Qualification search

What kind of qualification type is it?

This qualification is a dual vocational education and training (3-year and 3½-year training course). The vocational education and training system is highly significant in Germany. Central importance in this regard is attached to training within the dual system, which facilitates access to many areas of occupational activity for which in other countries training at an institute of higher education is required. The system is described as “dual” because training is conducted at two independent training venues, the company and the vocational school. Training combines the acquisition of theoretical knowledge and practically related competences with company practice. Successful completion of training confers the right directly to exercise the occupation in question as a qualified skilled worker in a state recognised training occupation. It also leads to the subsequent opportunity to access a wide range of upgrading training.

Those completing training hold the professional skills, knowledge and competences (employability skills) necessary for the exercising of a qualified occupational activity. They are in possession of competences for the autonomous planning and processing of professional tasks assigned within a comprehensive area of learning or field of occupational activity which is subject to change.

Which learning outcomes are achieved?

• Analyse inorganic and organic substances to determine their qualitative and quantitative composition
• Plan experimental processes and set up apparatus
• Produce inorganic and organic preparations in accordance with instructions
• Separate substance mixtures
• Purify, identify and characterise substances
• Work with scientists to optimise production instructions and processes for preparations
• Work with scientists to develop and optimise analysis techniques
• Carry out physical investigations for the determination of material constants and chemical parameters
• Log and document experimental processes; work with German and English language instructions
• Use computers for equipment control, data acquisition, processing and transmission, documentation, information acquisition and for logistical and organisational purposes
• Evaluate measurement and experimental data and interpret the results
• Accord due consideration to health and safety at work, environmental protection and health protection when dealing with substances and equipment
• Dispose of waste substances in an environmentally friendly manner
• Apply quality management measures

Which competent authority issues the qualification certificate?

Chamber of Commerce and Industry

What are the entry requirements?

There are no formal entry requirements. Compulsory schooling of nine or ten full-time school years have to be completed. The training relationship is constituted via conclusion of a vocational education and training contract with a private sector company or comparable institution.

How is the qualification acquired?

Training takes place at a company and at a vocational school. During company-based training, trainees acquire practically related competences within a real working environment. On one or two days a week or during blocks of one to two weeks’ duration, trainees attend vocational school, where general and occupationally related contents of a theoretical nature are imparted in a way that is linked to the practical training provided at the company. Training concludes with a final examination conducted by the examination board of the competent body.

Persons who are able to demonstrate that they have been employed in an occupation or in another relevant training occupation for a period at least one and a half times as long as is prescribed for the period of initial training or who are able to produce certificates or other evidence to prove that they have acquired sufficient employability skills may also be admitted to the final examination (so-called “external examination”).

What follow-up options are there?

Following vocational education and training and an appropriate period of practical experience, persons completing the qualification have the opportunity to obtain a state-regulated upgrading training qualification.

Usually with the proviso that they have gained at least three years of occupational practice and after successful completion of an aptitude assessment procedure, they may, pursuant to a resolution adopted by the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs on 6 March 2009, acquire a subject-specific higher education entrance qualification.