Self-test: Is the "Foreign Trade Specialist with Federal Certificate of Competence" course the right one for me?
Test here whether the job profile "Foreign trade specialist with a federal certificate" suits you and whether a part-time preparatory course is the right path for you.
What does the day-to-day work of a foreign trade specialist with a federal certificate look like?
A foreign trade specialist (formerly known as an export specialist or import specialist) plans and organizes the worldwide transport of goods. They take care of all freight and customs documents and ensure that the goods or services reach their customers on time. To do this, they are in daily contact with customers, suppliers, producers and transportation companies all over the world. They keep abreast of the current state of global markets, political and legal situations and economic developments, know the current risks and are able to hedge them. In business negotiations with international partners, authorities and other bodies, the foreign trade specialist represents the interests of their company and, thanks to their good marketing skills, they recognize the market potential in foreign target markets.
Foreign trade specialists with a federal certificate perform the following tasks:
- Transportation and negotiations
- Accept orders
- Plan and organize national and international freight transports
- Set delivery deadlines
- Determine and evaluate different transportation options (air, rail, road, water) and consider the cost-benefit ratio including sustainability
- cooperate with forwarding companies
- Insure goods
- Conducting negotiations in different languages
- Conclude transportation and storage contracts
- Ensure packaging quality and compliance with packaging standards
- Monitor transportation and inform involved parties
- Ensure delivery times and transport logistics
- Risks, contracts and administrative matters
- Collect information on international markets incl. risk assessment
- Apply for financial guarantees
- Administration of quotations, order confirmations and invoices
- Draw up contracts
- Negotiate the best possible contract terms
- Comply with quality standards and regulations for products, including certificates
- Obtain approvals if required
- Creating and managing shipping and export documents, customs documents, country-specific certificates, etc.
- Customer support, contacts with internal interfaces, suppliers, authorities
- Other duties such as personnel management, contact person for technical issues, collaboration on projects
(Note: The weighting of the individual areas of responsibility can vary greatly depending on the company and job profile).
As a foreign trade specialist, you usually work in internationally active companies in industry or consumer goods production, at banks, insurance companies or freight forwarders in a management position - sometimes including travel abroad. In large companies, the work usually focuses on a thematic area of business in which you can specialize. You often belong to the sales, internal sales, order processing, traffic, purchasing or order processing departments for export, import and crosstrade transactions. Foreign trade specialists are also deployed in an SME in cross-departmental and cross-process interface functions as a point of contact for all questions relating to foreign trade.
Question 1:
Do the activities of a foreign trade specialist meet your expectations? Can you imagine working in this position?
Yes, if you like the actual job of a foreign trade specialist, you can assume that you are on the right track. The next question is what type of training is right for you to acquire the relevant skills.
By the way: If you are looking for further suitable training opportunities after successfully completing your studies, take a look at theEducational counseling offerfrom Ausbildung-Weiterbildung.ch
If you don't like all the foreign trade specialist jobs, think about which ones interest you the most.
Then take a look at job advertisements. You may find some that only require the activities that interest you the most.
Or take a look at the descriptions of similar professions. You may find a degree here that more closely matches your interests, for example:
- Transport and logistics dispatcher with federal certificate
- Purchasing specialist with federal certificate
- Public transport specialist (BP), formerly public transport specialist (BP)
- Freight forwarding specialist with federal certificate
- Technical business management assistant with federal certificate
- Sales specialist with federal certificate
- Customs declarant with federal certificate
If you don't like the activities after your foreign trade specialist training, take a look at the numerous other further training opportunities.
OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection.
Target group and skills: Who is the professional examination "Foreign trade specialist with federal certificate" suitable for? What qualities and skills are required?
