A master carpenter is a woodworker who has earned the highest level of certification in the industry. Before becoming a master carpenter, this woodworker will typically work as a journeyman and, before that, as an apprentice. The specific requirements for obtaining this level of certification can vary region, but all candidates must develop industry-specific skills and demonstrate the ability to teach carpentry skills. Master carpenters must also show that they have made a living from their profession. A carpenter is often required to be a member of a labor union.
A person’s journey to becoming a master carpenter begins when he or she is young. The candidate must be at least 18 years old in many countries, and he or she will begin the career working as an entry-level or assistant carpenter or on a construction crew. The candidate will apply for apprentice eligibility, and when positions become available, he or she will be required to apply for these competitive positions. If accepted into an apprenticeship program, the candidate will spend the next four to five years honing the skills required to pass certification exams. However, before a carpenter can become a master carpenter, he or she must first work as a journeyman.
A journeyman carpenter is a full-time employee who can perform the majority, if not all, carpentry tasks. He or she will continue to learn new skills and gain a thorough understanding of all aspects of the industry. The length of time a carpenter must work as a journeyman varies, but it usually ranges from four to ten years or more. In addition, the journeyman must become a licensed contractor in the region where he or she works. The laws governing such certification can differ from one region to the next.
The journeyman carpenter can apply for master carpenter status after a significant amount of time working as a carpenter and demonstrating his or her abilities in the field. The carpenter’s union is usually involved, and the specific requirements vary region. Some unions will require the carpenter to demonstrate that he or she has mentored apprentices, completed jobs worth a certain amount of money, and achieved various goals throughout his or her carpentry career.