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The decisive process that makes you a skilled watchmaker
The journeyman's exam is the culmination of the watchmaker apprenticeship — the moment when you show that you master the skills you've built up through both school stays and apprenticeship. Because the entire Danish watchmaker education is gathered at The Danish Watchmaker School, ZBC in Ringsted, it's also here that the exam is held.
The journeyman's exam is an intense, practical course over several days where you work concentrated with tasks that collectively reflect what you should be able to do as a fully trained watchmaker — from troubleshooting and disassembly to cleaning, assembly and adjustment of the movement. It's not just the finished result that counts, but also how you work along the way: systematically, calmly and with an eye for detail.
During the actual test it is natural to be nervous but most tasks resemble something you have already done many times in practice. Work at your own pace document your observations as you go and ask if a task description is unclear—it is better than guessing wrong.
If you don't pass the exam on the first attempt it is not the end of your watchmaker career. As with other vocational training you have the opportunity to take the exam again after agreement with the school. In that case use the time to specifically practice the parts that caused problems.
The journeyman's exam tests not just your hands — it tests the overall work method you've built up through your entire education. If you've taken cleanliness, accuracy and care seriously from the first day at the bench, you're well equipped when exam day comes.