The VSSM / FRECEM production specialist training course (formerly carpenter / machinist) with an association certificate comprises 294 lessons and 50 learning hours for the "Production" module, and 50 classroom lessons and 80 learning hours for the "Training / Management" module. Depending on the school, further lessons may be added.

Depending on the school, the duration of continuing education, further training to become a VSSM / FRM production specialist can vary, but usually lasts approximately one year.

The Carpenter Machinist or Production Specialist VSSM / FRM course is aimed at trained carpenters with a Federal Diploma of Vocational Education and Training who wish to gain further professional qualifications and who are aiming for a Federal Diploma of Vocational Education and Training in the long term.

Continuing education, further training to become a production specialist with a VSSM diploma (formerly carpenter machinist) takes place on a part-time basis. However, the teaching times vary greatly. At some schools, lessons take place once a week on a weekday, at others every two weeks on one day, at others in block weeks and still others mainly on Saturdays. Please contact the relevant schools directly for more detailed information.

After successfully completing the training and examinations, participants in the carpentry machinist continuing education, further training receive the association diploma "Production Specialist VSSM / FRM". This includes the federally recognized VSSM Vocational Trainer in Apprenticeship Companies diploma or the FRM Master Instructor training, as well as the official SIBE safety officer certificate.