We encourage good walling practice. One way to achieve this is to test and certify wallers to an agreed standard. We hold the Register of Certified Wallers.
We adopted the DSWA(UK) standard that is widely acknowledged internationally. This has four grades from Initial through to Master Craftsman – these essentially describe the minimum skills of a waller with each certificate.
Level 1 – Initial Certificate
Basic walling and repair work to develop the skills and knowledge required to progress on to further opportunities in dry stone walling and other related areas. Specifically, the waller will have demonstrated to an accredited tester that he/she can strip down and rebuild 2.5 m2 (measured on one face) of free-standing dry stone wall at least 1m high in a 7 hour period. The testing is evaluated against several elements of recognised walling best practice.
Level 2 – Intermediate Certificate
Further develop dry stone walling skills and knowledge, including the construction of a cheekend. The basic principles of construction as set out in the Initial Certification are followed. In addition, particular emphasis is placed on line and straightness, adequate hearting, selection of stones for all parts, batter, correct laying of through stones and secureness of cope stones.
Level 3 – Advanced Certificate
Candidates for Level Three must already hold Level Two certification. A higher level of craftsmanship is then required including ability to build relatively complex or challenging features and across difficult terrain and on a larger scale than for Level two. This qualification is designed to enhance the skills of those following a career in dry stone walling.
Level 4 – Master Craftsman Certificate
Candidates for Level Four must already hold Level Three certification. Level four is based on a significant body of work (not a single piece) encompassing different stone types and building styles. Craftsmanship must be to the very highest standard. There is currently only one Master Craftsman working in Australia.