Meister in sich verändernden Zeiten. Der Große Befähigungsnachweis zwischen deutscher Tradition und EU-Binnenmarkt

Abstract

The major certificate of aptitude (MCA) means that German craftmen have to pass an examination for the master craftsman`s certificate to start up a business of their own. This requirement has existed for centuries and is disputed since.Whereas in pre-industrial times this requirement was justified with "subsistence" the emphasis nowadays is based on the high performance which garantuess good qualitiy.In the course of the completion of the EUropea Union`s internal market as well as a chancing world of work the MCA was critcized again. The meaning of this master qualification is dubious in two ways: firstly, are German craftsmen Thus better than their European colleaques and secondly, does the examination that had been passed long ago still fulfill the latest requirement of the world of work?This survey shows, that the MCA makes sense in trades, in which flaws can be recognized years later. As a rule master craftsmen shows a much more detailed specialized knowledge.