In 2024, for the first time in Australian history, dry stone wallers from around Australia and the surrounding region will have the chance to undertake the DSWA UK Advanced and Master level Craftsman Certification examinations, on shore, at the Stone of Arc training centre.

Due to the time constraints of the UK Master Examiners, all features will have to be constructed at the training centre to be presented for Part A Examinations. Those successful at Part A could then attempt Part B (5m feature timed test) the following day.

Our Master Exam Package will include:

• Use of existing Master features for Part A reconstruction, with optional Accommodation Package
• Completion of all required administration
• DSWA UK - Registration fee
• DSWA UK - Approved Examination facility
• Optional Exam Preparation Package
• Examiner’s fee
• Exam with lunch and light refreshments
• All required tools

Master – Level 4 Certificate

This certificate has two parts which must be conducted separately and in order. Candidates must hold the Advanced Level 3 certificate before applying for this certificate.

Part A Features and Part B Timed Exam package with optional Exam preparation coming soon.

Candidates must build an overall total of 30 square metres of wall, obtain the minimum mark in each section and an overall pass mark of at least 128 in order to gain the full certificate. As there are no time constraints for Part A of the test, examiners expect the work to be of the highest standard. Overall, this level of certification requires candidates to prove their ability to produce quality work at the prescribed work rate, build all features to a high standard, and produce quality work in a commercial situation.

Part A: Candidates must build 3 features, each within a minimum of 5 square metres of wall, except the pillar which must have a total face area of at least 3.6 square metres. At least 5 constructed metres must be built on ground with a slope of 30 degrees or more. Work must also demonstrate at least 2 building styles (i.e. coursed and random) and 2 different stone types. In addition to the standards required for previous levels of certification, emphasis is placed on high standards of finish and the ability to produce high-quality work.

Optional features are shown in the following marking table:

Once Part A has been successfully completed candidates have 12 months to pass Part B. There are no restrictions on how many attempts are made within the 12 month period. If a candidate fails to pass Part B within the timeframe, they are required to reapply for Part A, submitting new features.

Part B: In the presence of examiners, candidates are required to build a Part A feature not previously demonstrated, using appropriate stone that can have been selected beforehand but not overly shaped or laid out (stripping out is not required at this level). The work should incorporate at least 5 square metres of wall and be constructed within a single 7 hour period.