100+ Free Holzbau-Meister Befähigungsprüfung Practice Questions

Prepare for the Befähigungsprüfung für das reglementierte Gewerbe Holzbau-Meister (Zimmermeister) exam with instant access — no signup required.

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: Holzbau-Meister Befähigungsprüfung Exam

100

Practice Questions

OpenExamPrep Bank

NQR 7

Qualification Level

NQR-Gesetz / WKO

€0 EUR

Exam Fee (1st & 2nd Attempt)

Austrian BMAW (2024)

30%

Structural Timber Engineering (EC5)

Holzbau Prüfungsordnung

18%

Connections & Joinery

Holzbau Prüfungsordnung

18%

Building Physics & Preservation

Holzbau Prüfungsordnung

14%

Fire Safety & OIB-RL 2

Holzbau Prüfungsordnung

10%

Timber Systems & Roof Trusses

Holzbau Prüfungsordnung

10%

Austrian Law & Safety (BauV/B 2110)

GewO 1994 / BauV

The Austrian Holzbau-Meister Befähigungsprüfung qualifies master timber builders for unrestricted statutory architectural planning, structural engineering, and construction contracting privileges under GewO 1994 § 94 Z 82. Since January 1, 2024, examination fees for the 1st and 2nd attempts are completely waived through Austrian federal funding (BMAW). The official syllabus tests Structural Timber Engineering & Eurocode 5 (30%), Connections, Fasteners & Traditional Joinery (18%), Building Physics, Acoustics, Airtightness & Wood Preservation (18%), Fire Safety, Fire Resistance Design & OIB-RL 2 (14%), Timber Construction Systems & Structural Typologies (10%), and Austrian Statutory Regulations, OIB Guidelines, Worker Safety & Contract Law (10%). This OpenExamPrep question bank provides 100 high-rigor practice questions in English with complete Austrian standard fidelity.

Sample Holzbau-Meister Befähigungsprüfung Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your Holzbau-Meister Befähigungsprüfung exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1According to ÖNORM EN 1995-1-1 (Eurocode 5), which environmental and moisture conditions define Service Class 1 (Nutzungsklasse 1, NKL 1) for timber structural members?

A.An environment characterized by a temperature of 20 °C and relative humidity exceeding 65% only for a few weeks per year, resulting in an average timber equilibrium moisture content of u ≤ 12%

B.An environment characterized by a temperature of 20 °C and relative humidity exceeding 85% for several months, resulting in an average timber equilibrium moisture content of u ≤ 20%

C.An outdoor climatic environment fully exposed to atmospheric weathering, resulting in an average timber equilibrium moisture content regularly exceeding 24%

D.An indoor conditioned environment with relative humidity permanently below 30%, resulting in an equilibrium moisture content of u ≤ 6%

Explanation: Per ÖNORM EN 1995-1-1 (Eurocode 5) Section 2.3.1.3, Service Class 1 (Nutzungsklasse 1, NKL 1) is characterized by a moisture content in the materials corresponding to a temperature of 20 °C and the relative humidity of the surrounding air only exceeding 65% for a few weeks per year. In Service Class 1, the average equilibrium moisture content (Holzfeuchte) in most softwoods does not exceed 12%.

2In accordance with ÖNORM EN 338 for structural solid timber (Vollholz), what is the characteristic bending strength (fm,k) of the standard strength class C24?

A.16 N/mm²

B.24 N/mm²

C.28 N/mm²

D.30 N/mm²

Explanation: In the European strength grading system per ÖNORM EN 338, the alphanumeric designation for coniferous species (C = Coniferous/Nadelholz) indicates its characteristic bending strength parallel to grain (fm,k) in N/mm² at 12% reference moisture content. Therefore, C24 has a characteristic bending strength of exactly 24 N/mm².

3According to the Austrian National Annex ÖNORM B 1995-1-1 to Eurocode 5, what are the partial material safety factors (γM) for solid timber (Vollholz) and glued laminated timber (Brettschichtholz, BSH) in ultimate limit state (ULS / GZT) fundamental combinations?

