Anyone who has completed a journeyman's examination or a final examination in a recognised training occupation and has acquired relevant professional experience can become self-employed in many trades requiring approval or exercise a business manager function. The professional qualification must have been obtained in the craft to be practised. In the case of certain crafts, it is sufficient if the professional qualification was obtained in a craft related to it, which can be inferred from the Ordinance on Related Crafts.

In addition to a journeyman's or final examination, proof of relevant professional experience is also required, which must be acquired after the training. At least six years of professional experience is required, including at least four years in a managerial position. A managerial position is to be assumed if the person concerned has been delegated decision-making powers on his own responsibility in an establishment or a substantial part of the business, which must be substantiated by employment references, job descriptions or in another suitable manner. The granting of a licence to journeymen or companions with qualified professional experience is not suitable for chimney sweeps and health trades (opticians, audiologists, orthopaedic technicians, orthopaedic shoemakers, dental technicians).