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 (4.5m retaining wall timed test) the following day.

Our Advanced Exam Package will include:

• Use of existing Advanced 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

Advanced – Level 3 Certificate

This certificate has two parts which must be conducted separately and in order.

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

Candidates must hold the Intermediate Level 2 certificate before applying for this certificate. Candidates must obtain the minimum mark in each section and an overall pass mark of at least 87 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 high quality.

Part A: Candidates must build 5 square metres of curved wall plus an additional 5 square metres of a wall incorporating one of the following features: a lunky, a wall built on ground with a slope of at least 20 degrees or a wall built to a height of 1.8 metres.

Once Part A has been completed successfully, candidates have 12 in which months to pass Part B. There is no limit on how many attempts can be made within the 12 month period. If a candidate fails to pass Part B within the required time frame, they must re-sit Part A, submitting new features.

Part B: In the presence of Examiners candidates are required to strip down and rebuild a 4.5 square metre section of wall, retaining to the base of the copestones and not less than 1.2 metres in height, within a single 7 hour period.

In addition to the standards required for Levels 1 and 2 certifications, emphasis is placed on solid, secure foundations and preparation of earth bank, adequacy of packing, selection and placement of building stones, sufficient through-stones relative to the height of the wall, batter, line, and straightness, and retaining to the base of copestones.