An authorized district chimney sweep (bBSF) is a person who has been appointed by the competent authority for a sweeping district. In accordance with the Chimney Sweep Crafts Act (SchfHwG) of 26.11.2008 (amended by Art. 1 G. of 17.07.2017), sweeping districts that have become vacant or are vacant are filled by means of a tendering procedure. The selection procedure and the appointment of the bBSF are based in principle on Sections 9, 9a and 10 SchfHwG. Accordingly, the relevant competent authority must publicly advertise vacant sweeping districts and select applicants according to their suitability, qualifications and professional performance. The appointment is limited to seven years. The advertised sweeping districts are published on the website of the competent authority or on the federal administration portal.

The competent authority shall specify in the call for applications which documents must be submitted In particular, the competent authority may require the submission of the following documents:

• the written application containing the applicant's surname, first name, address, telephone number and, if available, electronic contact details,
• a curriculum vitae in tabular form containing detailed information on the applicant's professional background and career,
• proof that the requirements for entry in the Register of Craftsmen have been met,
• the certificates of the journeyman's examination and the master craftsman's examination or equivalent qualifications; in the case of a professional qualification obtained in another Member State of the European Union, in a signatory state to the Agreement on the European Economic Area or in Switzerland, the documents and certificates that must be submitted in accordance with the EU/EEA Crafts Regulation,
• proof of previous chimney sweeping activities and of professional training and further training measures,
• the declaration of consent to obtain information from the central trade register,
• a declaration as to whether the applicant has had any criminal convictions within the last twelve months prior to publication of the advertisement.

• criminal convictions have been handed down against the applicant,
• criminal proceedings have become pending or
• a pending investigation has become known,

• the applicant's statement on the ranking of preferred sweeping districts and
• proof of current activity as an authorized district chimney sweep or a declaration that such an office is not being exercised.

The costs for appointment as an authorized district chimney sweep amount to EUR 328 in accordance with 76.1.2 of the General Fees Ordinance (AllGO).

The appointment of the authorized district chimney sweep is limited to seven years, but ends at the latest at the end of the month in which the appointed person reaches the age of 67.

An authorized district chimney sweep may not reapply for a different sweeping district until at least two years after the appointment for a specific sweeping district takes effect.