Baustoffprüfer/Baustoffprüferin

Construction material testers (Baustoffprüfer/innen) are trained in the dual system. Learning locations are the training company (usually construction industry and prefabrication industry businesses): laboratories, construction sites, terrain, and the vocational school (Berufsschule): classrooms. If companies cannot provide all required training content, parts of the training can be moved to inter-company training centers (überbetriebliche Ausbildungsstätten). Note: Vocational school classes are partly conducted in cross-state specialized classes, currently: for the states of Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria (Bayern), Brandenburg (apprentices from the Berlin area attend the vocational school in Berlin after agreements between Berlin and Brandenburg), Hamburg, Hesse, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Lower Saxony, Saarland, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Schleswig-Holstein, and Thuringia in Selb (Bavaria) at the State Vocational School Center for Product Design and Testing Technology Selb; for the states of North Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatinate in Beckum (North Rhine-Westphalia) at the Vocational College Beckum of the District.

Occupation Type: Recognized apprenticeship (Ausbildung) occupation. Training Type: Dual apprenticeship (Ausbildung) in industry (regulated by training regulations). Training Duration: 3 years. Learning Locations: Training company and vocational school (Berufsschule) (dual apprenticeship). What does one do in this profession? Construction material testers (Baustoffprüfer/innen) monitor the production of construction materials and the properties and usability of soils, rocks, and recycled materials according to regulations and applicable standards. For this, they prepare and carry out sampling. Depending on the focus and order, they test different raw building materials and binders and examine construction products made from them, such as concrete, plaster, mortar, or asphalt mixtures for buildings and road surfaces. Or they carry out exploratory drilling to determine, for example, the load-bearing capacity, compaction, and water absorption capacity of a subsoil. For investigations using chemical and physical methods, they use various testing devices. They document their test and measurement results.

Job Title: Construction Material Tester (Baustoffprüfer/in). Job Type: Recognized apprenticeship (Ausbildung) occupation. Training Duration: 3 years. What does one do in this profession? Construction material testers (Baustoffprüfer/innen) monitor the production of construction materials and the properties and usability of soils, rocks, and recycled materials according to regulations and applicable standards. For this, they prepare and carry out sampling. Depending on the focus and order, they test different raw building materials and binders and examine construction products made from them, such as concrete, plaster, mortar, or asphalt mixtures for buildings and road surfaces. Or they carry out exploratory drilling to determine, for example, the load-bearing capacity, compaction, and water absorption capacity of a subsoil. For investigations using chemical and physical methods, they use various testing devices. They document, evaluate, and prepare test reports for their test and measurement results. Where do they work? Construction material testers find employment.

3 years

The apprenticeship (Ausbildung) is carried out in parallel at the training company and in the vocational school (Berufsschule). Vocational school classes take place on specific weekdays or in block form. Excerpt from the training framework plan and the framework curriculum: 1st - 18th Month of Training: Training in the company and, if necessary, in inter-company courses (überbetriebliche Lehrgänge): Applying information systems and communication techniques, planning, preparing, and controlling work processes, teamwork, reading and applying technical documents, applying working materials, raw building materials, binders, mixtures, and recycled materials, carrying out sampling and preparing samples, applying regulations, applying laboratory technology, carrying out measurements and tests, processing, evaluating, preparing, and documenting data, business administration, customer orientation, carrying out quality assurance measures. 1st and 2nd Year of Training: Training in the vocational school (Berufsschule) in the learning fields: Planning and preparing building material tests, physics.

No costs are charged for carrying out the apprenticeship (Ausbildung). The training company provides the training materials required for the company part of the training and pays the examination fees. Unless otherwise regulated, apprentices must bear the costs of learning materials for vocational school (Berufsschule) classes and for work clothing themselves. In addition, costs may arise if training facilities are far from the place of residence. Funding Opportunities: In certain life situations, apprentices can receive vocational training assistance (Berufsausbildungsbeihilfe). Further information: Berufsausbildungsbeihilfe (BAB).

