Self-test "Management specialist with federal certificate (BP)": Is this course the right one for me?
Test here whether a job as a management specialist with a federal certificate is right for you and whether a preparatory course for the federal professional examination "Management specialist with a federal certificate" is the right path for you.
What does the day-to-day work of managers with a federal certificate look like?
What does the day-to-day work of managers look like? Which activities are carried out and how often?
A management specialist takes on management tasks in lower to middle management in a wide range of industries and companies. This includes both technical and personnel management and all associated tasks. This means that management specialists act as team leaders, motivating and guiding their employees. They are responsible for the planning, implementation and supervision of projects and always carry them out with regard to the defined company objectives. To this end, they optimize work processes and resources and act in a business, results-, goal- and team-oriented manner.
Question 1:
Do the activities described meet your expectations? Would you like to work as a management specialist with a federal certificate?
Great!
If you don't like all the jobs, think about which ones interest you the most. Take a look at comparable job advertisements. Perhaps you will find some that only require activities that suit you better, in which case you are in the right place with this further training.
If you don't like the activities, take a look at the numerous other further training opportunities. You will find a large selection on Ausbildung-Weiterbildung.ch.
Target group and skills: Who is the professional examination for management specialists with a federal certificate suitable for? What qualities and skills are required?
Target group:The "Management Specialist (BP)" course and professional examination are suitable for
- Professionals who already perform management tasks or will do so in the foreseeable future
- Self-employed people who want to expand their management skills and develop their business knowledge
- Managers who want to develop their leadership skills
Management experts should have the followingPersonal characteristics and skillshave:
- High operational readiness
- Precise working method
- Ability to work in a team
- Leadership skills
- Analytical understanding
- Communicative and organizational skills
- Flexibility
- Sense of responsibility
- Independence
Question 2:
Do you belong to the target group for this training and do you have the necessary personal qualities?
Great!
- If you do not belong to any of the above-mentioned groups, you cannot directly apply for the federal certificate. However, there are many different paths to leadership. Take a look at thefollowing pagewith 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 leadership, search for suitable jobs using professional job boards. If you know someone in 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, you will probably not be happy in this responsible role. Look out for further training opportunities that offer a technical specialization and are designed for fewer areas of responsibility.
- 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 management specialists with a federal certificate:
To be able to take the professional examination for management specialists, you must
- Have completed at least three years of basic vocational training (EFZ), a high school diploma or an equivalent qualification
And
- At least 3 years of professional experience, including at least one year as a team or group leader
Or
- Have at least 6 years of professional experience, including at least one year as a team or group leader.
As well as
- Have the required module qualifications or certificates of equivalence (SVF-ASFC Management and Leadership certificate)
You will find out whether you have been admitted to the professional examination at least three months before the start of the examination with a written notification including reasons and information on legal remedies in the event of rejection.
Note: Some schools may be prepared to admit you to a preparatory course for the professional examination for management specialists if you do not (yet) meet the criteria for admission to the federal examination. It is then your responsibility to ensure that you meet the necessary requirements at the time of the examination/application for the examination.
Question 3:
Do you meet the requirements for admission?
Great!
If you are not sure whether your professional experience will be recognized as professional experience for management specialists, clarify your chances directly with the sponsor of the examination regulations, the Swiss Association for Management Training
If you have little or no professional experience, you have the following options:
- Search for suitable jobs with the help of professional job boards.
- If you know someone from your private or professional environment who is already working in this field, 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 professional examination (equivalence test), 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 on this now. You can find out more about catch-up training for adults in our guide "The Swiss education system at a glance".
If you are not sure whether your professional experience will be recognized as professional experience for management specialists, clarify your chances directly with the sponsor of the examination regulations, the Swiss Association for Management Training
If you have little or no professional experience, you have the following options:
- Search for suitable jobs with the help of professional job boards.
- If you know someone from your private or professional environment who is already working in this field, 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 professional examination (equivalence test), 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 on this now. You can find out more about catch-up training for adults in our guide "The Swiss education system at a glance".
Subject matter and content of the training
The subject matter and content of the preparatory courses for the federal professional examination for management specialists with a federal certificate are based on the specifications of the sponsoring body of the professional examination, the Swiss Association for Management Training SVF-ASFC.
The following modules are the focus of the preparatory courses for the professional examination for management specialists:
Leadership:
- Communication (oral and written)
- Presentation
- Self-management
- Self-knowledge
- Team leadership / Group leadership
Management:
- Personnel Management
- General Management
- Change management
Question 4:
Are you interested in this content, would you like to acquire this knowledge?
Great! You can look forward to exciting and instructive hours in which you will broaden your knowledge horizon and skills - aspects that are in demand on the job market and increase your career and salary opportunities.
If you are only partially interested in the content of this federal certificate, take a look at other training and further education courses in the management sector. You may find a course that suits you better due to the content taught.
