Ancient Craft Masonry
Entering Freemasonry, Candidates join on the First or Entered Apprentice Degree. In that role, they serve an appropriate period before progressing to your Second Degree, that of Fellow Craft. Once again, after an appropriate period of time has been served, they progress to the Third or Sublime Degree of Master Mason.
The progression through these three (3) Degrees should be completed roughly within one (1) year, depending on the volume of work being undertaken in the Lodge.
Upon becoming a Master Mason, various new Masonic privileges become available.
On attaining the three (3) Degrees, progression through the various Lodge Offices is possible, culminating on becoming the Worshipful Master.
(Source: “An Initial Guide to Freemasonry in Ireland”, Grand Lodge of Ireland)