During the vocational training (Ausbildung), trainees learn, for example, how to read technical documents, plans, and maps, sketch test specimens and site plans, make freehand sketches, and mark measuring points. They also learn how to perform incoming inspections of raw building materials and classify recycled materials according to their usability. They learn how to measure conductivity using physical and chemical methods, determine the solid content of solutions, and test the hardness, weather resistance, and other properties of materials. They are also taught how to prepare meeting minutes, conduct presentations, handle complaints, and record and calculate services rendered. In the specialization of Geotechnics, they learn how to test the load-bearing capacity of soils, conduct boreholes, evaluate drilling samples, and maintain drilling logs. They also learn what to consider when measuring groundwater levels, how to conduct infiltration and pumping tests, and methods for compaction.

One should be prepared for the following conditions and requirements: In the company, practical work (under supervision) is expected, such as taking material samples, testing soil and building material samples in the laboratory, and documenting investigation results. The environment includes artificial lighting in the laboratory, weather influences outdoors, and changing work locations. Protective clothing (e.g., safety glasses, gloves, lab coat) may be required in some cases. Working hours in industry can sometimes involve shift work. Requirements include observational accuracy (e.g., recognizing deviations from standards), diligence and a sense of responsibility (e.g., when measuring the density, hardness, or porosity of building materials, when testing the load-bearing capacity of subsoils), and technical understanding (e.g., maintaining and servicing testing equipment and laboratory facilities). At the vocational school (Berufsschule), classes are held one or two days a week or as block instruction.

Trainees can complete parts of their vocational training (Ausbildung) abroad. For example, they can undertake an internship abroad in various European countries as part of the additional qualification "Europaassistent/in." This internship lasts at least 3 weeks, and a secondary school leaving certificate (mittlerer Bildungsabschluss) is a prerequisite. Further information on the additional qualification "Europaassistent/in" is available.

The vocational training allowance (Ausbildungsvergütung) for a dual vocational training (duale Ausbildung) is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is determined by those agreements. Trainees must be granted an appropriate allowance. If the training takes place in a school setting (e.g., at a vocational college or as a basic vocational training year - BGJ in the 1st year of training), no vocational training allowance is paid. Example for the concrete stone industry (monthly gross - depending on the federal state (Bundesland)): 1st year of training: 925 € to 1,250 €, 2nd year of training: 1,006 € to 1,600 €, 3rd year of training: 1,134 € to 1,818 €. Example for engineering, architecture, and planning offices (monthly gross): 1st year of training: 857 € to 903 €, 2nd year of training: 1,059 € to 1,113 €, 3rd year of training: 1,259 € to 1,325 €. This recommendation applies to the entire federal territory (Bundesgebiet). Sources: Collective bargaining information from the federal government and the federal states (Bundesländer) (e.g., Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, WSI-Tarifarchiv, collective bargaining archives of the federal states). Note: This information...

In-depth knowledge in the following school subjects is a good prerequisite for successful vocational training (Ausbildung): Physics/Chemistry: e.g., to determine the chemical parameters of samples. Mathematics: e.g., to calculate the ratios of laboratory mixtures.

The additional qualification "Europaassistent/in" is aimed at trainees with at least a secondary school leaving certificate (mittlerer Bildungsabschluss). It expands the initial training with intercultural competencies and offers trainees the opportunity to improve their foreign language skills. For this purpose, trainees attend additional vocational school (Berufsschule) classes, e.g., in European Commercial and Economic Law, and complete a multi-week internship abroad. The responsible chamber (Kammer) provides further information, e.g.: Europaassistent/in.

The following Ausbildung (vocational training) alternatives are available for the profession of Baustoffprüfer/in (Construction Material Tester): In the laboratory field, State-certified Technical Assistant for Metallography and Materials Science, Materials Tester specializing in Systems Technology, Materials Tester specializing in Metal Technology, Materials Tester specializing in Plastics Technology, Ceramic Testing Technologist. Their commonality is examining materials and substances using similar methods.