The Foreign Trade Specialist course, including preparation for the professional examination, is aimed at the following people:
- with processing tasks in export, import, international trade, forwarding and purchasing
- work as bankers or employees in internationally oriented banks
- employed as merchants in export processing or sales
- working as an employee in an internationally operating forwarding or transportation company
- would like to take up a position as a foreign trade specialist
The following qualities and skills are required for a successful job as a foreign trade specialist:
- Good foreign language skills and sociability
- Enjoy international contacts
- Flexibility and talent for improvisation
- High personal initiative
- Flair for numbers, calculations and statistics
- Good organizational skills
- Service awareness
- Negotiating skills
- Networked thinking and action
Question 2:
Do you belong to one of the target groups of the Foreign Trade Specialist training program?
Great! Then you belong to the target group for foreign trade specialist training.
- If you do not belong to any of the above-mentioned groups, you cannot directly apply for the federal certificate as a foreign trade specialist. There are numerous opportunities to enter the import-export sector. Take a look at the followingPagewith various courses from suitable providers. You may come across further training courses here that are aimed precisely at people like you.
- If you do not have the necessary professional experience in the field of foreign trade to train as a foreign trade specialist, search for suitable jobs on professional job boards. If you know someone from your private or professional environment who is already working in this field, ask them for tips and whether they would support you in your job search. He/she will certainly have the relevant contacts and connections.
- If you do not have the necessary personal qualities and skills as a foreign trade specialist, you will probably not be happy with this role in foreign trade. Look out for further training opportunities that focus less on import-export.
- If you are unsure whether you are well suited to such a role with a lot of responsibility, it is best to talk to experienced people such as career advisors. You can find suitable providers of career advice and career coaching here:
Requirements for admission to the professional examination for foreign trade specialists:
The following prerequisites are required for admission to the professional examination (federal examination) for foreign trade specialists:
-
has a federal certificate of proficiency, a diploma from a federally recognized commercial college, a baccalaureate certificate (all types) or an equivalent certificate
and
- At least three years of relevant professional experience in foreign trade
Some schools also require a good command of the German language, basic MS Office IT skills, a high willingness to learn and technical equipment for online teaching. Depending on your previous knowledge, it is advisable to attend a preliminary course as a clerk (e.g. foreign trade clerk or international order processing clerk) or in finance and accounting.
You will be informed in writing at least four months before the start of the examination whether you meet the requirements for the federal examination for foreign trade specialists - in the event of rejection, including reasons and instructions on how to appeal.
Note: The requirements, such as professional experience, only need to be fulfilled at the time of the federal written examinations. Some schools may be prepared to admit you to a preparatory course for the professional examination for foreign trade specialists if you do not (yet) meet the criteria for admission to the federal examination at the start of the course. You are responsible for meeting the conditions at the time of the examination or examination registration. The timely transfer of the examination fee is also reserved.
Question 3:
Do you have the required apprenticeship qualification and the necessary professional experience for the Foreign Trade Specialist professional examination? And do you have the confidence to complete the additional courses required?
Great! Then you meet the requirements for training as a foreign trade specialist. You can start the course and are admitted to the subsequent professional examination.
If you are not sure whether your professional experience will be recognized as professional experience for foreign trade specialists, clarify your chances directly with the sponsor of the professional examination, theSwissmemandTrade Switzerland.
If you have too little or no professional experience for the Foreign Trade Specialist examination, you have the following options:
- Search for suitable jobs with the help of professional job boards. Here you can findHelpful informationin addition
- If you know someone from your private or professional environment who is already working in foreign trade, ask this person for tips and whether he/she would support you in your job search. He/she will certainly have the relevant contacts and connections.
If you are not sure whether your qualifications will be accepted for the Foreign Trade Specialist examination (equivalence check), please contact theExamination secretariat.
SERI is responsible for assessing the equivalence of foreign qualifications for admission to the BP. Here you can findmore information.
If you do not have a federal certificate of proficiency (EFZ) or equivalent basic vocational training, you still have the opportunity to catch up now. You can find out more about catch-up training for adults in ourAdvisor"The Swiss education system at a glance".
Or take a look at the "Foreign Trade Clerk" course, which can be an intermediate step on the way to the professional examination:
If you are unsure whether your professional experience will be recognized as professional experience for foreign trade specialists, clarify your chances directly with the sponsor of the professional examination, theSwissmemandTrade Switzerland.
