Self-test: Is the "Training Manager with Federal Diploma" course the right one for me?

What does the day-to-day work of a training manager with a federal diploma look like?

Training managers can perform very different tasks. As managers, they are responsible for employees and take care of the selection and employment of course instructors and lecturers.

As the head of an education department or an educational institution, they have administrative and organizational tasks. For example, they ensure that training rooms and infrastructure are available. In addition to conceptual tasks such as the development of new educational programs and the evaluation and quality assurance of existing programs, they are responsible for keeping an eye on the education market and the educational needs of their target groups. Depending on their position and function, they sometimes work as course leaders or trainers themselves and advise course participants or interested parties.

Target group and skills: Who is the Higher Professional Examination for Training Managers with a Federal Diploma suitable for? What qualities and skills are required?

The course and the higher professional examination to become a "training manager with a federal diploma" are suitable for

• Specialists in in-company training and further education
• Managers at training providers
• Persons with managerial responsibilities in further education institutions

Training managers should have the following personal qualities and skills:

• Interest in conceptual questions of adult education
• Open-mindedness
• Fantasy
• Management experience
• Good powers of observation
• Good communication skills
• Confident appearance
• Pedagogical skills
• Organizational talent
• Very good general education

Requirements for admission to the higher professional examination for training managers:

In order to be admitted to the higher professional examination for training managers, the following conditions must be fulfilled by the time of the examination or registration for the examination:

• Have a federal certificate as a trainer

Or

• Be able to demonstrate or provide evidence of adult education knowledge and skills equivalent to the federal certificate for trainers in another way

And

• At least 4 years of professional experience in the field of training and further education of at least 1500 hours and 500 hours of practical experience* in a managerial position

And

• Have the required module qualifications** or certificates of equivalence or the federal diploma for company trainers or the federal diploma for adult educators HF

You will find out whether you have been admitted to the higher professional examination at least three months before the start of the examination with a written notification including reasons in the event of a negative decision.

*You can find more information on the proof of practice in the answers.

**The following is a list of the modules that must be available for admission to the final examination:

• AdA-D-M1 Evaluate and justify educational concepts
• AdA-D-M2 Coordinating and supporting educational programs
• AdA-D-M3 Developing the quality of the educational offer
• AdA-D-M4 Managing an organizational unit
• AdA-D-M5 Positioning the educational offer in the environment
• AdA-D-M6 Managing projects in the education sector

Note: Some schools are prepared to admit you to a preparatory course for the higher professional examination for training managers if you do not (yet) meet the criteria for admission to the federal examination. It is your responsibility to ensure that you meet the necessary requirements at the time of the examination/application for the examination. At some schools, it is also possible to attend the course without the intention of taking an examination. Admission requirements vary depending on the provider.

Subject matter and content of the training

The subject matter of the preparatory courses for the higher professional examination for training managers is based on the specifications of the sponsor of the federal examination, the Swiss Commission for the Training of Trainers SK ADA.

The following topics are covered in the six modules of the preparation courses:

1. AdA-D-M1Evaluate and justify educational concepts(Evaluation, revision and justification of educational concepts)
2. AdA-D-M2Coordinate and support educational programs(Organization, coordination and monitoring of educational offers and the associated processes)
3. AdA-D-M3Developing the quality of the education on offer(Evaluation of organizational and andragogical processes in order to be able to operate long-term quality management)
4. AdA-D-M4Managing an organizational unit(business, administrative and personnel management of an organizational unit in the education sector)
5. AdA-D-M5Positioning the educational offer in the environment(Appropriate positioning and communication of the educational offer on the market)
6. AdA-D-M6Managing projects in the education sector(Planning, management and evaluation of projects in the field of education)

Costs and financing of further training

Apart from the examination fee, which is set by the sponsoring body of the higher professional examination, the costs vary depending on the provider.

