Gesellenprüfung

Gesellenprüfung is the final examination in many German craft trades, completing a dual apprenticeship. It marks the transition from apprentice to Geselle (journeyman) and validates the professional skills acquired during training. The exam is regulated by national vocational law and organized by the competent chamber for the trade, typically the Handwerkskammer (Chamber of Crafts) or, for some sectors, the Industrie- und Handelskammer (Chamber of Industry and Commerce).

The examination usually consists of a practical and a theoretical part. The practical Prüfung tests craftsmanship through a time-limited task in the workshop, often involving the creation or modification of a concrete workpiece and requiring planning, execution, and documentation. The theoretical Prüfung assesses trade-specific knowledge, mathematics, safety regulations, and relevant laws; in many trades an oral examination or assessment may supplement the written test. The exact format and requirements vary by trade and region.

Applicants typically complete an apprenticeship of about three years and apply to the relevant chamber to take the exam. The chamber sets the procedures, schedules, and any preparatory courses; retakes are possible if a candidate fails one or more parts.

Outcome and significance: Passing the Gesellenprüfung yields the Gesellenbrief and the right to practice the trade as a certified journeyman. The qualification is often a prerequisite for pursuing the Meisterprüfung (master craftsman examination), which enables training of apprentices, operating a business, and broader professional advancement. The content and passing criteria are trade- and region-specific.