A.γM = 1.50 for solid timber and γM = 1.30 for glued laminated timber

B.γM = 1.10 for solid timber and γM = 1.05 for glued laminated timber

C.γM = 1.30 for solid timber and γM = 1.25 for glued laminated timber

D.γM = 1.25 for solid timber and γM = 1.30 for glued laminated timber

Explanation: Per ÖNORM EN 1995-1-1 Table 2.3 and the Austrian National Annex ÖNORM B 1995-1-1, the partial safety factors for material properties in persistent and transient design situations are γM = 1.30 for solid timber (Vollholz) and connections, and γM = 1.25 for glued laminated timber (Brettschichtholz / BSH) and cross-laminated timber (Brettsperrholz / BSP). The lower γM for glulam reflects its higher material homogeneity and reduced defect variability.

4Under ÖNORM EN 1995-1-1 Table 2.1, how are wind actions (Windeinwirkungen) and snow loads in Austrian Alpine areas (at elevations > 1000 m above sea level) classified with respect to load-duration classes (Klassen der Lasteinwirkungsdauer, KLED)?

A.Wind is classified as Permanent (ständig), and Alpine snow (> 1000 m) is classified as Instantaneous (sehr kurz)

B.Wind is classified as Long-term (lang), and Alpine snow (> 1000 m) is classified as Short-term (kurz)

C.Both wind and Alpine snow are classified as Permanent (ständig)

D.Wind is classified as Short-term (kurz), and Alpine snow (> 1000 m) is classified as Medium-term (mittel)

Explanation: Per ÖNORM EN 1995-1-1 Table 2.1 and Austrian National Annex ÖNORM B 1995-1-1, wind action is classified as 'Short-term' (kurz, order of duration < 1 week). In Austria, snow load in areas at altitudes > 1000 m above sea level remains on structures for extended periods and is classified as 'Medium-term' (mittel, duration 1 week to 6 months), whereas snow at altitudes ≤ 1000 m is classified as 'Short-term' (kurz).

5When designing a timber member subjected to a combination of actions with different load-duration classes (e.g. permanent self-weight, medium-term snow, and short-term wind), which rule governs the choice of the modification factor (kmod) in ÖNORM EN 1995-1-1?

A.The modification factor kmod corresponding to the action with the shortest duration in the combination must be selected for the design resistance calculation

B.The modification factor kmod must be calculated as the weighted average of the kmod values of all individual actions based on their load proportions

C.The modification factor kmod corresponding to the action with the longest duration (permanent action) must always be used to ensure structural safety

D.The modification factor kmod is determined exclusively by the snow load regardless of whether other variable actions are larger

Explanation: Per ÖNORM EN 1995-1-1 Section 2.4.1(2), if a load combination consists of actions belonging to different load-duration classes, the value of kmod corresponding to the action with the shortest duration (die Lasteinwirkung mit der kürzesten Dauer) within the combination shall be used for calculating the design strength (e.g. fd = kmod * fk / γM).

6What is the structural difference between homogeneous glued laminated timber (z.B. GL24h) and combined glued laminated timber (z.B. GL28c) according to ÖNORM EN 14080?

A.Homogeneous glulam is manufactured from hardwood species only, while combined glulam combines softwood and hardwood in alternating layers

B.Homogeneous glulam (GL-h) has laminations of the same strength class throughout the entire cross-section, while combined glulam (GL-c) uses higher strength laminations in the outer zones (at least 1/6 of height on each side) and lower strength laminations in the inner core

C.Homogeneous glulam uses resorcinol adhesives, while combined glulam uses exclusively polyurethane (PUR) adhesive systems

D.Combined glulam features steel reinforcement plates between every second wooden lamella to enhance shear performance

Explanation: Per ÖNORM EN 14080, homogeneous glued laminated timber (homogenes Brettschichtholz, designation 'h') consists of cross-sections where all laminations belong to the same strength class (e.g., all T14 for GL24h). Combined glulam (kombiniertes Brettschichtholz, designation 'c') has outer laminations (at least 1/6 of beam depth or two lamellae on top and bottom) of a higher strength class (e.g., T24) and inner laminations of a lower strength class (e.g., T14) to optimize bending resistance where bending stresses are greatest.

