Self-test "HR specialist with federal certificate (BP)": Is this course the right one for me?
Test here whether a job in human resources management (HRM) / personnel management with a federal certificate suits you and whether a preparatory course for the federal professional examination "HR specialist with a federal certificate" (formerly HR specialist / personnel consultant (BP)) is the right path for you.
What does the day-to-day work of HR specialists with a federal certificate look like?
The professional examination "HR specialist with a federal certificate" can be taken in three specializations, which prepare for different activities:
Specialization in operational HR management (HR specialist)
HR specialists in operational HR management are responsible for all personnel administration, recruitment and pre-selection, personnel support and personnel development, including apprenticeships.
They advertise vacancies, make preliminary selections, conduct interviews and manage the recruitment process until the contract is signed. They manage personnel files and handle all entry and exit formalities for staff changes. Thanks to their specialist knowledge in all matters relating to salaries, social insurance, contract law and occupational benefits, they are competent contact persons for employees in the company.
Specialization in private recruitment and placement (personnel consultant, recruitment agency)
Recruitment consultants and recruitment agencies advise and support companies in recruiting personnel. On the one hand, they take care of job advertisements and the pre-selection of applications received. On the other hand, they place suitable candidates from their own client base.
Specialization in public personnel placement and consulting (RAV consultant)
Personnel consultants in public administration advise and support job seekers. They analyze the job market, acquire client companies and decide on employment market measures such as courses or work placements.
Question 1:
Do the activities described meet your expectations? Would you like to work as an HR 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.
Or perhaps a different, related course would suit you better? Here are a few options to inspire you:
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 (BP) for HR specialists with a federal certificate suitable for? What qualities and skills are required?
The course and the professional examination "HR Specialist with Federal Certificate" are suitable for
- Professionals who already work in human resources management and would like to acquire in-depth knowledge in the field of human resources management (HRM) and confirm this with a federal certificate.
- Persons who work in a personnel consultancy or at an RAV (regional job placement center) or who aspire to work in these areas.
HR professionals should have the following personal qualities and skills:
- Flexibility
- Load capacity
- Assertiveness
- Empathy
- Knowledge of human nature
- Communication skills (oral and written)
- Team skills
- High sense of responsibility
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 aim for the federal certificate directly. There are numerous entry opportunities in Human Resources Management (HRM). 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 human resources, 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 don't have the necessary personal qualities and skills, you probably won't be happy in this HR role. Look out for training opportunities that are less focused on HR.
- 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 HR specialists with a federal certificate (BP):
In order to take the federal professional examination for HR specialists, you must, in accordance with the examination regulations:
- have a federal certificate of proficiency (EFZ), baccalaureate, specialized baccalaureate or equivalent qualification*
And
- have successfully passed the certificate examination for personnel assistants.
And
- Specialization in Corporate Human Resource Management:After completing an apprenticeship or equivalent qualification, 4 years of professional experience, including at least 2 years in HR.
- Specialization in public personnel recruitment and consulting:4 years of professional experience after obtaining the Federal Certificate of Competence (EFZ) or equivalent qualification, including at least 2 years of AVIG enforcement practice.
- Specializing in private recruitment and placement:After obtaining the EFZ or equivalent qualification, at least 4 years of professional experience, including at least 2 years in HR, of which at least 1 year in private recruitment and staff leasing.
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: The requirements, such as professional experience, do not have to be fulfilled until the time of the federal final examination/examination registration. Some schools may be prepared to admit you to a preparatory course for the professional examination for HR specialists if you do not (yet) meet the criteria for admission to the federal examination. You must then ensure that you meet the necessary requirements at the time of the examination or examination registration (the responsibility lies with you).
Question 3:
Do you meet the requirements for admission?
Great!
If you are not sure whether your professional experience will be recognized as work experience for HR specialists, clarify your chances directly with the body responsible for the examination regulations, theHuman Resources Swiss Exams (HRSE).
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 already works in HR/personnel management, 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.You can find more information here.
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 work experience for HR specialists, clarify your chances directly with the body responsible for the examination regulations, theHuman Resources Swiss Exams (HRSE)
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 already works in HR/personnel management, 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.You can find more information here.
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 HR specialists with a federal certificate are based on the requirements of the sponsor of the professional examination, Human Resources Swiss Exams (HRSE)
The course material is divided into a "general" cross-disciplinary section and specific specialist sections.
These sections cover the various areas of competence that are fundamental to the professional examination:
Interdisciplinary basis
- Basic/generalist knowledge in the area of HR management (HRM, employment law, equal opportunities law, social insurance, data protection, foreign nationals law, etc.)