If you have too little or no professional experience for the Foreign Trade Specialist examination, you have the following options:
- Search for suitable jobs with the help of professional job boards. Here you can findHelpful informationin addition
- If you know someone from your private or professional environment who is already working in foreign trade, ask this person for tips and whether he/she would support you in your job search. He/she will certainly have the relevant contacts and connections.
If you are not sure whether your qualifications will be accepted for the Foreign Trade Specialist examination (equivalence check), please contact theExamination secretariat.
SERI is responsible for assessing the equivalence of foreign qualifications for admission to the BP. Here you can findmore information.
If you do not have a federal certificate of proficiency (EFZ) or equivalent basic vocational training, you still have the opportunity to catch up now. You can find out more about catch-up training for adults in ourAdvisor"The Swiss education system at a glance".
Subject matter and content of the Foreign Trade Specialist further training course:
The subject matter of the preparatory courses for the professional examination for the Foreign Trade Specialist certificate is based on the requirements of the sponsor of the federal examination, theSwissmemandTrade Switzerland.
The learning content of the Foreign Trade Specialist apprenticeship is divided into the following topics:
- Economic environment for foreign trade
- Business administration in the context of foreign trade
- Self-management & self-competence of foreign trade specialists
- Organization & structuring of foreign business
- Financing & payment processing
- Terms of delivery in foreign business
- Customs and customs origin of goods
- Forwarding and logistics
- Excise and consumption tax
- Law
- Intercultural interaction
Question 4:
Are you interested in the contents of the Foreign Trade Specialist further training course and would you like to acquire knowledge in these subject areas?
Great! If you are interested in the course content, this could be the best training option for you. Here's another tip: find out from the schools about the exact structure and concept of the foreign trade specialist apprenticeship on offer. These are aspects that are in demand on the job market and increase your career and salary prospects.
If you are only partially interested in the content of this federal certificate, then the Foreign Trade Specialist further training course is probably not the right course for you. Then take a look at other training and further education courses in this area. Perhaps you will find a course that suits you better due to the content taught. You will find inspirationhere.
Obviously the typical areas of responsibility of a foreign trade specialist with a federal certificate are not your world. Take a look at other further training courses instead. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a wide range of options.
Costs and financing of continuing education for foreign trade specialists:
The cost of training as a foreign trade specialist varies slightly depending on the provider and the duration of the course. On average, these amounts are to be expected:
- Course fees:between CHF 7'800.- and CHF 12'500.-
After taking the exam, you will receive around 50% of this back from the federal government on application (regardless of the result)*.
Note: Members of the Kaufmännischer Verband receive a 10% discount on the costs of training courses and courses offered by individual training providers - Examination fees:CHF 1,560 (as at: 2023)
The examination fee is set by the body responsible for the professional examination. It is paid by the candidate once admission to the Foreign Trade Specialist examination has been confirmed. - Extra costs:At some schools, the costs for enrolment fees, teaching materials, training documents, books, intensive exam training, simulation exams, school diplomas and interim qualifications, for example, are not included in the course fees. Please contact the provider of your choice directly to find out what additional costs you can expect for the foreign trade specialist training course.
*Since January 1, 2018, preparatory courses for federal professional examinations such as Foreign Trade Specialist have been financially supported by the federal government. Graduates of these courses can therefore be reimbursed up to 50% (max. CHF 9,500) of the course costs paid after taking the federal examination. In exceptional cases of hardship, the federal contributions are also paid out in advance.
Question 5:
Are you able to pre-finance between CHF 7,800 and CHF 12,500 for the Foreign Trade Specialist course and CHF 1,560 for the exam, depending on the course and provider?
Great! Here's another tip: If you would be able to pay the entire amount for the foreign trade specialist training in advance, many schools will grant you a discount.
- Information on financial support options from the employer, federal government, canton, foundations or through loans from the Education Promotion FoundationEducaSwissyou will receive in ourAdvisor"How to finance your further training properly".
- Information on financial support for temporary workers through "temptraining", the further training fund of the temporary employment sector, is available athere.