7In cross-laminated timber (Brettsperrholz / BSP / CLT) subjected to out-of-plane floor bending, which shear stress failure mechanism in the transverse cross-layers (Querlagen) is critical and governs the shear design?

A.Longitudinal shear failure parallel to grain with a characteristic strength fv,k = 4.0 N/mm²

B.Perpendicular crushing failure under uniform compressive stress

C.Rolling shear (Rollschub / Schub rechtwinklig zur Faserrichtung) with a characteristic strength fR,k (typically around 1.0 to 1.5 N/mm²)

D.Torsional warping buckling along the longitudinal glue lines

Explanation: In CLT (Brettsperrholz), transverse cross-layers are oriented perpendicular to the main span direction. Under out-of-plane bending shear forces, these transverse layers are subjected to shear stresses perpendicular to the grain, causing the wood fibers to roll over each other (Rollschub / rolling shear). Rolling shear strength (fv,90,k or fR,k) is low (typically 1.0 to 1.5 N/mm² with shear modulus GR,mean ≈ 50 to 65 N/mm²) and frequently governs the ultimate limit state verification of short or heavily loaded CLT spans.

8When verifying compression perpendicular to the grain (Druckspannungen rechtwinklig zur Faserrichtung) under ÖNORM EN 1995-1-1 Section 6.1.5, what is the role of the factor kc,90?

A.It is a safety reduction factor that reduces perpendicular compressive strength to account for moisture-induced fiber swelling

B.It is an instability factor that reduces the bearing capacity due to column buckling perpendicular to grain

C.It modifies the characteristic bending strength to account for knot clusters at the support

D.It accounts for the load configuration, support overhang, and the ability of wood fibers to distribute compressive stress beyond the contact area into adjacent unstressed fibers (typically kc,90 = 1.25 to 1.50 for solid softwood)

Explanation: Per ÖNORM EN 1995-1-1 Section 6.1.5 and Austrian National Annex ÖNORM B 1995-1-1, the design condition is σc,90,d ≤ kc,90 * fc,90,d. The factor kc,90 takes into account the load configuration, possibility of splitting, and the degree of compressive deformation. Because unstressed fibers on either side of the contact area provide transverse restraint and load dispersion, kc,90 can be greater than 1.0 (e.g. kc,90 = 1.25 for solid softwood on continuous supports, up to 1.50 for glulam or bearing on sill plates).

9For the verification of shear stresses in beams subjected to bending per ÖNORM EN 1995-1-1 Section 6.1.7, how is the effective width (bef) determined to account for the influence of drying cracks (Trocknungsrisse)?

A.bef = kcr · b, where kcr = 0.67 for solid timber and glued laminated timber

B.bef = kcr · b, where kcr = 1.00 for all untreated timber members regardless of cracking

C.bef = b / 2.0 for all beams with depth greater than 300 mm

D.bef = b + 50 mm to account for lateral grain spread

Explanation: Per ÖNORM EN 1995-1-1 Section 6.1.7(2) and Austrian National Annex, the shear stress in a rectangular beam is calculated using an effective width bef = kcr * b. The crack factor kcr = 0.67 for solid timber and glued laminated timber subjected to bending in environments where drying cracks may occur. This reduces the effective cross-sectional shear area to account safely for longitudinal shrinkage cracks along the neutral axis.

10In the column stability verification (Knicknachweis nach dem Ersatzstabverfahren) per ÖNORM EN 1995-1-1 Section 6.3.2, which straightness factor (βc) is used in the calculation of the instability factor kc for solid timber versus glued laminated timber?

