Meister, in compositions such as Polizeimeister or Wachtmeister, has a tradition in the ranks of various German police forces, partially also in Switzerland.
A person referred to as “Meister” is one who has extensive theoretical knowledge and practical skills in his profession, business, or some other kind of work or activity.
In Germany and Austria, the word Meister also assigns a title and public degree in the field of vocational education.
[1] In 2012, the commissions of the states and the federal government, as well as the associated partners, concluded that the Meisterbrief is equivalent to a bachelor's degree (Deutscher Qualifikationsrahmen für lebenslanges Lernen and European qualification framework EQF, Level 6, Niveau 6).
The examination includes theoretical, practical and oral parts and takes 5 to 7 days (depending on the craft).