In order to take a master craftsman examination, you must submit an application for admission to the master craftsman examination board.

Anyone who has passed a journeyman's examination in the craft in which they wish to take the master craftsman's examination or a corresponding final examination in a recognized training occupation must be admitted to the master craftsman's examination.
Likewise, anyone who has passed another journeyman's examination or a final examination in another recognized training occupation and can provide evidence of several years of professional experience in the craft in which they wish to take the master craftsman's examination must be admitted to the master craftsman's examination.

Courses can be taken to prepare for the master craftsman examination. However, these are not a prerequisite for admission to the master craftsman examination. However, they impart important knowledge in the areas of business promotion, business administration and work education and are just as helpful a prerequisite for the examination as they are for possible future self-employment.
The master craftsman examination comprises four legally independent parts, which must be completed independently of each other:

• Part I: Specialist practice
• Part II: Specialist theory
• Part III: Economic and legal principles
• Part IV: Vocational and work education

Passing the master craftsman examination confers the following qualifications:

• Use of the title "Master Craftsman"
• Independent management of a craft business after entry in the register of craftsmen
• Training apprentices.