A.βc = 0.1 for solid timber and βc = 0.2 for glued laminated timber

B.βc = 0.2 for solid timber (Vollholz) and βc = 0.1 for glued laminated timber (BSH) and cross-laminated timber (BSP)

C.βc = 0.5 for all structural timber materials regardless of manufacturing process

D.βc = 0.0 for timber since timber members are assumed perfectly straight in theoretical calculations

Explanation: Per ÖNORM EN 1995-1-1 Section 6.3.2(3), the straightness factor βc enters the calculation of ky and kz (and subsequently the buckling reduction factor kc). The value of βc is 0.2 for solid timber (Vollholz) and 0.1 for glued laminated timber (BSH) and cross-laminated timber (BSP). The lower value of βc = 0.1 reflects the smaller initial bow imperfection (geringere Anfangskrümmung / Vorverformung e0) and higher dimensional accuracy achieved during glulam/CLT manufacturing.

About the Holzbau-Meister Befähigungsprüfung Exam

The Befähigungsprüfung Holzbau-Meister (traditionally known as Zimmermeister) is the official master competence examination in Austria for the regulated trade of timber construction engineering under GewO 1994 § 94 Z 82 and the Holzbau-Meister-Befähigungsprüfungsordnung in force since 1 July 2025 (assigned NQR Level 7 in April 2026). Passing this prestigious examination confers comprehensive statutory building authority across Austria—including architectural building design (Planung), structural engineering calculations per Eurocode 5 (ÖNORM EN 1995-1-1 / ÖNORM B 1995-1-1), site management (Bauleitung), and construction execution (Ausführung) of timber buildings and related building trades. Note: This OpenExamPrep study bank is an English-language multiple-choice practice adaptation designed to test the full theoretical, structural, building physics, fire safety, and statutory syllabus of the German-language Austrian Befähigungsprüfung, while preserving exact Austrian statutory citations, European standards (ÖNORM/EN/OIB), and Austrian carpentry technical terminology in German.

Assessment

Question count varies by module

Time Limit

Multi-day examination (Modular: written static project ~16–24 hours, oral exam ~1–2 hours, practical technology)

Passing Score

Austrian grading scale 1–5 (at least grade 4 'Genügend' required on all modules and subjects)

Exam Fee

€0 EUR (1st and 2nd attempts free of charge since 1 Jan 2024 funded by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Economy / BMAW) (Wirtschaftskammer Österreich (WKO) — Meisterprüfungsstellen der Landeswirtschaftskammern / Bundesinnung Bau)

Holzbau-Meister Befähigungsprüfung Exam Content Outline

30%

Structural Timber Engineering & Eurocode 5 (Tragwerksbemessung nach ÖNORM EN 1995-1-1)

Timber material strength classes (solid timber C24 per EN 338, glued laminated timber GL24h/GL28c per EN 14080, cross-laminated timber CLT/BSP per EN 16351, LVL per EN 14374), partial safety factors (γM = 1.30 solid timber, γM = 1.25 glulam/CLT per ÖNORM B 1995-1-1), service classes (NKL 1, NKL 2, NKL 3), load-duration classes (KLED) and modification factors (kmod), ultimate limit state design (bending, tension, compression, shear with crack factor kcr = 0.67, compression perpendicular to grain with support enhancement kc,90), stability and column buckling (Ersatzstabverfahren, straightness factor βc, Knickbeiwert kc), lateral-torsional buckling of beams (Kippen, kcrit), CLT rolling shear (fR,k) and effective bending stiffness (Gamma method per Annex B), curved/pitched cambered glulam beams (radial tension in apex σr,d), tapered beams (km,α factor), serviceability deflection limits (wnet,fin), creep factors (kdef), and residential floor vibration criteria (f1 ≥ 8 Hz).

18%

Connections, Fasteners & Traditional Joinery (Verbindungsmittel & Holzverbindungen)

Johansen yield theory (Fließtheorie per ÖNORM EN 1995-1-1) for single and double shear dowelled/bolted joints, rope effect (Seilwirkung Fax,Rk / 4), minimum fastener spacings and edge distances (a1, a2, a1,t, a1,c, a2,t, a2,c), pre-drilling requirements, effective fastener group number (nef) and block shear failure, self-tapping fully threaded screws (Vollgewindeschrauben) in axial tension/compression and reinforcement against perpendicular-to-grain splitting, tooth-plate connectors (Bulldog, Geka), concealed slotted steel plates with dowels, glued-in threaded steel rods (eingeklebte Gewindestangen), traditional carpentry joints (frontal notch Stirnversatz, heel notch Fersenversatz, double notch Doppelversatz, Versatztiefe limits tv ≤ h/4 or h/6, Vorholzlänge lv), mortise and tenon joints with drawbore wooden pegs (Holznägel), CNC dovetail joints (Schwalbenschwanzverbindungen), Gerber hinges in continuous purlins, punched metal plate trusses (Nagelplattenbinder per EN 14250), CLT hold-downs (Zuganker) and shear brackets, and fastener corrosion protection per Service Class 3.

