In the German Democratic Republic, a five-year course of academic training in conservation is available only in the specialties of paintings, wooden sculpture, and murals. The program, now conducted at the Hochschule für Bildende Kunste (Dresden), was begun in 1968. Prerequisites for acceptance and the course of study (which includes a large scale restoration project in the final year) are described. Sander also discusses a program, co-ordinated by the Museum of German History (Berlin), which brings together students who receive practical conservation training in museums for central courses.