- Information and help on budget planning and budget preparation can be foundhere.
First ask the schools about the actual costs you would have to expect for the foreign trade specialist training. Then find out from your employer whether they will contribute to the costs of the foreign trade specialist training and ask your school about the possibility of paying in installments. Perhaps there is someone in your private circle who will support your further education project with a loan. There are also banks and credit institutions that grant educational loans.
- Information on financial support options from the employer, federal government, canton, foundations or through loans from the Education Promotion FoundationEducaSwissyou will receive in ourAdvisor"How to finance your further training properly".
- Information on financial support for temporary workers through "temptraining", the further training fund of the temporary employment sector, is available athere.
- Information and help on budget planning and budget preparation can be foundhere.
First ask the schools about the actual costs you would have to expect for the foreign trade specialist training. Then find out from your employer whether they will contribute to the costs of the foreign trade specialist training and ask your school about the possibility of paying in installments. Perhaps there is someone in your private circle who will support your further education project with a loan. There are also banks and credit institutions that grant educational loans.
- Information on financial support options from the employer, federal government, canton, foundations or through loans from the Education Promotion FoundationEducaSwissyou will receive in ourAdvisor"How to finance your further training properly".
- Information on financial support for temporary workers through "temptraining", the further training fund of the temporary employment sector, is available athere.
- Information and help on budget planning and budget preparation can be foundhere.
Duration of study, number of lessons and learning effort for foreign trade specialist training:
- The Foreign Trade Specialist training, continuing education is classically structured (i.e. the professional examination covers all the skills to be assessed) and lasts 2 to 3 semesters while working. It comprises approx. 300 lessons.
- Lesson times vary depending on the provider of the Foreign Trade Specialist course. As a rule, lessons take place two evenings a week or all day on a weekday and/or Saturday.
- Many schools now offer a mix of face-to-face and online courses (online, hybrid teaching, blended learning) as well as self-study.
- Thanks to the extra-occupational concept of the Foreign Trade Specialist further education course, you can apply and consolidate 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 3 - 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. These are important aspects on the way to a successful Foreign Trade Specialist qualification. It is best to contact the school of your choice directly.
Question 6:
Can you cope with the time and effort required for classroom teaching and homework for the Foreign Trade Specialist course?
Great!
Tip for self-study for foreign trade specialist training: Set yourself realistic daily or weekly targets and think about a small reward when you have achieved them. A well-organized study strategy not only motivates you, but also protects you from chaotic, stressful study days and nights shortly before the exam.
If you do not have that much time, contact the providers and clarify whether you can complete the Foreign Trade Specialist course over more than three semesters.
If you still don't have enough time, check whether you can create space for yourself elsewhere. Perhaps someone close to you can take on certain tasks for you for the duration of your training as a foreign trade specialist?
Degree, diploma and title Foreign Trade Specialists:
The professional examination "Foreign Trade Specialist with Federal Certificate" takes place annually, provided that at least 12 candidates meet the admission requirements, otherwise every two years. It can be held in the three official languages German, French or Italian.
Candidates for the Federal Foreign Trade Specialist Examination will be notified at least 40 days before the start of the examination. The invitation includes the examination program (with details of the place and time of the examination as well as permitted aids) and the list of experts.
The federal examination for foreign trade specialists comprises the following nine examination parts with equal weighting:
-
Fundamentals and practical situations in foreign trade (written, 210 minutes)
Knowledge questions and realistic practical situations (mini-cases) from the operational environment of foreign trade on the following skills:- Organizing business processes in foreign trade
- Ensuring the movement of goods and services
- Implementing compliance and contract management
- Shaping the organization and communication
- Implementing the marketing
- Applying the calculation
-
Integrated case study (written, 210 minutes)
The action strategies (business procedures/business processes) as well as management and work tools for typical activities for the above-mentioned action competencies from the foreign trade sector and business administration:- Elaborate
- Analyze
- Optimize
-
Presentation and expert discussion on foreign trade (oral, 60 minutes)
- Expert discussion with at least two experts on various questions about the competencies from Part 1
Diploma and title "Foreign trade specialist"
Graduates of the professional examination receive a federal certificate and are entitled to use the federally recognized and protected title "Foreign Trade Specialist with Federal Certificate" or "Foreign Trade Specialist with Federal Certificate".