In general, the following costs must be expected for the 2-4 semester in-service training manager course:

• Course feesAround CHF 15,000 of which you will receive around 50% back from the federal government after the examination (regardless of the result)*.
• External examination feesCHF 2,600 (as at: April 2023) The examination fee is set by the body responsible for this higher professional examination. It is paid by the candidate after admission has been confirmed.
• Extra costsSome schools do not include the costs for teaching materials, training documents and simulation exams in the course fees.

Please contact the provider of your choice directly to find out what additional costs you can expect.

*Since 1.1.2018, preparatory courses for federal professional examinations (BP) and higher professional examinations (HFP) have been financially supported by the federal government. Graduates of these courses will therefore be reimbursed up to 50% (max. CHF 9,500 for BP, max. CHF 10,500 for HFP) of the course costs paid upon application after taking the federal examination. In exceptional cases of hardship, the federal contributions will also be paid out in advance.

Duration of study, teaching times and learning effort

• Duration:The training manager course is modular and part-time and lasts between 2-4 semesters (depending on the provider)
• Lesson times:The course is offered at different times. These time variants are determined independently by the respective schools, so there may be differences. There are often day courses and evening courses, which are offered weekly on an afternoon or Saturday as well as in the evening. The training manager further training takes place over 35 days spread over several semesters while working.
• Teaching format:Many schools offer a mix of face-to-face and online courses (online, hybrid teaching, blended learning) as well as self-study. You can therefore choose the format that allows you to combine further education with your family, career and free time in the best possible way.
• Learning effort:Thanks to the in-service training concept, you can apply and deepen the learning material in practice straight away. Nevertheless, you should allow sufficient time for preparation and follow-up of the lessons and for self-study - how much depends on your prior knowledge, working style and learning speed. We recommend that you allow at least 4-6 hours per week as a precaution.

Note: Some schools offer so-called "taster lessons". This gives you the opportunity to gain an insight into the lessons and the learning atmosphere. Important aspects on the way to a successful graduation. It is best to contact the school of your choice directly for a taster lesson.

Degree, diploma and title

The Higher Professional Examination for Training Managers (HFP) is held annually if at least 4 candidates meet the admission requirements after the announcement, otherwise at least every two years. Candidates can take the examination in German, French or Italian.

Candidates are notified at least four weeks before the start of the examination. The invitation includes the examination program (location, time of the oral examination, permitted aids).

The higher professional examination is divided into a written and an oral part:

1) Written examination (diploma thesis, prepared in advance)

In the diploma thesis, candidates demonstrate their ability to link their proven competencies (modules 1-6) on the basis of a specific question or topic. In the diploma thesis, candidates explain how they intend to put into practice or implement a further development, reorientation, change or innovation. The basis for this is also provided by an in-depth examination of relevant theories of education and management theory. The thesis should relate to the student's own practice and comprise 30 to 50 pages. Details on the assessment criteria such as form, structure and content are set out in the guidelines.

2) Oral examination

2.1) Technical discussion (30 minutes)

Based on the thesis, a technical discussion with experts takes place. The candidates answer questions from the panel of experts about the content and possible problems or reactions to the thesis.

2.2) Work assignment I and II (40 minutes each)

In the work assignments, the two candidates are each given a description of an initial situation (basic information). The two candidates then prepare for the interview separately, so it is not possible to reach an agreement. During the interview, he/she takes on a role assigned to him/her (e.g. client, contractor, superior, employee). During the interview, the two candidates must then solve the tasks assigned to them.

Diploma and title

Successful graduates of the higher professional examination receive a federal diploma and are entitled to use the federally recognized and protected title "Training Manager with Federal Diploma".

In French: "Responsible de formation avec diplôme fédéral"

In Italian: "Responsabile di formazione di diploma federale"

In English (This is only a recommendation/translation and not a protected title): "Specialist in Training Management and Human Resources Development with Advanced Federal Diploma of Professional Education and Training"