Working in Germany

Become a master craftsman: Your path to more responsibility and better opportunities

Zoë Kleicke
Zoë Kleicke
Become a master craftsman: Your path to more responsibility and better opportunities

An important aspect in the career of every craftsman is the consideration of further training to become a master craftsman. However, the question usually arises as to whether this step is really the right one.

To answer this question, you should consider various aspects: Willingness to learn, cost and duration of training, funding opportunities and financial support as well as your own career goals. These are important points to consider in advance. 

This article will tell you everything you need to know to make this important decision.

What is a master craftsman?

A master craftsman is a title that you receive after special further training and passing the corresponding master craftsman examination. This training is the highest traditional professional qualification in the skilled trades and shows that someone is not only very good in their specialist area, but is also able to lead others and manage a business.

Why become a champion?

The title of master craftsman offers numerous advantages. Firstly, it generally leads to a higher income, as master craftsmen take on more responsibility and have specialist knowledge. This is rewarded accordingly. Secondly, the master craftsman title makes self-employment possible. With this title, you can set up your own business and be your own boss, which gives you more professional freedom and creative options. In addition, master craftsmen are allowed to train apprentices and pass on their knowledge to the next generation. This is not only fulfilling, but also helps to secure the next generation of skilled workers. After all, the master craftsman title is highly respected and signals that you are an expert in your professional field.

What does the title presuppose?

To become a master, you have to fulfill a few requirements:

  1. Completed vocational training: This means that you must have successfully completed training as an electronics technician, painter or carpenter, for example. This basic training is the foundation on which everything else is built.
  2. Work experience: After your apprenticeship, you should gain a few years of work experience. This practical background is important because it helps you to better understand the challenges and processes of your trade. As a rule, you should have two to three years of work experience before you start your master craftsman training.
  3. Further training: You have to attend a special master craftsman school and take various courses. To find suitable courses, you can obtain information directly from the Chambers of Crafts, e.g. the Chamber of Crafts for Munich and Upper Bavaria offers you an overview of the various master craftsman schools for each specialist area. 

How do you get the championship title?

The path to the championship title consists of several steps:

  1. Attend master craftsman school: Here you will learn everything you need to know for the exam and your future tasks as a master craftsman.
  2. Pass the exam: The master craftsman examination consists of four parts:some text
    • Specialist practice: deepen your practical skills.
    • Specialist theory: Expand your theoretical knowledge.
    • Business administration and law: knowledge of corporate management and legal principles.
    • Vocational and occupational education: learning how to train apprentices.
  3. Receive your certificate: After passing the exam, you will receive your master craftsman certificate.

How long does the master title last?

The duration of master craftsman training can vary depending on the chosen form. If you opt for full-time training, it can take around six months. Part-time training, which is completed alongside your job, can take up to two years. This flexible structure makes it possible to adapt the training to individual life circumstances.

How expensive is the training?

The costs for master craftsman training vary and depend on various factors. In general, the cost of the entire training course is between 5,000 and 10,000 euros. This sum includes course fees, teaching materials and examination fees. The financial hurdles of master craftsman training can be mitigated by various support options. One of the best-known funding options is Aufstiegs-BAföG, which offers state support for financing master craftsman training and can be easily applied for online. In addition, there are educational loans at favorable conditions or even employers who promote corresponding further training. It is therefore worth finding out about these options at an early stage and seeking advice if necessary.

What happens if I don't pass?

If you don't pass the master craftsman's examination, there's no need to despair. You have the option of repeating the individual parts of the exam. As a rule, you can take up to three attempts at each part of the examination within three years. However, retaking the exam involves additional costs, which can range from €150 to €350 depending on the Chamber of Crafts and Trades and the amount of work involved.

Become a master and discover new opportunities with WorkerHero

Register now on our platform to advance your career as a master craftsman. Whether you've just passed your master craftsman exam or are looking for the next big challenge - you'll find the right job at WorkerHero.

And the best thing? Registration only takes 2 minutes and is completely free for you. Discover the variety of job offers for master craftsmen today and find the perfect job that matches your qualifications and ambitions. Take the next step in your career and take advantage of the numerous opportunities open to you as a master craftsman.

Further topics:
No items found.
Other categories:

In 3 steps to a better job:

1. create profile

2. receive or apply for job offers

3. select job