18%

Building Physics, Acoustics, Airtightness & Wood Preservation (Bauphysik, Raumakustik, Luftdichtheit & Holzschutz)

Thermal insulation per ÖNORM B 8110-1 and U-value calculations, moisture protection and interstitial condensation per ÖNORM B 8110-2 (Glaser method, condensation limit mc ≤ 0.50 kg/m², complete summer evaporation Mevap ≥ mc), equivalent air layer thickness (sd = μ · d), moisture-variable vapor retarders in unventilated timber flat roofs, Blower-Door airtightness testing per ÖNORM EN ISO 9972 and OIB-RL 6 limits (n50 ≤ 1.5 h⁻¹ with ventilation, n50 ≤ 3.0 h⁻¹ without), convective moisture risks, building acoustics per ÖNORM B 8115-2 (airborne sound R'w ≥ 55 dB, mass-spring-mass systems, impact sound L'n,w ≤ 48 dB, dynamic stiffness s' of insulation, ballast fills on CLT slabs, suspended ceilings, acoustic flanking suppression with elastomeric bearing strips per ÖNORM B 8115-4), summer thermal protection per ÖNORM B 8110-3 (heat capacity and phase shift of wood fiber insulation), constructive timber preservation per ÖNORM B 3802-1 (splash protection ≥ 30 cm, sloped surfaces, rear ventilation ≥ 20 mm / 200 cm²/m), use classes (GK 0 to GK 4 per EN 335), wood-destroying fungi (Serpula lacrymans / True dry rot) and insects (Hylotrupes bajulus / House longhorn beetle), and natural durability classes per EN 350.

14%

Fire Safety, Fire Resistance Design & OIB-RL 2 (Brandschutz & Heißbemessung)

Structural fire design per ÖNORM EN 1995-1-2, one-dimensional charring rate (β0 = 0.65 mm/min for softwood/glulam), notional charring rate (βn = 0.80 mm/min incorporating corner rounding), Reduced Cross-Section Method (wirksamer Restquerschnitt, zero-strength layer d0 = 7.0 mm, def = dchar,n + k0 · d0), CLT fire behavior and glue line delamination, partial safety factor γM,fi = 1.0 and 20% fractile strength values (f20 = kfi · fk), OIB-Richtlinie 2 building classification (GK 1 to GK 5, GK 4 definition h ≤ 11 m), fire resistance criteria (REI 30, REI 60, REI 90), fire protection encapsulation (Brandschutzbekleidung K2 60 with Type F gypsum boards), fire protection of concealed steel connections with side wood cover and wooden plugs, rear-ventilated timber facade fire stops (horizontale Brandsperren in GK 4), firestop penetration seals (EI 30 / EI 60 Brandschotts per EN 1366), timber frame cavity insulation in fire (stone wool melting point ≥ 1000 °C), and reaction-to-fire Euroclass D-s2, d0 for untreated timber.

10%

Timber Construction Systems & Structural Typologies (Holzbausysteme & Konstruktionslehre)

Timber frame construction (Holzrahmenbau / Holzriegelbau, 62.5 cm modular grid, Schwelle, Ständer, Rähm, sheathing diaphragm action per Section 9.2.4), cross-laminated timber construction (Brettsperrholzbau / CLT solid timber systems, plate and diaphragm action), timber-concrete composite floors (Holz-Beton-Verbund / HBV, shear notches, composite stiffness EIeff, vibration damping), traditional roof truss typologies (Sparrendach, Kehlbalkendach collar beam action and span limits, Pfettendach standing vs. inclined roof trusses Stehender/Liegender Dachstuhl), roof wind bracing (Windrispenbänder, Kopfbänder, diaphragm sheathing), multi-storey timber settlement and cross-grain shrinkage engineering, solid log construction (Blockbau, log shrinkage of 2–4 cm/m, vertical sliding joints Gleitlatten for windows/doors), and wide-span hall structures (three-hinged frames and arches Dreigelenkrahmen/Dreigelenkbogen avoiding thermal/shrinkage restraint stresses).