Obviously the typical areas of responsibility of a management 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 further training
The costs vary depending on the provider. The following costs are to be expected for the 3-semester in-service training to become a management specialist with a federal certificate:
- Course feesbetween CHF 9,730 and CHF 12,700, of which you will receive around 50% back from the federal government after the examination (regardless of the result)*.
- Examination feesThe examination fee is set by the sponsoring body of the professional examination and currently amounts to CHF 900.- The examination fee is paid by the candidates after confirmation of admission.
- Extra costs:Some providers charge extra for teaching materials, training documents and simulation tests. 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 can therefore be reimbursed up to 50% (max. CHF 9,500 for BP, max. CHF 10,500 for HFP) 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 approx. CHF 9,730 - CHF 12,700 for course fees (plus examination fee for the federal examination)?
Great! Here's another tip: If you are able to pay the full amount in advance, ask the school of your choice whether they offer a special discount for full payment in advance.
For information on financial support from the federal government, please contactthis linkto the Swiss Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI).
Most schools allow you to pay the course costs in installments. Most schools charge a small surcharge for payment in installments.
Ask your employer whether they will contribute to the costs.
Perhaps there is someone in your private circle who will support your further education project with a loan. A bank or credit institution may also support you with an educational loan. You will be able to repay some of the borrowed funds immediately after the professional examination with the federal contribution.
Information on financial support options from the employer, federal government, canton, foundations or through loans from the Education Promotion FoundationEducaSwisscan be found in our guide "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,here.
Most schools allow you to pay the course costs in installments. Most schools charge a small surcharge for payment in installments.
Ask your employer whether they will contribute to the costs.
Perhaps there is someone in your private circle who will support your further education project with a loan. A bank or credit institution may also support you with an educational loan. You will be able to repay some of the borrowed funds immediately after the professional examination with the federal contribution.
Information on financial support options from the employer, federal government, canton, foundations or through loans from the Education Promotion FoundationEducaSwisscan be found in our guide "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,here.
Duration of study, number of lessons and learning effort
- Duration:The modular further training to become a management specialist with a federal certificate lasts 3 semesters and is completed on a part-time basis.
- Lesson times:The course takes place on different days and times depending on the school. As a rule, two evenings per week and Saturday mornings.
- Teaching format: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 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.
Question 6:
Can you find the time for lessons and self-study?
Great!
Tip for self-study: 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 don't have that much time, get in touch with the providers and clarify whether you can possibly complete the 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?
Degree, diploma and title
The professional examination for management specialists with a federal certificate takes place annually if at least 20 candidates meet the admission requirements, otherwise every two years. It can be taken in German, French or Italian.
At least 20 days before the start of the final examination, the candidates will receive an invitation with the examination program and permitted or required aids as well as a list of experts.
The final examination for the federal certificate for management specialists comprises the following cross-module examination parts:
1st case study (written, 4 hours)
In this part of the exam, candidates must demonstrate their skills using a practical example. Based on the initial situation, they develop a corresponding action plan or solutions.
2. leading a team meeting with reflection discussion (oral with written sequence, approx. 1.5 hours incl. preparation time)
Based on the team meeting, the candidates must draw up a plan of action. This action plan is then also part of the subsequent reflection meeting with a panel of experts.
Diploma and title
Graduates of the professional examination receive a federal certificate and are entitled to use the federally recognized and protected title "Management Specialist with Federal Certificate".
- In French: "Spécialiste de la conduit d`équipe avec brevet fédéral"
- In Italian: "Specialiste nella direzione di un team con attestator professionale federale"
- In English: "Specialist in Leadership and Management with Federal Diploma of Professional Education and Training" (Attention: No protected title only a recommendation)
Question 7:
Do you have the confidence to pass the professional examination for the federal certificate?
Great!
Here are some general success factors on the way to a new training qualification:
- 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
- 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 attend an information event on this course.
Arrange a personal consultation appointment with the school of your choice or theSponsorship of the professional examinationThe Swiss Association for Leadership Development (SVF-ASFC). Explain your interest and your concerns and see how your counterpart reacts to which points and what they recommend.
Ask the school management about support 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 a new training qualification:
- 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
- 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 not at all confident about passing the final exam, it is best to arrange a personal consultation appointment with a school or theSponsorship of the professional examinationThe Swiss Association for Leadership Development (SVF-ASFC). Explain your interest and your concerns and see how your counterpart reacts to which points and what they recommend.
Ask the school of your choice whether there are any support options for you.
Also consider whether you would like other support, for example from learning therapists or coaches, autogenic or mental training.
No, the course for the federal certificate as a management specialist (BP) does not suit you. What a pity? - Perhaps not, because there are so many other options 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.
Management 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 management specialist (BP) doesn't 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.
Management specialist training 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:
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:
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: