Geprüfter Baumaschinenmeister/Geprüfte Baumaschinenmeisterin

Preparatory courses for the exam take place, for example, at educational institutions in the construction industry and other training centers. Learning locations are typically classrooms.

This is an advanced vocational training profession (Weiterbildungsberuf), leading to the title of master (Meister/in). The advanced training concludes with a nationwide standardized master examination (Meisterprüfung). Participation in preparatory courses is not mandatory. The duration of the training varies depending on the educational offer and learning format. Construction machinery masters plan work processes, instruct skilled workers, and, if necessary, manage the entire operation. They also train apprentices. They set up the machine-technical part of a construction site and ensure that construction machinery and equipment function properly. They also take care of their maintenance and repair. Furthermore, they monitor cost development and work performance and ensure compliance with safety measures. They are employed in construction companies, for example, in building construction, bridge and tunnel construction, as well as road, shaft, or hydraulic engineering, and in landscape gardening companies.

The duration varies depending on the educational offer and learning format. Some courses may also prepare separately for individual parts of the master examination (Meisterprüfung).

The exemplary distribution of hours is as follows: Construction machinery technical part: approx. 540 hours; Economic, legal, and social studies part: approx. 130 hours; Vocational and work pedagogical part: approx. 130 hours. The total number of hours is approximately 800 hours.

Course fees are incurred for attending preparatory courses, and examination fees for the exam itself. Further costs may arise for work materials, travel to the training center, or accommodation away from home. Preparatory courses for the master examination can be financially supported according to the Advanced Training Promotion Act (Aufstiegsfortbildungsförderungsgesetz). For more information, refer to Aufstiegs-BAföG and the Foundation for the Promotion of Talented Young Professionals (Stiftung Begabtenförderung berufliche Bildung - SBB) - Further Training Scholarship.

Construction machinery technical part: Machine technical fundamentals (e.g., performing calculations, making sketches, describing properties and requirements of materials), construction machinery and equipment (e.g., structure, function, and operating conditions, fundamentals of control and regulation technology), maintenance and repair technology (e.g., measuring and testing the condition and wear of machines and equipment, identifying malfunctions, performing repair and maintenance), construction operation technology (e.g., setting up, managing, and dismantling a construction site). Economic, legal, and social studies part: Cost-conscious action (e.g., economics, business administration), legally compliant action (e.g., Basic Law, labor and social law), cooperation at the workplace (e.g., fundamentals of human social behavior, influences of the Baumaschinenmeister/in on cooperation in the company and on the construction site). Also includes vocational and work pedagogical aptitude.

In-depth knowledge in the following areas is a good prerequisite for successfully passing the advanced training examination: Technology (e.g., for maintaining and repairing construction machinery and equipment), Mathematics (e.g., for calculating technical values such as efficiency and performance), Economics/Law (e.g., for managing a company or a department), and Employee Leadership and Guidance (e.g., for applying leadership tools such as target agreements and feedback).

The advanced training consists of theoretical and practical lessons. Depending on the education provider, one should expect the following conditions: full-time classes on at least four weekdays, and usually in-person classes within a classroom setting at the educational institution.

There are several options for advanced training abroad. For example, in Austria, WIFI Österreich offers courses (search term: "Baumaschinentechnik"), and in Switzerland, wab - Die Weiterbildungsdatenbank der Schweiz (search term: "Baumaschinenmechanikermeister/in") provides further training opportunities. The Europass offers the possibility to document learning experiences completed abroad.

Participation in preparatory courses is not remunerated.

The following advanced training alternatives are available for the profession of Construction Machine Master: In the field of work preparation, options include Industrial Master in Metal Technology, Automotive Mechatronics Master/Bachelor Professional in Automotive Mechatronics Craft, or Agricultural and Construction Machine Mechatronics Master/Bachelor Professional in Agricultural and Construction Machine Mechatronics Craft. A commonality among these is organizing and leading work processes in the repair of machines and vehicles. In the field of mechanical and plant engineering, options include State-Certified Technician in Mechanical Engineering with a focus on Production Technology/Bachelor Professional in Technology, or State-Certified Technician in Mechanical Engineering with a focus on Construction/Bachelor Professional in Technology.

The regulation for the examination for Construction Machine Masters came into force in 1985. In 1999, a new regulation took into account technical progress, customer orientation, quality management, and environmental protection more strongly. In 2009, the actual master examination was separated from the vocational and work pedagogical aptitude according to the Instructor Aptitude Ordinance (AEVO). In 2020, the Vocational Training Act (BBiG) and the Crafts Code (HWO) were amended, introducing advanced training qualifications such as "Geprüfte/r Berufsspezialist/in" (Certified Vocational Specialist), "Bachelor Professional," and "Master Professional" to emphasize the equivalence of vocational and academic education. The use of these professional titles depends on the enactment of corresponding new advanced training regulations.

Qualification Title: Certified Construction Machine Master (Geprüfter Baumaschinenmeister/Geprüfte Baumaschinenmeisterin)

A Construction Machine Master is a professional advanced training. The master craftsman examination is uniformly regulated nationwide in Germany. It is not required to attend a course to be admitted to the examination.

After advanced training, it is possible to find suitable employment. Construction machine masters work in companies in the construction industry, for example, in building construction, bridge and tunnel construction, as well as in road, shaft, or hydraulic engineering. To secure employability, specialized knowledge can be kept up-to-date, brought to the latest standard, and expanded through adaptive advanced training. The range of topics extends from construction machine technology to crane operation. To advance professionally, career-advancing advanced training courses, specifically designed for graduates of advanced training, can expand and supplement the competence profile, building on existing qualifications. It is a logical step to take the examination as a Technical Business Administrator (Technische/r Betriebswirt/in). With their advanced training qualification, masters can also gain access to a Studium (university degree program) without a school-based higher education entrance qualification and, for example, acquire a Bachelor's degree in vehicle technology. The step into self-employment is also possible.

For the examination: Ordinance on the examination for the recognized qualification Certified Construction Machine Master (BauMaschMeistPrV) of 23.01.1985 (BGBl. I S. 177), last amended by Article 9 of the ordinance of 09.12.2019 (BGBl. I S. 2153). Instructor Aptitude Ordinance of 21.01.2009 (BGBl. I S. 88). Further: Framework plan for the training of instructors, recommendation of the Main Committee of the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (Bundesinstitut für Berufsbildung) of 25.06.2009 (amended version of 20.06.2023).

The prerequisite for admission to the master craftsman examination is usually: a final examination in a relevant recognized Ausbildung (vocational training) occupation with corresponding professional experience or at least 6 years of relevant professional experience.