Abstract: A method for operating an electric core drilling machine, in particular a magnetic core drilling machine, comprising the steps: identification of a core drill bit detachably connected to the core drilling machine, by means of an information carrier associated with the core drill bit and an information receiver associated with the core drilling machine; detection of a load quantity of the core drill bit; determination of a wear value of the core drill bit on the basis of the value of the load quantity; issuance of an error value when the wear value exceeds a wear limit value; as well as issuance of a signal to indicate the necessity of replacing and/or repairing the core drill bit. In addition, the invention relates to a core drilling machine and a core drill bit for carrying out the method.