Self-test: Is the "Industrial Master Craftsman Advanced Training (HFP)" course (new: "Production Manager Industry") the right course for me?
Test here whether a job as an industrial production manager (formerly industrial foreman, abolished as of 2020) suits you and whether a preparatory course for the higher professional examination is the right path for you.
What does the day-to-day work of an industrial production manager with a federal diploma look like?
Industrial production managers (formerly industrial foremen) manage a department, production facility or other organizational unit with several employees in terms of technical and personnel matters. They are responsible for efficient production, the quality of products and services and meeting deadlines and costs. To this end, they review and optimize production processes by regularly evaluating workflows, material flows, throughput times, etc. and looking for opportunities for improvement.
They plan employees' work assignments and select suitable procedures. As supervisors, they manage their employees both professionally and in terms of personnel. And by ensuring that the necessary maintenance and servicing work is carried out, they ensure a high level of system availability.
Remember: The weighting/allocation of the individual areas of responsibility can vary greatly depending on the job profile/task profile and company.
Question 1:
Do the activities described meet your expectations? Would you like to work as an industrial production manager (formerly industrial foreman)?
Great!
If you don't like all the jobs, think about which ones interest you the most. Also take a look at relevant job advertisements. You may find that there are only jobs that you are more suited to, in which case you are in the right place with this training.
Here is a list for inspiration:
Operations Manager Transport and Logistics (HFP)
- Janitor (HFP)
- Maintenance Manager (HFP)
- Head of Technical Customer Service (HFP)
- Head of Facility Management and Maintenance (HFP)
- Logistics Manager (HFP)
- Master switchgear and automation technician (HFP)
- Master metalworker (HFP)
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 Higher Technical Examination for Production Manager Industry (formerly Industrial Foreman) with a federal diploma suitable for? What qualities and skills are required?
The course and the higher professional examination for "Production Manager Industry with Federal Diploma" and "Production Manager Industry with Federal Diploma" are suitable for
- Professionals from industrial, production or logistics companies who aspire to a higher management position
- Professionals with management experience in a manufacturing environment who would like to expand their knowledge and (management) skills
- Young professionals in industrial, production or logistics companies who would like to take on a management position in the future and would like to acquire the necessary management skills for this with the HFP
Production Manager Industry should have the following personal qualities and skills:
- Analytical and interdisciplinary way of thinking
- Good communication skills
- Good foreign language skills
- Team and conflict management skills
- Cost orientation
- Proactive and customer-oriented action
- Leadership qualities
- Organizational talent
- Sense of responsibility
- Negotiating skills
- Assertiveness
Question 2:
Do you belong to one of the target groups for this training course and do you have the necessary personal qualities?
Great!
- If you do not belong to any of the above-mentioned groups, you cannot apply for the federal diploma directly. In this case, take a look atfollowing page. 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 relevant field, use professional job boards to search for suitable jobs.
- If you do not have the necessary personal qualities and skills, you will not be happy in this demanding management role. Look out for further training opportunities that offer a professional specialization that better suits your skills.
- If you are unsure whether you are well suited to such a role, it is best to discuss this with your line manager or career advisor. You can find suitable providers of career advice and career coaching here:
Requirements for admission to the Advanced Technical Examination for Production Managers in Industry:
Persons who fulfill the following conditions by the time of the examination date or examination registration are admitted to the Advanced Technical Examination for Production Managers in Industry:
- Federal certificate of proficiency (EFZ) or equivalent qualification and at least 4 years of relevant* professional experience after graduation, including two years in a management position**
Or
- Federal Vocational Certificate (EBA) or equivalent qualification and at least 6 years of relevant professional experience after completing basic vocational training, including two years in a management position
Or
- Degree at tertiary level and at least two years of relevant professional experience in a management role
As well as
- Has knowledge of a foreign language (second national language German, French, Italian or English)***.
*Relevant professional experience includes work in the following production areas: Production, assembly, shipping, logistics, maintenance, surface treatment and finishing, quality assurance, customer service and other production-related areas.
**The following are considered management functions:
- The management or deputy management of a work team of at least five employees and/or vocational trainees
- Earning the following grades at recruit school: constable, sergeant, fourier, quartermaster, lieutenant, unit commander
*** The language skills must be proven with a language certificate or language diploma from a recognized certification body.
Tip: Many schools also offer pre-courses in mathematics so that you have the opportunity to refresh your knowledge before the course starts. For details, please contact the school of your choice.
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.
Note: Some schools are prepared to admit you to a preparatory course for the Advanced Federal Diploma in Production Management 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/examination registration. 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.
Question 3:
Do you meet the requirements for admission?
Great!
Hereyou will find suitable providers with language courses.
If you are not sure whether your professional experience will be recognized as professional experience for Production Manager Industry, clarify your chances directly with theSponsorshipof the examination regulations, the Association for Higher Professional Examinations for the Industrial Master Craftsman (VIM).
If you have little or no professional experience, you have the following options:
- Use professional job boards to search for suitable jobs where you can gain experience.Hereyou will find helpful information.
- If you know someone from your private or professional environment who is already working in the industry, 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 higher professional examination (equivalence test), please contact theExamination secretariat.
SERI is responsible for assessing the equivalence of foreign qualifications for admission to the HFP.Hereyou will find more information.
Hereyou will find suitable providers with language courses.
If you are not sure whether your professional experience will be recognized as professional experience for Production Manager Industry, clarify your chances directly with theSponsorshipof the examination regulations, the Association for Higher Professional Examinations for the Industrial Master Craftsman (VIM).