The profession of Baustoffprüfer/in was first recognized in 1940. In 1975, the Ausbildung (vocational training) was reorganized into three specializations under the Berufsbildungsgesetz (Vocational Training Act). In 2005, the specializations were abolished and replaced by three focus areas: Geotechnics, Mortar and Concrete Technology, and Asphalt Technology. This reorganization considered new building materials and changed laboratory and working technologies. The precursor professions of Baustoffprüfer/Baustoffprüferin specializing in bituminous masses, soil, mortar, and concrete were abolished. In 2020, amendments to the Berufsbildungsgesetz (BBiG) and the Handwerksordnung (HWO) introduced a minimum Ausbildung (vocational training) remuneration and expanded the possibility of completing Ausbildung (vocational training) in Teilzeit (part-time). In 2024, the Berufsbildungsvalidierungs- und -digitalisierungsgesetz (Vocational Training Validation and Digitalization Act) came into force, making adjustments to the BBiG and HWO.

Baustoffprüfer/in is a recognized 3-year Ausbildung (vocational training) profession in industry and trade.

Qualification title: Baustoffprüfer/Baustoffprüferin.

The Ausbildung (vocational training) remuneration for a dual Ausbildung (vocational training) is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is based on collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of an Ausbildung (vocational training) remuneration for Ausbildung (vocational training) starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Berufsbildungsgesetz (Vocational Training Act) via the minimum remuneration. For example, in the Concrete Stone Industry (monthly gross): 1st Ausbildung (vocational training) year: 964 €, 2nd Ausbildung (vocational training) year: 1,153 €, 3rd Ausbildung (vocational training) year: 1,369 € (Source: Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales (BMAS), as of July 2024). For example, in Engineering, Architecture, and Planning Offices (monthly gross): 1st Ausbildung (vocational training) year: 857 € to 903 €, 2nd Ausbildung (vocational training) year: 1,059 € to 1,113 €, 3rd Ausbildung (vocational training) year: 1,259 € to 1,325 €. This recommendation applies to the entire Bundesland (federal state) (Source: ADAI (Recommendation), as of January 2026). Please note: These figures are for orientation only. No claims can be derived from them.

The Ausbildung (vocational training) remuneration for a dual Ausbildung (vocational training) is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is based on collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of an Ausbildung (vocational training) remuneration for Ausbildung (vocational training) starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Berufsbildungsgesetz (Vocational Training Act) via the minimum remuneration. For example, in the Concrete Stone Industry (monthly gross): 1st Ausbildung (vocational training) year: 965 €, 2nd Ausbildung (vocational training) year: 1,017 €, 3rd Ausbildung (vocational training) year: 1,134 € (Source: Joint Collective Bargaining Registers Berlin and Brandenburg, as of July 2025). For example, in Engineering, Architecture, and Planning Offices (monthly gross): 1st Ausbildung (vocational training) year: 857 € to 903 €, 2nd Ausbildung (vocational training) year: 1,059 € to 1,113 €, 3rd Ausbildung (vocational training) year: 1,259 € to 1,325 €. This recommendation applies to the entire Bundesland (federal state) (Source: ADAI (Recommendation), as of January 2026). Please note: These figures are for orientation only. No claims can be derived from them.

The Ausbildung (vocational training) remuneration for a dual training program is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is based on collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of training remuneration for programs starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) regarding minimum remuneration. For example, in the concrete stone industry (monthly gross): 1st year: 1,110 €, 2nd year: 1,202 €, 3rd year: 1,480 €. Source: Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (BMAS), as of September 2025. For engineering, architecture, and planning offices (monthly gross): 1st year: 857 € to 903 €, 2nd year: 1,059 € to 1,113 €, 3rd year: 1,259 € to 1,325 €. This recommendation applies to the entire Bundesland (federal state) of Germany. Source: ADAI (Recommendation), as of January 2026. This information is for orientation purposes only. No claims can be derived from it.

The Ausbildung (vocational training) remuneration for a dual training program is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is based on collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of training remuneration for programs starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) regarding minimum remuneration. For example, in the concrete stone industry (monthly gross): 1st year: 1,056 €, 2nd year: 1,467 €, 3rd year: 1,818 €. Source: IG Bau, as of September 2025. For engineering, architecture, and planning offices (monthly gross): 1st year: 857 € to 903 €, 2nd year: 1,059 € to 1,113 €, 3rd year: 1,259 € to 1,325 €. This recommendation applies to the entire Bundesland (federal state) of Germany. Source: ADAI (Recommendation), as of January 2026. This information is for orientation purposes only. No claims can be derived from it.

