Journeyman

The training to become a violin maker or luthier ends with an examination to qualify for journey level status. The practical part of the test calls for the construction of a white, unvarnished string instrument. Work on a new instrument, as well as repairing skill, is examined by a committee. The theoretical part of the exam then follows.
Passing the exam gives those who pass the journey-level status as a violin maker. Then, after at least three years as a journeyman, one has met the requirement to be tested for becoming a master violin maker.