10%

Austrian Statutory Regulations, OIB Guidelines, Worker Safety & Contract Law (Normen, Baurecht, BauV & ÖNORM B 2110)

Commercial trade privileges for Holzbau-Meister under GewO 1994 § 94 Z 82 (planning, structural calculation, site supervision, contracting execution), Austrian Construction Workers Protection Ordinance (Bauarbeiterschutzverordnung - BauV, fall protection thresholds: general > 2.00 m, sloped roof works > 3.00 m with Dachfanggerüste / nets, three-part scaffold edge protection Geländerholm/Zwischenholm/Bordbrett ≥ 15 cm and wall gap ≤ 30 cm), Construction Work Coordination Act (Bauarbeitenkoordinationsgesetz - BauKG, Planungskoordinator, Baustellenkoordinator, SiGe-Plan), contractor's statutory duty to inspect and warn (Prüf- und Warnpflicht per § 1168a ABGB and ÖNORM B 2110 Section 6.2.4, Bedenkenanmeldung), claim management for additional costs (Mehrkostenforderung MKF Anmeldung per ÖNORM B 2110 Section 7.4), final invoice auditing and mandatory 30-day reservation of claims (Schlussrechnung und Vorbehalt per ÖNORM B 2110 Section 8.4), statutory warranty periods (§ 933 ABGB: 3 years for immovable structures / Bauwerke), OIB-Richtlinien 1–6 adoption via provincial building codes (Landesbauordnungen der 9 Bundesländer), and National Qualifications Framework classification (NQR Level 7 since April 2026, title 'Meister/in' Mst.).

How to Pass the Holzbau-Meister Befähigungsprüfung Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Austrian grading scale 1–5 (at least grade 4 'Genügend' required on all modules and subjects)
Assessment: Question count varies by module
Time limit: Multi-day examination (Modular: written static project ~16–24 hours, oral exam ~1–2 hours, practical technology)
Exam fee: €0 EUR (1st and 2nd attempts free of charge since 1 Jan 2024 funded by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Economy / BMAW)

Keys to Passing

Work through all 100 available questions
Review every answer and explanation
Track weak areas and revisit them
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

Holzbau-Meister Befähigungsprüfung Study Tips from Top Performers

1Master Eurocode 5 (ÖNORM EN 1995-1-1) and Austrian National Annex ÖNORM B 1995-1-1: Practice hand calculations for bending, shear (crack factor kcr = 0.67), column buckling (Ersatzstabverfahren with straightness factor βc = 0.1/0.2), lateral-torsional buckling (Kippen), support bearing (kc,90), and CLT rolling shear (fR,k).

2Thoroughly study connection design and traditional carpentry joints: Johansen yield equations, rope effect (Seilwirkung Fax,Rk / 4), effective fastener numbers (nef), fully threaded screws in crossed pairs, and notch rules (Stirnversatz tv ≤ h/4, Fersenversatz tv ≤ h/6, Vorholzlänge lv ≥ 200 mm).

3Review structural fire engineering per ÖNORM EN 1995-1-2 and OIB-Richtlinie 2: Calculate effective residual cross-sections using notional charring rate βn = 0.80 mm/min, zero-strength layer d0 = 7.0 mm (def = βn · t + 7 mm), γM,fi = 1.0, f20 = kfi · fk, and firestop encapsulation (K2 60).

4Deepen your understanding of building physics (ÖNORM B 8110 / B 8115 / B 3802): Calculate U-values, Glaser moisture balances (condensation limit mc ≤ 0.50 kg/m²), Blower-Door airtightness limits (n50 ≤ 1.5 h⁻¹), Mass-Spring-Mass airborne acoustics (R'w ≥ 55 dB), impact sound (L'n,w ≤ 48 dB), and constructive wood preservation (Spritzwasserschutz ≥ 30 cm, use classes GK 0 to GK 4).

