Exam duration for metal and steel grinder apprenticeship exam reduced from 5 to 4 hours
The practical exam (Prüfarbeit) for apprentices completing their metal and steel grinder training is now required to be completable in four working hours instead of five. This change affects apprentices and training providers in Austria.
What changed
The regulation that sets the practical exam requirements for metal and steel grinder apprentices has been amended. The time allowed for the practical exam work (Prüfarbeit) has been reduced from five working hours to four working hours. This is the standard duration in which exam work should normally be completed.
Who is affected
This change affects apprentices in the metal and steel grinder trade (Metall- und Stahlschleifer) who are taking their final apprenticeship exam (Lehrabschlußprüfung), as well as the exam commissions (Prüfungskommissionen) that administer these exams.
What to look out for
Exam commissions must now ensure that practical exam work can be completed within four working hours. Apprentices should prepare for a shorter practical exam timeframe. Note that a separate provision states the exam must be ended after five working hours regardless, so the four-hour standard appears to set a target completion time rather than a hard limit.