Leistungen A-Z

The entry in the register of craftsmen is necessary if you want to operate a craft subject to approval in Germany or if you want to work as a business manager.

This also applies if

• you want to independently practice a significant part of a craft subject to licensing.
• You want to independently practice several crafts that are subject to licensing. In this case, you need to be entered in the register of craftsmen for each craft subject to approval.

In order to be registered in the register of craftsmen, you usually have to pass a master craftsman's examination. If taking the master craftsman's examination is an unreasonable burden for you and you have knowledge and skills equivalent to master craftsmen, you can apply for an exemption permit to be entered in the register of craftsmen.

Exceptions may include:

• advanced age
• family situations,
• serious illness or disability,
• the existence of other tests,
• long waiting times for master craftsman examinations.

Each reason for exception will be examined on a case-by-case basis. In addition, you must demonstrate knowledge and skills that are necessary for practicing the craft.

The exemption can be granted with ancillary provisions. For example, it is conceivable that the certificate may be granted with a temporary exemption if it is only temporarily unreasonable to take the master craftsman's examination.
 

• The master craftsman's examination must be an unreasonable burden for you.  
• You must have knowledge and skills to practice the craft.

• Application for an exemption permit for entry in the register of craftsmen
• Evidence of the reason for the exception
• Proof of knowledge and skills relevant to the craft

The specific fee can be found in the schedule of fees of the Chamber of Crafts, which can be accessed on the Chamber's website.

• Https://www.hwk-ff.de/ueber-uns/rechtsgrundlagen/die-gebuehrenordnung/
• Https://hwk-cottbus.de/gebuehren
• Https://www.hwk-potsdam.de/artikel/gebuehren-9,783,2654.html

You must submit your application for an exemption permit and entry in the register of craftsmen electronically via online procedure or in writing to your local Chamber of Crafts. The online application is also offered via administration portals. In detail, there are the following procedural steps:

1. Application

• Go to the website of your local Chamber of Crafts and download the application forms for the granting of an exemption permit and entry in the register of craftsmen. You are also welcome to contact your Chamber of Crafts directly and have the necessary documents sent to you.
• Fill out the forms completely and send them to your local Chamber of Crafts together with the required documents.

Alternatively, an online application can be submitted via administration portals.

2. Implementation of the administrative procedure for the granting of a derogation

• In the procedure for granting an exemption, it is checked whether the following criteria are met:
• Existence of an exceptional reason (reason why taking a master craftsman's examination appears to be undue hardship, such as family reasons, advanced age or a special opportunity to take over the business)
• Proof of the necessary knowledge and skills (the scope of the proof depends on the previous qualification and on whether the exemption permit is applied for for the entire craft or only for a sub-area).

3. Decision on application

If the legal requirements are met, you will be granted an exemption. On this basis, the entry in the register of craftsmen can then take place. The exemption can be granted for an indefinite period or for a limited period of time. A time limit is set in particular if the condition is attached to the issuance of the master craftsman's examination within a certain period of time.

4. Craft register registration

On the basis of a granted exemption, the register of craftsmen can be registered. Together with the notification of registration, the company receives the so-called craft card (§ 10 para. 2 HwO).
 

• Https://www.hwk-ff.de/formulare-und-downloads/
• Https://www.hwk-cottbus.de/artikel/downloads-ausuebungsberechtigung-ausnahmebewilligung-7,669,300.html
• Https://www.hwk-potsdam.de/artikel/dokumente-formulare-merkblaetter-9,908,3706.html

None

The Chamber of Crafts in whose district the main commercial establishment is located is responsible.

• Https://www.handwerkskammer.de/

• § 8 Crafts Code (HWO)

Privacy policy:

• Https://www.hwk-ff.de/datenschutz/
• Https://www.hwk-cottbus.de/datenschutz
• Https://www.hwk-potsdam.de/artikel/datenschutzerklaerung-9,892,3664.html

The Senator for Economics, Labour and Europe of the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen

Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labour and Energy of the State of Brandenburg