What Is an Entered Apprentice? The First Degree of Freemasonry Explained
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An Entered Apprentice, often shortened to EA, is a Mason who has received the first of the three Craft degrees of Freemasonry. It is the beginning of the formal Masonic degree journey, followed by Fellow Craft and Master Mason.
This article explains the status and purpose of the first degree without revealing private ritual details. If you are preparing for an initiation and mainly want to know what the evening feels like, use our separate spoiler-free guide to what happens at a Masonic initiation.
Where does Entered Apprentice fit in Freemasonry?
Across most Craft or Blue Lodge systems, the three basic degrees are:
- Entered Apprentice — first degree
- Fellow Craft — second degree
- Master Mason — third degree
Masons of California and the United Grand Lodge of England both publicly describe this three-degree structure. The language comes partly from the old craft-guild model of an apprentice learning a trade before progressing in skill and responsibility.
Is an Entered Apprentice already a Freemason?
Yes. Once a candidate has been initiated into the first degree, he is an Entered Apprentice Mason. However, the rights, privileges and meeting access available to an EA can differ by jurisdiction.
That last point matters. Online discussions often produce contradictory answers because one Mason may be describing Texas, another England, another California, and another a jurisdiction outside North America. The safest rule is: degree status is broadly recognizable, but practical rights are governed locally.
What does the first degree teach?
Public Masonic explanations describe the degrees as stages of self-development and increasing knowledge. The Entered Apprentice degree introduces the candidate to the symbolic language, moral framework and basic structure of the Craft.
It is better to experience those lessons through the lodge than to memorize an internet summary beforehand. Many candidates deliberately avoid detailed ritual descriptions because surprise and reflection are part of the experience.
Is initiation the same as the first degree?
In ordinary Craft Masonry, initiation refers to receiving the Entered Apprentice degree. That is why people often use “my initiation” and “my first degree” to describe the same milestone.
The terms can still be confusing because “initiation” is also used more generally for entry into organizations. In a Masonic context, when a candidate says he is being initiated, he usually means the first Craft degree.
What happens after someone becomes an Entered Apprentice?
The new EA normally begins a period of learning. Depending on jurisdiction, that may include mentoring, proficiency work, discussion of the degree's lessons, attendance at eligible lodge activities and preparation for advancement.
There is no single worldwide timetable. Some jurisdictions permit advancement relatively quickly after required learning is complete; others use longer periods. The lodge and Grand Lodge determine the process.
Can an Entered Apprentice attend lodge meetings?
Often yes, but not every meeting or portion of a meeting is necessarily open to every degree. Some jurisdictions conduct much ordinary lodge business on the first degree, while others may open on another degree and admit members according to local rules.
This is one of the clearest examples of why advice from strangers online should be checked against your own Secretary, mentor or Grand Lodge.
Can an Entered Apprentice wear Masonic symbols?
Practices and customs differ. In some places an EA may wear certain Masonic items; in others members are encouraged to wait until Master Mason or to use degree-appropriate symbols. There is no reliable one-sentence global rule.
If you have just received the degree, ask your lodge what is customary before buying a ring, displaying a square and compasses, or choosing degree-specific regalia.
What is the difference between an Entered Apprentice and a Master Mason?
An Entered Apprentice has completed the first degree. A Master Mason has completed the third Craft degree. The difference is degree progression, not a claim that one person's worth is greater than another's.
The full overview is in Degrees of Freemasonry Explained.
Why do EAs often say the degree makes more sense later?
A common theme in current public discussions is that new EAs understand more after seeing another first degree or working with a mentor. That makes sense: a candidate experiences a ceremony from the center of it, while later observation gives a different perspective.
Masonic education is designed as a process rather than a one-night information dump. The first degree starts the vocabulary; reflection builds the meaning.
FAQ
What does EA mean in Freemasonry?
EA means Entered Apprentice, the first Craft degree.
Is an Entered Apprentice a full Master Mason?
No. An EA has received the first degree. Master Mason is the third Craft degree.
What comes after Entered Apprentice?
Fellow Craft, the second degree, comes next, followed by Master Mason.
How long does it take to move from EA to Fellow Craft?
There is no universal timeline. Requirements and minimum waiting periods are set by the relevant Grand Lodge and lodge.
Should I research the ritual before my first degree?
Most candidates do better learning practical expectations while avoiding detailed spoilers. If you are nervous, ask your lodge what to wear, when to arrive and whether there is anything practical you need to bring.
Marking the beginning of a Masonic journey
The Entered Apprentice degree is about beginning, not rushing to the next title. For members or families who like symbolic keepsakes, our Masonic coin collection offers designs connected to established Masonic imagery. Follow your own jurisdiction's customs about when and how symbols should be worn or displayed.
Specific product match: For jurisdictions where this style is appropriate, CWM carries a Masonic Blue Lodge Entered Apprentice Apron. Check local lodge practice before purchasing degree-specific regalia.