Svendeprøven

Svendeprøven is the Danish journeyman’s examination and the final assessment in many Danish vocational training programs. It marks the completion of an apprenticeship (lære) in a skilled trade and the holder’s right to practice as a certified craftsman. The examination is organized after the practical training period and school-based components, and it is conducted at approved testing centers by a panel of examiners drawn from industry, education, and the relevant trade associations.

The assessment typically has two main parts. The practical part (praktisk prøve) requires the candidate to complete a real-world assignment representative of the trade, within a set timeframe, and to demonstrate technical skill, workmanship, safety, and efficiency. The theoretical part tests knowledge of materials, tools, methods, safety rules, quality standards, and relevant regulations; this can be written and/or oral and may include a portfolio or documentation of planning and processes. In some trades the exact structure may vary, but the two-part format is common.

A passing candidate receives the svennebrev, the national journeyman’s certificate, which authorizes independent practice as a skilled craftsman and is often required for membership in professional associations or for public contracts. If the exam is not passed, most trades provide opportunities to retake after a waiting period or additional training.

Svendeprøven thus serves as a standardized guarantee of skilled workmanship across Danish trades and is a key component of the country’s system for ensuring quality and competence in the workforce.