Federal VET Diploma plumbers do not have sufficient skills and know-how to manage their own company in the plumbing sector, whereas federally certified master plumbers (formerly plumbers) do. The continuing education, further training for the Advanced Federal Professional Examination (AFPE) prepares students in detail for business management and, in addition to work organization and professional knowledge, also imparts knowledge relating to project planning, applied legal issues, finance, marketing, personnel management and business management. Graduates of the "Business Management" module are able to understand and analyze business and economic interrelationships and their effects on the company. They are able to create and understand a professional business plan. This module focuses on economics, business administration and corporate management.

The qualification you obtain after training or continuing education, further training as a plumber depends on whether it is an apprenticeship or Advanced Federal Professional Examination (AFPE). For example, you have the option of completing an apprenticeship with a Federal Diploma of Vocational Education and Training (VET Diploma) or continuing education, further training to become a certified master plumber, formerly a certified plumber.

From 2019, 16 module qualifications must be completed before the final examination to become a certified master plumber (formerly certified plumber). These are: Work processing 2; Analysis, optimization of installations; Water 2; System and energy technology; Property drainage 2; Gas 2; Technical calculation 2; Project planning 2; Application of law; Financial management; Costing 2; Financial and operational accounting; Marketing; Business management; Personnel management; Networking module business management. For detailed information on the content of the individual modules, please use the contact form to get in touch with the individual schools, who will be happy to provide you with all the important details.

Yes, as a prerequisite for admission to the examination to become a certified master plumber (formerly sanitary fitter), a federal certificate as head fitter for sanitary installations or an equivalent qualification is required.

A three-year apprenticeship to become a plumber with a Federal Diploma of Vocational Education and Training (AFPE) is also possible, as is Advanced Federal Professional Examination (AFPE) to become a certified plumber, which is now known as a "certified master plumber".