The Ausbildung (vocational training) remuneration for a dual training program is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is based on collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of training remuneration for programs starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) regarding minimum remuneration. For example, in the concrete stone industry (monthly gross): 1st year: 945 €, 2nd year: 1,030 €, 3rd year: 1,168 €. Source: Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (BMAS), as of September 2025. For engineering, architecture, and planning offices (monthly gross): 1st year: 857 € to 903 €, 2nd year: 1,059 € to 1,113 €, 3rd year: 1,259 € to 1,325 €. This recommendation applies to the entire Bundesland (federal state) of Germany. Source: ADAI (Recommendation), as of January 2026. This information is for orientation purposes only. No claims can be derived from it.

Improve opportunities with additional qualifications. Future building material testers can gain a good starting position by acquiring additional qualifications during their Ausbildung (vocational training), for example, in European Commercial and Economic Law through the additional qualification 'Europaassistent/in'. Find the right employment. After their Ausbildung, building material testers work in construction companies, quarry operations, and in monitoring and research institutions. Secure employability. Through adaptive further training (Anpassungsweiterbildung), one can keep their specialized knowledge current, up-to-date, and expand it. The range of topics extends from material testing to concrete and reinforced concrete construction. Advance professionally. Further training for advancement (Aufstiegsweiterbildung) helps to progress professionally and achieve leadership positions. It is logical to complete further training as a technician (Techniker/in) specializing in material technology. With a university entrance qualification, further options are available.

The Ausbildung (vocational training) remuneration for a dual training program is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is based on collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of training remuneration for programs starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) regarding minimum remuneration. For example, in the concrete stone industry (monthly gross): 1st year: 945 €, 2nd year: 1,030 €, 3rd year: 1,168 €. Source: Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (BMAS), as of September 2025. For engineering, architecture, and planning offices (monthly gross): 1st year: 857 € to 903 €, 2nd year: 1,059 € to 1,113 €, 3rd year: 1,259 € to 1,325 €. This recommendation applies to the entire Bundesland (federal state) of Germany. Source: ADAI (Recommendation), as of January 2026. This information is for orientation purposes only. No claims can be derived from it.

The Ausbildung (vocational training) remuneration for a dual training program is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is based on collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of training remuneration for programs starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) regarding minimum remuneration. For example, in the concrete stone industry (monthly gross): 1st year: 925 €, 2nd year: 1,006 €, 3rd year: 1,134 €. Source: Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (BMAS), as of July 2025. For engineering, architecture, and planning offices (monthly gross): 1st year: 857 € to 903 €, 2nd year: 1,059 € to 1,113 €, 3rd year: 1,259 € to 1,325 €. This recommendation applies to the entire Bundesland (federal state) of Germany. Source: ADAI (Recommendation), as of January 2026. This information is for orientation purposes only. No claims can be derived from it.

In 2024, there were 183 new Ausbildung (vocational training) starters. 49 percent had a secondary school leaving certificate, and 33 percent possessed the Hochschulreife (university entrance qualification). 10 percent had a Hauptschulabschluss (lower secondary school certificate), and 2 percent could not provide a Hauptschulabschluss. This data is based on information from the Datensystem Auszubildende (DAZUBI) of the Bundesinstitut für Berufsbildung (BIBB).

The training allowance for a dual Ausbildung (vocational training) is paid by the training company. For companies bound by collective agreements, it is determined by these agreements. For trainings starting in 2020 and later, the appropriateness of the allowance is regulated by the Berufsbildungsgesetz (Vocational Training Act) regarding minimum remuneration. For example, in the concrete stone industry, the monthly gross allowance is 1,110 € in the 1st year, 1,202 € in the 2nd year, and 1,480 € in the 3rd year (Source: BMAS, September 2025). For engineering, architecture, and planning offices, it ranges from 857 € - 903 € in the 1st year, 1,059 € - 1,113 € in the 2nd year, and 1,259 € - 1,325 € in the 3rd year (Source: ADAI, January 2026). This information is for orientation only and no claims can be derived from it.

