreneurship; Commercialisation; Economic and financial management ; Human resources management; Training of apprentices; International communication (professional language) + 1 module dedicated to vocational / technique competences.
Each title must also be accessible through the validation of acquired experience (in French:VAE). / Two examination boards are organized: one for the exam the transversal management competences and one for the vocational / technical module (Master craftsmen, expert teachers and professionals are represented).
The certification is delivered after the decision of a general jury where professional organization; Ministry ofLabour, Employment and Vocational Training, a school inspector and trainers preparing the title are represented.
Country / Minimum admission requirements / Competent Institution / Awarding Body / Extent of the Master Craft Examinations / Examiners
NO / Journeyman certificate
- 2 years of relevant practice in the vocation after finalized certification, or
- a total of 6 years of qualified experience and practice in the vocation
- when feasible, an accreditation of in-/non-formally acquired skills and competences is possible / - Mesterbrev
- Practical implementation by Folkeuniversitetet (decentralized adult education association) / 4 “levels” of examination
-Entrepreneurship and management
-Knowledge related to the “vocational family”
-“Cross-family” project exercise
-Vocation specific knowledge / - Examination and certification on delegation from the Ministry of Trade and Industry.
- Mesterbrev as main responsible – with a claims committee.
- Practical implementation by Folkeuniversitetet
- Examination commissions are constituted by external experts from the field and are selected/certified by Mesterbrev
SI / - Secondary VET + 3 years of experience in the expert field
- Secondary professional (technical) education + 2 years of experience in the expert field
- higher professional education + 1 year of experience in the expert field / Chamber of Craft and Small Business of Slovenia / 4 substantive parts of the master craft exam (on average includes 10 written or/and oral or/and practical exams):
- part 1: practical skills & knowledge
- part 2: expert theoretical knowledge
- part 3: business and economical knowledge
- part 4: educational - teaching skills & knowledge / Verification of master craft candidate s skills and knowledge is done by external commissions - a board of 3 examiners and their substitutes. External commissions are appointed by minister for education on the proposal of the Chamber of Craft and Small Business of Slovenia for the period of 4 years. Two members (and their substitutes) of external commissions are from the expert field, one is appointed (and his/her substitute) from the school field.
Country / Master Craftsperson – Education / Training
Duration of Training / Training Institution / Obligation in Attendance
AT / No duration given by law (cf. admission requirements). Candidates do not have to go through a preparation course. However, they are usually between 25 and 35 when they sit the exam. / No formal training required. Candidates can do a preparatory course in the CVET provider institutes of the social partners. / No obligation
DE / Depending on profession 1 – 3 years
in part-time or full-time studies / Preparatory courses in the 4 modules are provided by training centres of Chambers of Skilled Crafts or Professional Organizations. Those courses are provided both on a part-time and a full-time basis. / No obligation
FR / Duration of the training period depends on the profession and if the training is delivered in IVET or CVET: 494 hours are dedicated in IVET, 329 hours in CVET to the “transversal management modules” and
e.g.
450 hours for the professional module for Hairdressers; 420 h for Bakers; 630 h for Florists.
All modules can be validated through “VAE” (corresponds to accreditation of prior learning). / All departmental or regional chambers of crafts can organize and prepare the training and the assessment as long as they inform the APCMA about opening training sections and get an agreement (label) for the professional domain concerned.
Chambers are responsible for the organisation and organize themselves with training centres of Skilled craft chambers, private schools, and other training organisations. The appointment of training places depend on the profession and the existing local partnerships with professional organisations. / Compulsory
The candidate must attend the training and must be enrolled for the examination. Registration takes place at the chamber of skilled crafts.
An evaluation committee may also propose a partial or complete exemption from the training in the light of the previous studies and experience of the candidate. In this case, the training center could for instance provide only exam preparation.
Country / Duration of Training / Training Institution / Obligation in Attendance
NO / Normally 2 years as part-time studies / Outsourced to Folkeuniversitetet (decentralized adult education association) as the main provider
Specific vocational colleges according to prequalification
On special agreement a reciprocity of accreditation between UniversityColleges and Mesterbrev / No obligation
On average 75-85% attendance in organized studies
SI / Up to 3 years (average 1 year) / - upper secondary schools for part 1 and 2
- Chamber of Craft and Small Business of Slovenia for part 3 and 4 / No obligation
On average 50% attendance in organized studies
Country / Master Craftsperson – Useful Links
Competent Institutions / Training Institutions / Courses / Grants
AT / Federal Ministry of Economics, Youth and Family:

Link to all master craftsperson offices: / CVET provider institute of the Economic Chamber:

CVET provider institute of the Chamber of Labour and the Austrian Trade Union:
/ Search engine for different types of grants:

DE / Link-Map with all German Chambers of Skilled Crafts
/ Overview on preparatory courses can be found at the internet portal
Search Engine for training programmes and courses
/ Search engine for different types of grants


FR /
/ Link list of skilled craft chambers
/ No specific grants
NO / / Accredited Vocational colleges and University colleges are offering recognised courses

/ NorwegianState Educational Loan Fund (Lånekassen)

