Handwerksrolle, Ausnahmebewilligung beantragen

• § 8 Handwerksordnung (HwO) – Ausnahmebewilligung
• EU/EWR-Handwerk-Verordnung (EU/EWR HwV)

Application for exemption authorisation for entry in the Register of qualified Craftsmen in accordance with Section 8 of the Crafts Code (HwO)

Do you or your company manager have the knowledge and skills of a master craftsman, but have not passed a master craftsman's examination? Then you may be able to obtain an entry in the Register of qualified Craftsmen.

In special cases, the Saxon Chambers of Crafts (HWK) issue an exemption licence if the applicant fulfils the requirements for running a craft business. The chambers must also take into account the applicant's professional experience and activities for the assessment.

An exceptional case exists if it would be an unreasonable burden for you to take the master craftsman's examination at the time of application or thereafter.

Authorisation by chambers of crafts

In Saxony, the competent chambers of crafts and trades (HWK) are responsible for granting exemptions. The chambers can obtain an opinion from the competent guild or professional association if the applicant expressly agrees. They must obtain an opinion if applicants request one.

Note: If the expert opinion does not provide sufficient proof of qualification, you will be given the opportunity to prove your knowledge and skills in an informal examination of expertise. You are responsible for the costs of the examination.

Conditions and restrictions possible

The Chamber of Skilled Crafts (HWK) can grant you the exemption licence subject to conditions, requirements or for a limited period of time and limited to a significant part.

Single point of contact (Einheitlicher Ansprechpartner)

You can utilise the services of the Single Point of Contact for this procedure. They will guide you through the process, take care of correspondence with all the authorities responsible for your request and provide you with expert advice.

• Proof of vocational training and previous professional activity (including activities and examinations that have nothing to do with the subject of the exemption application!)
• photocopies of certificates and proof of employment in a single copy
• details of the business you wish to run as owner, partner or manager (including details of an existing business that is to be subsequently entered in the Register of Craftsmen)
• details of the master craftsman examination
• if you are yet to take the master craftsman's examination: Submission of your "examination timetable" (registration and attendance certificates for preparatory courses, stating the start date, duration and regular attendance); if applicable, the authorisation notice
• justification of the exceptional case

Existence of an exceptional reason

According to the legal regulations, an exceptional reason only exists if it would be an unreasonable burden for you at the time of application or afterwards to take the master craftsman's examination before starting work as a self-employed person or company manager.

Time and professional overload is not generally recognised as a reason because these burdens are imposed on every candidate for a master craftsman examination.

Proof of master craftsman-like knowledge and skills

It must be clear from your professional background that you not only have the specialised theoretical knowledge and practical skills of a master craftsman. You must also have basic commercial, business management and legal knowledge in order to be able to run a craft business independently.

Other requirements

The applicant can only be a natural person. Companies are excluded as applicants.

variable (according to the scale of fees of the Chamber of Crafts)

You can apply for exemption authorisation in person, in writing or online at your local Chamber of Crafts (HWK) or via the Single Point of Contact; depending on the service, you can access the application form on the Internet or use the online service (see -> Online application).

You are well advised to contact the chamber before submitting your application.

• Complete the application form and enclose the necessary documents.
• Submit the complete application documents to your local Chamber of Skilled Crafts or the Single Point of Contact.
• Specialised employees of the Chamber of Crafts will check your application and - if necessary - obtain an expert opinion.
• The Chamber of Crafts will inform you in writing whether you have been granted an exemption licence.

• Beginning of activity: after entry in the register of craftsmen

Note: Submit your application for an exemption licence in good time so that you can start working in the craft trade at the desired time.

not applicable