- In French: "Spécialiste du commerce international avec brevet fédéral"
- In Italian: "Specialista in commercio estero con attestato professionale federale"
- In English: "Foreign Trade Specialist, Federal Diploma of Higher Education" (Attention: This is only a recommendation/translation and not a protected title)
Question 7:
Do you have the confidence to pass the professional examination for the Federal Certificate of Foreign Trade Specialists?
Great!
Here are some general success factors on the way to a new training qualification such as foreign trade specialist with a federal certificate:
- Regular attendance of lessons
- Actively contribute your questions, don't leave anything half-understood in the room
- Interest in the subject and active participation in the Foreign Trade Specialist course
- Detailed preparation and follow-up of the lesson material at home
- Committed cooperation in group work, processing of case studies, etc.
- Participation in learning groups for regular exchange
- Intensive exam preparation: practise exam situations and gain important exam experience, e.g. in simulation exams
If you are unsure, we recommend that you contact aInformation eventto attend the Foreign Trade Specialist course.
Arrange apersonal consultation appointmentwith the school of your choice or the sponsor of the vocational examination for foreign trade specialists, theSwissmemandTrade Switzerland. Explain your interest and your concerns and see how your counterpart reacts to which points and what they recommend.
Ask the school management aboutSupport options. Also consider whether you would like other support, for example from learning therapists or coaches, autogenic or mental training.
Here are some general success factors on the way to the new Foreign Trade Specialist with Federal Certificate of Competence:
- Regular attendance of lessons
- Actively contribute your questions, don't leave anything half-understood in the room
- Interest in the topic and active participation in class
- In-depth preparation and follow-up of the subject matter of the foreign trade specialist training at home
- Committed cooperation in group work, processing of case studies, etc.
- Participation in learning groups for regular exchange
- Intensive exam preparation: practise exam situations and gain important exam experience, e.g. in simulation exams.
If you are not at all confident that you can pass the Foreign Trade Specialist final examination, arrange apersonal consultation appointmentwith the school of your choice or the sponsor of the vocational examination for foreign trade specialists, theSwissmemandTrade Switzerland. Explain your interest and your concerns about training as a foreign trade specialist and see how your counterpart reacts to which points and what they recommend.
Ask the school management aboutSupport options.
Also consider whether you would like other support, for example from learning therapists or coaches, autogenic or mental training.
No, this course for the Federal Certificate of Foreign Trade Specialist (BP) does not suit you. What a pity? Perhaps not, because there are so many other opportunities for further training. One or the other would certainly suit you much better.
Check which other further training courses are suitable for you. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
Foreign trade specialist with a federal certificate is probably not the right further training goal for you.
Are you surprised or disappointed? Perhaps take the test again and see where your ideas or possibilities deviate from the ideal job. Perhaps this will point you in the direction of more suitable further training.
Then see which other further training courses interest you. ToEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
This is a half-hearted result: working as a foreign trade specialist with a federal certificate does not seem ideal for you. Or is it perhaps the form of training that doesn't appeal to you or isn't a good organizational fit?
See which other further training courses are suitable for you. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
Foreign trade specialist training and further education is not ideal for you - or is it?
If you are unsure, it is best to attend the providers' information events. There you will learn a lot more about further education and can discuss your personal options and questions directly with the specialist representatives present.
Directly to the schools:
"Foreign trade specialist with a federal certificate"
This training seems to suit you.
As a next step, we recommend that you attend an information event at suitable schools and obtain details of the exact costs and dates.
Directly to the schools:
"Foreign trade specialist with a federal certificate"
This course seems to be made for you!
The best thing to do now is to attend information events at the schools you are interested in and find out everything you need to know about the specific content, costs and dates.
Directly to the schools:
"Foreign trade specialist with a federal certificate"
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