SI /
/ /

Annex: Qualifications in which Master Craftsperson Qualification can be achieved

AT / Master craftsperson examination (for skilled crafts) / Entrance examination (for regulated trades)
ophthalmic optics / ventilation technology / work placement / provision of personnel
baker / painter and decorator / master builder / business consultancy including corporate organisation
surgical truss maker / mechatronics expert for electrical engineering and automation / property developer / financial consulting
professional photographer / mechatronics expert for electronics, office automation and IT systems / insurance consultant / insurance agent
sculptor / mechatronics expert for machinery and manufacturing technology / private investigator / insurance broker
cooper / mechatronics expert for medical equipment / funeral services / vulcaniser
florist / metal design / security services / weapons trade (including gunsmith)
floor layer / shapewear manufacturing / well sinker / master carpenter
boat builder / dairy technology / bookkeeping / manufacture of pyrotechnical articles and igniters and other explosives that are not subject to the Ammunition and Explosives Act (Schieß- und Sprengmittelgesetz) and trade in these products (pyrotechnic company)
bookbinder / layout designer / chemical laboratories
roofer / brass wind instruments manufacturer / non-dispensing chemist
tailor, ladies' clothing / harmonica and concertina manufacturer / printer and production of printing plates
cleaner of monuments, facades and buildings / woodwind instruments manufacturer / electrical engineering
wood turner / piano builder / manufacture of cosmetic articles
case and casket maker / organ-builder
DE / Professions in which the Meister is compulsory to run a business / Professions in which the Meister is not compulsory to run a business
agricultural machine technician / painter and varnisher / apparatus mechanic / milliner
baker / plant mechanic for sanitary and heating systems / basket maker / parquet layer
boat- and shipbuilder / plasterer / bookbinder / precast concrete block manufacturer
bricklayer / plumber / bow maker / pattern maker
butcher / precision mechanics / brewer and maltster / model-maker
carpenter / refrigeration technician / cellar man / photographer
chimney sweep / road builder / ceramist / precision optician
confectioner / roofer / cooper / printer
cycle and motor-cycle mechanic / rope maker / cutting tool mechanic / roll top mechanic
dental technician / scaffolder / embroider / saddler
electro engine builder / stonemason / engraver / sail maker
electro technician / stove and air heating builder / flexographer / screed layer
glassblower / surgery mechanic / furrier / screen printer
glazier / thermal and noise insulation fitter / galvaniser / shoemaker
gunsmith / tyre mechanic / gilder / sign and luminous advertisement maker
hairdresser / well builder / glass and porcelain painter / (custom) tailor
hearing aid audiologist / glazer / textile chastener
information electronics technician / gold- and silversmith / violin maker
joiner / cabinetmaker / industrial cleaner / wall and floor tiler
metal engineer / instrument makers (piano, organ, string plucked instrument, wind instrument) / watchmaker
motor vehicle body construction mechanic / interior decorator / wax-chandler
motor vehicle technician / jewel polisher / weaver
ophthalmic optician / metal moulder / wood sculptor
orthopaedic shoemaker / metal sculptor / wood turner
orthopaedic technician / miller
FR / Reformed / Reform in process
Baker / Agriculture machine mechanic
Beauty care - cosmetician / Butcher
Car and body construction painter / Cabinetmaker
Florist / Chef (cook)
Hairdresser / Chocolate maker
Joiner / Dental technician
Motor vehicle – car repair and maintenance mechanic / Dressmaker – Tailor
Pastry baker – confectioner – ice-cream maker / Jeweller
Metalworker
Organizer of catering and party services
Painter
Plant mechanic for refrigerating and heating systems
Plant mechanic for sanitary systems
Plant mechanic for electrical systems
Photographer
Roofer
Stonemason
Upholsterer
NO / Construction / textile chastener / watchmaker / wood sculptor
landscape gardener / dress & costume maker / Food and nutrition / joiner / cabinetmaker
plasterer / mask & wig maker / baker / Car maintenance and repair
chimney sweep / sail maker / supermarket/grocery store butcher / motor vehicle technician – light vehicles
glazier / shoemaker / meat cutter / motor vehicle technician heavy vehicles
cooling technician, coppersmith & tinsmith / tailor / chef/cook / motor vehicle body construction mechanic
refrigeration technician / knitter / confectioner / vehicle spraying
painter / dry cleaner / sausage maker / motor vehicle parts supply
bricklayer / Workshop related vocations / butcher / motor-cycle mechanic
plumber / gunsmith / Graphical vocations / wheel, chassis and suspension mechanic
stone cutter / filigree worker/craftsman / bookbinder
scaffolder / stonemason / printer
roofer / gilder / graphic artist
carpenter / plasterer / printer, graphic arts
Aesthetics / engraver / lithographer
florist / goldsmith / graphic reproducer
national costume tailor / wheel & vehicle body maker / Furniture and woodworking
furrier / instrument maker / wood turner
hairdresser / locksmith / basket maker
hairdresser - ladies / potter / (furniture) upholsterer
hairdresser - men / blacksmith / Bag-maker
photographer / silversmith / saddler
weaver / dental technician / carpenter
SI / Car tinsmith master / Master, metal former / Master ceramic layer
Car mechanic master / Master of textile maintenance / Master florist
Master for leather fancy goods / Master of general electro-mechanics / Master gardener
Master for leather clothes / Master building glazier / Cookery master craftsman
Hairdresser master / Master, tanner for leather and fur / Waiter's master craftsman
Master Bee-keeper(new in 2011)
Master of cosmetic care / Master baker
Master of electronics / Master chimney sweep
Master of machine mechanics / Master of machine installations
Master optician / Master watchmaker
Master dressmaker, tailor / Master bureau mechanic
Master joiner / Master confectioner
Master carpenter / Master upholsterer and decorator
Master mason / Master of electro-installations
Master butcher / Master of telecommunications
Master, manufacturer of fur clothes / Master painter
Master car electrician / Master founder
Master of warm processing of metal / Master photographer
Master, metal former / Master tinsmith - roofer
Master toolmaker / Master goldsmith
Master sign painter / Master stonecutter
Master model joiner / Master of iron bending
Master barrel maker / Master car painter
Master shoemaker / Master stove maker

1

[1] See Annex for qualifications in which Master Craftsperson Qualification can be achieved.

[2] See Annex for qualifications in which Master Craftsperson Qualification can be achieved.