The process of professionalization of conservation in Germany is investigated in terms of two features: the organization of professional bodies and the turning of vocational training into a graduate profession. With respect to the association system for conservators, the process of professionalization has been completed; with regard to turning vocational training into a graduate profession, it is approximately one-fifth complete. In addition, the recruiting practice of colleges in appointing their academic staff is examined: only half of the staff at institutes of higher education presently have doctorates. Finally, two further features of professionalization are briefly considered: the disassociation from incompetent competitors and the codification of professional standards. Close examination of these features shows that deficiencies persist in the disassociation from incompetent competitors.