The training allowance for a dual Ausbildung (vocational training) is paid by the training company. For companies bound by collective agreements, it is determined by these agreements. For trainings starting in 2020 and later, the appropriateness of the allowance is regulated by the Berufsbildungsgesetz (Vocational Training Act) regarding minimum remuneration. For example, in the concrete stone industry, the monthly gross allowance is 925 € in the 1st year, 1,006 € in the 2nd year, and 1,134 € in the 3rd year (Source: BMAS, July 2025). For engineering, architecture, and planning offices, it ranges from 857 € - 903 € in the 1st year, 1,059 € - 1,113 € in the 2nd year, and 1,259 € - 1,325 € in the 3rd year (Source: ADAI, January 2026). This information is for orientation only and no claims can be derived from it.

The training allowance for a dual Ausbildung (vocational training) is paid by the training company. For companies bound by collective agreements, it is determined by these agreements. For trainings starting in 2020 and later, the appropriateness of the allowance is regulated by the Berufsbildungsgesetz (Vocational Training Act) regarding minimum remuneration. For example, in the concrete stone industry, the monthly gross allowance is 1,137 € in the 1st year, 1,235 € in the 2nd year, and 1,348 € in the 3rd year (Source: BMAS, July 2025). For engineering, architecture, and planning offices, it ranges from 857 € - 903 € in the 1st year, 1,059 € - 1,113 € in the 2nd year, and 1,259 € - 1,325 € in the 3rd year (Source: ADAI, January 2026). This information is for orientation only and no claims can be derived from it.

During the Ausbildung (vocational training), specialization occurs in one of the following areas: Asphalt Technology, Geotechnics, or Mortar and Concrete Technology.

Legal regulations and recommendations for this Ausbildung (vocational training) are set by the Ordinance on Vocational Training for Material Testers (BauStoffPrAusbV) from March 24, 2005 (BGBl. I S. 971) and the Framework Curriculum for the Occupation of Material Tester (Resolution of the Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs from March 18, 2005).

The remuneration for a dual Ausbildung (vocational training) is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is based on collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of training remuneration for trainings starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Berufsbildungsgesetz (Vocational Training Act) via the minimum remuneration. For example, in the concrete stone industry (monthly gross): 1st year: 1,016 €, 2nd year: 1,121 €, 3rd year: 1,420 €. Source: Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales (BMAS), September 2025. For example, in engineering, architecture, and planning offices (monthly gross): 1st year: 857 € to 903 €, 2nd year: 1,059 € to 1,113 €, 3rd year: 1,259 € to 1,325 €. This recommendation applies to the entire Bundesland (federal state). Source: ADAI (Recommendation), January 2026. These figures are for orientation only; no claims can be derived from them.

Legally, no specific prior education is required.

The remuneration for a dual Ausbildung (vocational training) is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is based on collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of training remuneration for trainings starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Berufsbildungsgesetz (Vocational Training Act) via the minimum remuneration. For example, in the concrete stone industry (monthly gross): 1st year: 1,250 €, 2nd year: 1,600 €, 3rd year: 1,800 €. Source: Tarifregister Nordrhein-Westfalen, August 2025. For example, in engineering, architecture, and planning offices (monthly gross): 1st year: 857 € to 903 €, 2nd year: 1,059 € to 1,113 €, 3rd year: 1,259 € to 1,325 €. This recommendation applies to the entire Bundesland (federal state). Source: ADAI (Recommendation), January 2026. These figures are for orientation only; no claims can be derived from them.

The remuneration for a dual Ausbildung (vocational training) is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is based on collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of training remuneration for trainings starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Berufsbildungsgesetz (Vocational Training Act) via the minimum remuneration. For example, in the concrete stone industry (monthly gross): 1st year: 926 €, 2nd year: 1,010 €, 3rd year: 1,144 €. Source: Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales (BMAS), July 2025. For example, in engineering, architecture, and planning offices (monthly gross): 1st year: 857 € to 903 €, 2nd year: 1,059 € to 1,113 €, 3rd year: 1,259 € to 1,325 €. This recommendation applies to the entire Bundesland (federal state). Source: ADAI (Recommendation), January 2026. These figures are for orientation only; no claims can be derived from them.