5Familiarize yourself with Austrian contract law and worker safety: § 1168a ABGB & ÖNORM B 2110 (Prüf- und Warnpflicht / Bedenkenanmeldung, MKF additional cost claims, 30-day Schlussrechnung Vorbehalt), BauV fall protection rules (> 2.0 m general, > 3.0 m sloped roofs), and BauKG coordinator duties.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Befähigungsprüfung Holzbau-Meister (Austria)?

The Befähigungsprüfung Holzbau-Meister (traditionally known as Zimmermeister) is the master competence examination in Austria for the regulated trade of timber construction engineering under § 94 Z 82 of the Austrian Trade Act (Gewerbeordnung 1994 - GewO 1994). Administered by the Meisterprüfungsstellen of the 9 Regional Chambers of Commerce (Wirtschaftskammern) in cooperation with the Bundesinnung Bau, it qualifies professionals for comprehensive statutory building rights (Planungsberechtigung, Statik, Bauleitung, and Ausführung) across Austria.

How is the Austrian Holzbau-Meister examination structured?

The examination is structured into distinct, independently assessed modules under the modernized Prüfungsordnung (the qualification as a whole was assigned National Qualifications Framework Level 7 in April 2026). Module 1 covers technical practical fundamentals (Bautechnik, Baukonstruktion, Bautechnologie). Module 2 is a comprehensive multi-day written examination covering complex project planning, architectural design, structural statics per Eurocode 5, building physics, calculation, and business management. Module 3 is an oral examination evaluating strategic engineering problem-solving, legal compliance, and project management. In addition, the Unternehmerprüfung (business management) and Ausbilderprüfung (trainer examination) are required unless exempt through prior qualifications.

What are the examination fees for the Austrian Meisterprüfung?

Since January 1, 2024, examination fees for the first and second attempts (1. und 2. Prüfungsantritt) of all Austrian Meisterprüfungen and Befähigungsprüfungen are completely free of charge (€0 EUR / kostenlos), funded by the Austrian Federal Ministry of Labour and Economy (BMAW) to promote advanced vocational craftsmanship and engineering excellence.

How is the examination scored and what is the passing grade?

The examination is evaluated using the Austrian school grading scale from 1 to 5: 1 = Sehr gut (Excellent), 2 = Gut (Good), 3 = Befriedigend (Satisfactory), 4 = Genügend (Sufficient/Pass), and 5 = Nicht genügend (Fail). To pass the overall Befähigungsprüfung, candidates must achieve at least grade 4 ('Genügend') in every single examination module and subject.

What statutory privileges and title rights does a certified Holzbau-Meister hold?

Under GewO 1994 § 94 Z 82, a certified Holzbau-Meister holds unrestricted statutory authority for building design and submission planning (Entwurfs- und Einreichplanung), structural calculations (Statik), site supervision (Bauleitung), and contracting execution of timber buildings and associated works. Furthermore, under Austrian NQR legislation, the qualification was assigned NQR Level 7 in April 2026 (Master's-degree equivalent), entitling holders to register the official professional title 'Meister' / 'Holzbau-Meister' (abbreviated 'Mst.' or 'Mst.in') in Austrian state identity documents (Reisepass, Personalausweis).

Is this OpenExamPrep question bank in English or German?

This practice question bank is an English-language multiple-choice study adaptation created to help candidates master the rigorous technical, structural, physical, and statutory concepts of the Austrian Befähigungsprüfung Holzbau-Meister. All questions, answer options, and explanations preserve exact Austrian and European standard citations (Eurocode 5, ÖNORM EN 1995-1-1, ÖNORM B 1995-1-1, ÖNORM EN 1995-1-2, ÖNORM B 8110, ÖNORM B 8115, ÖNORM B 3802, ÖNORM B 2110, OIB-Richtlinien 1-6, BauV, BauKG, GewO 1994) and technical carpentry terminology in German.