People without a training qualification face several disadvantages in the employment market. According to an evaluation by the Institute for Employment Research, the rate of unemployment is about three times higher for unskilled workers than for skilled labour.
Moreover, largely unskilled workers often work for low wages. The Federal Employment Agency assessed that about every third of these does not exceed a monthly income of 1,780 Euro in spite of a full-time job.
So there are very good reasons for catching up and obtaining a fully qualifying vocational degree. Experienced employees and unemployed people can take an external examination with the chambers of industry and commerce or, respectively, with the chambers of crafts, the passing of which earns them a fully qualifying degree. The prerequisite for participation in this exam is a minimum of four-and-a-half years of professional experience for all three-year vocational training professions and three years of professional experience for two-year vocational training professions.
However, the chambers deciding on admission to the examination in individual cases take into account also training periods spent in related professions. Moreover, references, certificates or even a higher level certificate of education can be accepted as evidence of acquired qualifications and reduce the mandatory period of professional experience.
Whereas apprentices prepare for the examination by attending vocational schools, employed or unemployed persons are required to study for the examination either independently or by attending preparatory courses. The examination content is laid down by the respective training regulations, which can be obtained from the chambers or at the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training. The chambers also provide sources of supply for up-to-date examination assignments and study material.
Those unsure of being capable of independent study can attend preparatory courses. However, these can be very pricey.