Geprüfter Bildeinrahmer/Geprüfte Bildeinrahmerin

Preparatory courses for the examination take place at the respective educational institution. Learning locations are training rooms and workshop rooms.

This is an advanced training profession. The advanced training is an examination according to the regulations of the Chambers of Crafts (Handwerkskammern). Participation in preparatory courses is not required. The duration of advanced training is 1 year (part-time as block instruction). Certified Picture Framers (Geprüfter Bildeinrahmer/Geprüfte Bildeinrahmerin) create frames for pictures and mirrors of various sizes. In consultation with customers, they select a suitable frame and adapt it to the picture. They cut the miters, glue them precisely, and seal the joint dust-proof. Afterwards, they glaze the frame or design it in color, and create a suitable passe-partout and glass. They also repair damaged frames and restore or replicate historical pieces. Picture framers are employed in specialized shops for framing and pictures, or in manufacturing companies for picture frames or mirrors.

Part-time (block instruction): 1 year.

Sample course structure: Material processing (paper, cardboard, wood, glass), frame construction: 1 course week. Cutting passe-partouts, laminating techniques, handling oil paintings, paper restoration, conservation: 1 course week. Various framing techniques, business administration, paper restoration, conservation: 1 course week. Sales techniques, law, handling photography, framing techniques, exhibition techniques: 1 course week. Frame repairs and restoration, printing techniques, art history, stretcher frames: 1 course week. Framing techniques, exam preparation, exam: 1 course week. Total: 6 course weeks.

Course fees are generally incurred for attending preparatory courses, and examination fees for the examination itself. Additional costs may arise, for example, for work materials, travel to the training center, or external accommodation. Funding opportunities for particularly talented young professionals: Stiftung Begabtenförderung berufliche Bildung (SBB) - Advanced Training Scholarship.

Material science (e.g., wood, glass, paper). Framing techniques, laminating techniques. Construction of a box for object framing. Frame construction and surface design. Production of passe-partouts. Handling oil paintings, handling photography. Repair and restoration of frames. Business administration, sales techniques. Environmental protection, law. Introduction to paper and painting restoration, conservation. Art history, knowledge of frame styles.

In-depth knowledge in the following areas is a good prerequisite for successfully passing this advanced training examination: Craftsmanship: e.g., to carry out repair work on frames or cut mitres. Restoration: e.g., to restore or replicate historical frames. Style and Art History: e.g., to decorate frames with ornaments.

The advanced training consists of theoretical and practical lessons. Depending on the educational provider, one should be prepared for the following conditions: Class times are usually part-time advanced training in block lessons. The learning format is typically in-person classes: instruction in a classroom setting at the educational institution (which may not be in the place of residence).

Participation in this advanced training is not remunerated.

The following advanced training alternatives are available for the profession of Picture Framer: In the field of Design and Shaping: 'Staatlich geprüfter Gestalter/Staatlich geprüfte Gestalterin Fachrichtung Handwerk' (State-certified Designer, specializing in Craft) or 'Bachelor Professional in Gestaltung' (Bachelor Professional in Design). The commonality is designing objects considering design specifications or style and art history. In the field of Wood: 'Tischler/Tischlerin für Restaurierungsarbeiten' (Carpenter for Restoration Work). The commonality is processing and preserving wooden objects. In the field of Print and Media: 'Buchbinder/Buchbinderin für Restaurierungsarbeiten' (Bookbinder for Restoration Work). The commonality is performing restoration work using similar techniques.

In 2020, the Berufsbildungsgesetz (BBiG - Vocational Training Act) and the Handwerksordnung (HWO - Crafts Code) were amended. Among other things, this introduced the advanced training qualifications '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: Geprüfter Bildeinrahmer/Geprüfte Bildeinrahmerin

Certified Picture Framer (Geprüfter Bildeinrahmer/Geprüfte Bildeinrahmerin) is a vocational advanced training. The examination is regulated by the legal provisions of the respective Chambers of Crafts (Handwerkskammer). It is not required to attend a course to be admitted to the examination.

After their advanced training, picture framers primarily work in specialized picture framing shops. To keep their knowledge up-to-date, they can undertake adaptive training in topics ranging from wood processing to restoration. Those with a university entrance qualification can also pursue a Studium (university degree), for example, earning a Bachelor's degree in wood technology. It is also possible to start one's own business, for instance, with a specialized picture frame shop that includes an integrated workshop.

For the examination, the responsible Chambers of Crafts (Handwerkskammer) issue examination regulations. For example, there are special legal provisions for the advanced training examination for Certified Picture Framers from March 13, 1995 (HWK Stuttgart). Furthermore, the Crafts Code (Handwerksordnung) in the version of the announcement from September 24, 1998, also forms part of the legal framework.

Typically, an Ausbildung (vocational training) as a bookbinder, glazier, carpenter, or gilder, along with at least two years of professional experience in each, is a prerequisite for admission to the advanced training examination.