- Shaping interaction (communication, counseling, managing conflict situations professionally)
- Information and internal and external networking
Specialization A: Operational Human Resource Management (HRM)
- Personnel recruitment (recruitment) and separation
- Advising employees and supervisors on all questions relating to the job, as well as conflicts and difficult situations
- Assessment, development, remuneration (targeted personnel development)
- Process and project management, HR system management
Specialization B: Public recruitment and personnel consulting
- Advice and placement of jobseekers
- Cooperation with employers
- Labor market measures
- Sovereign enforcement tasks
Specialization C: Private recruitment and staff leasing
- Placement of jobseekers (professional advice for jobseekers and placement with the respective employers)
- Cooperation with employers (professional management and support in the recruitment of new employees for the client, i.e. the employer)
- Acting as a manager (supervision of employees)
- Acting as a manager (managing a business unit)
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 HR / personnel management. You may find a course that suits you better due to the content taught.You can find inspiration here.
Obviously the typical areas of responsibility of an HR 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. In general, the following costs are to be expected for the 2-3 semester HR specialist training, continuing education, which is designed for part-time work:
- Course fees:between CHF 9,100 and CHF 14,460 Of this amount, you will receive a refund of around 50% from the federal government upon application after the examination (regardless of the result).* Note: Members of the Kaufmännischer Verband receive a member discount of up to 10% on the course costs.You can find more information here.
- Examination fees:CHF 1,200 (as at March 2023) The examination fee is set by the sponsor of the professional examination. It is paid by the candidate after admission has been confirmed.
- Extra costs:At some schools, the costs for teaching materials, training documents and simulation exams, 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.
*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 10,300 - CHF 15,660 for course fees and exam?
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.
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".
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 "tempo training", the training fund for the temporary staffing industry, here.
Duration of study, number of lessons and learning effort
- The HR specialist training, continuing education is modular and lasts 2-3 semesters. It is completed on a part-time basis.
- Lesson times vary depending on the provider. 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 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 HR specialists with a federal certificate takes place annually if at least 50 candidates meet the admission requirements, otherwise every two years. It can be held in German, French or Italian.
Candidates are notified at least 3 weeks 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 professional examination is divided into 3 parts.
1. generalist knowledge (written, 180 minutes)
This first part of the examination is the same for all specializations. In this written examination, candidates demonstrate their comprehensive generalist knowledge in the field of HRM. The exam consists of various types of questions such as single-choice, multiple-choice, sequential questions, matching questions and open questions.
2. integrated case study (written, 210 minutes), presentation and expert discussion (oral, 50 minutes preparation, 10 minutes presentation, 20 minutes expert discussion)
In this part of the examination, the candidates work on a networked case study, which is based on the central processes of the respective specialization. The case study is created separately for each specialization.
3. mini cases (oral, 30 minutes), reflection on interview situation incl. video for preparation (oral, 20 minutes video analysis, 20 minutes reflection)
In the third part of the examination, candidates are given an initial situation, which they analyze and propose solutions to. The proposed solution is then presented. After the presentation, the candidates answer questions from the experts on the proposed solution.
Diploma and title
Graduates of the professional examination receive a federal certificate and are entitled to use the federally recognized and protected title "HR specialist with a federal certificate, specializing in operational human resource management", "HR specialist with a federal certificate, specializing in public personnel placement and consulting", "HR specialist with a federal certificate, specializing in private personnel placement and hiring".
- In French: "Spécialiste RH avec brevet federal, option de spécialisation Gestion du personell en entreprise", "Spécialiste RH avec brevet federal, option de spécialisation Placement public et conseil en personell", "Spécialiste RH avec brevet federal, option de spécialisation Placement privé et location de services"
- In Italian: "Specialista in risorse umane con attestato professionale federale, optione Gestione del personale nell`azienda", "Specialista in risorse umane con attestato professionale federale, optione Servizi pubblici di collocamento e consulenza al personale", "Specialista in risorse umane con attestato professionale federale, optione Collocamento private e personale a prestito"
- In English: "HR Specialist, Federal Diploma of Higher Education, Option: Corporate Human Resources Management", "HR Specialist, Federal Diploma of Higher Education, Option: Personnel Placement and Consultation", "HR Specialist, Federal Diploma of Higher Education, Option: Private Personnel Recruitment and Temporary Staffing" (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. (Exam series for download can be found, for examplehere.)
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 the sponsor of the professional examination, theHuman Resources Swiss Exams. 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. (Exam series for download can be found, for examplehere.)
If you are not at all confident that you can pass the final exam, it is best to arrange a personal consultation with a school or sponsor of the professional exam, Human Resources Swiss Exams (https://www.hrse.ch/de/pruefungen/hr-fachleute). 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 an HR 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.
HR 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 an HR 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 doesn't fit well in organizational terms?
See which other further training courses are suitable for you. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
HR specialist training, 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:
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: