In Germany, the master craftsman (Meister) is the highest professional qualification in crafts and is a state-approved grade. The certification is called Meisterbrief. The qualification includes theoretical and practical training in the craft as well as business and legal training. Additionally, it implies the qualification to train apprentices. These qualifications prepare the "Meister" for running their own business or alternatively for higher positions at a company. The status of master craftsmen is regulated in the German "Gesetz zur Ordnung des Handwerks" (Crafts and Trades Regulation Code).