To be able to take a master craftsman's examination, you must submit an application for admission to the master craftsman's 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.
Anyone who has passed another journeyman's examination or a final examination in another recognized training occupation and can prove that he has worked for several years in the craft in which he wishes to take the master craftsman's examination is also to be admitted to the master craftsman's examination.

Training courses can be taken to prepare for the master craftsman's examination. However, these are not a prerequisite for admission to the master craftsman's examination. They do, however, impart important knowledge in the areas of business promotion, business administration and work pedagogy 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: Professional practice
• Part II: Technical theory
• Part III: Economic and legal basics
• Part IV: Vocational and work pedagogy

The following authorizations are associated with passing the master craftsman's examination:

• Use of the title "Meister des Handwerks" (master craftsman)
• independent management of a craft enterprise after registration in the register of craftsmen
• Training of apprentices.