If you have little or no professional experience, you have the following options:
- Use professional job boards to search for suitable jobs where you can gain experience.Hereyou will find helpful information.
- If you know someone from your private or professional environment who is already working in the industry, 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 higher professional examination (equivalence test), please contact theExamination secretariat.
SERI is responsible for assessing the equivalence of foreign qualifications for admission to the HFP.Hereyou will find more information.
Hereyou will find suitable providers with language courses.
Subject matter and content of the training
The preparatory courses for the Higher Technical Examination for Production Manager Industry (formerly Industrial Foreman) are based on the specifications of the sponsor of the federal examination, the Association for Higher Technical Examinations for Industrial Foremen (VIM).
The following topics are included in the course material:
- Organizational design
- Production management
- Production processes
- Maintenance
- Project management
- Logistics
- Management of complex and/or parallel projects
- Finance and accounting
- HR/Personnel Management, Personnel Management
- Communication, Marketing
- Supply Chain Management
- Company and environment
Question 4:
Are you interested in this content, would you like to acquire knowledge in these subject areas?
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 diploma, take a look at other training and further education courses in the industrial sector. You may find a course that suits you better. You will find inspirationhere.
Obviously the typical subject areas of Production Manager Industry with a federal diploma are not your thing. 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 (apart from the examination fee, which is set by the HFP sponsor). In general, the following costs are to be expected for the 3-4 semester part-time course to become an industrial production manager:
- Course feesBetween CHF 13,700 and CHF 15,900 Of this, you will receive around 50% back from the Confederation on application after the examination (regardless of the result) *Note: Swissmem members benefit fromreduced course fees.
- External examination feesCHF 2,100 (as of March 2023) The examination fee is set by the sponsor of this HFP, i.e. this course. It is paid by the candidate after admission has been confirmed.
- Extra costsAt some schools, the costs for teaching materials, training documents and simulation exams, for example, are not included in the course fees. Additional costs must also be expected for any preliminary courses, such as mathematics or language courses.
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.
Question 5:
Are you able to pre-finance around CHF 15,800 - CHF 18,000 for the course 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. Depending on the school, you may also be able to benefit from a reduced price if you register for the course early.
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".
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 education loan. You will be able to repay some of the borrowed funds immediately after the Advanced Federal Diploma Examination with the federal contribution.
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 from "temptraining", the further training fund of the temporary employment sector, can be found athere.
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 education loan. You will be able to repay some of the borrowed funds immediately after the Advanced Federal Diploma Examination with the federal contribution.
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 from "temptraining", the further training fund of the temporary employment sector, can be found athere.
Duration of study, number of lessons and learning effort
- The Industrial Production Manager course (formerly Industrial Master Craftsman) is a modular course with a final examination and lasts 3-4 semesters, depending on the provider.
- The course comprises approx. 515 lessons, which are attended at different times. These time variants are determined independently by the respective schools, so there may be differences (e.g. one or two evenings per week or one evening plus half a Saturday or a full day on Saturdays).
- 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.
- 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 good 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 possibly complete the course over more than four 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 Advanced Technical Examination for Production Manager Industry (formerly Industrial Master Craftsman) is held once a year if at least 25 candidates meet the admission requirements, otherwise at least every two years. The examination can be taken in one of the three official languages German, French or Italian.
Candidates are notified at least 4 weeks before the start of the examination. The invitation includes the examination program (place and time of the examination) and the list of experts.
The higher professional examination is made up of three parts:
1. diploma thesis (weighting 2)
Position 1: Diploma thesis (written, prepared in advance)
Candidates write a thesis on a complex issue from their own professional practice. When writing the thesis, they follow the specifications/guidelines on content, scope, form and structure set out in the guidelines.
Position 2: Presentation of the diploma thesis (oral, approx. 12 minutes)
In the presentation, the candidates report on the central content of the thesis and present the most important findings.
Position 3: Discussion on the diploma thesis (oral, 30 minutes)
In the technical discussion, the candidates answer the experts' questions about their diploma thesis and presentation. They also answer various questions on complex issues relating to the company's overall system.
2. case work (written, 240 minutes, weighting 2)
The candidates work on a given complex entrepreneurial change project using the following steps: Analysis, central question/challenge, conclusions, formulation of goals, considerations for the next steps)
3. action situations (oral (without preparation time), 20 minutes, weighting 1)
In this part of the examination, a practical and challenging work situation is described. Candidates choose a situation at random and then prepare an interview about it. Candidates conduct the interview with an examination expert who assumes the role of the claimant.
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 "Certified Production Manager Industry".
In French: "Dirigeante de production industrielle diplômée / Dirigeant de production industrielle diplômé"
In Italian: "Dirigente di produzione industriale diplomata / Dirigente di produzione industriale diplomato"
In English (This is only a recommendation/translation and not a protected title): "Industrial Production Manager, Advanced Federal Diploma of Higher Education"
Question 7:
Do you have the confidence to pass the Advanced Federal Diploma Examination?
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 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 theSponsorshipthe higher professional examination, the Association for Higher Professional Examinations for the Industrial Master Craftsman (VIM). 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 exam experience, e.g. in simulation exams
If you are not at all confident of passing the final examination but would like to complete the training, it is best to arrange a personal consultation appointment with a school or theSponsorshipthe higher professional examination, the Association for Higher Professional Examinations for the Industrial Master Craftsman (VIM). 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. You can find suitable offers here:
No, the course for the Federal Diploma in Industrial Production Management (formerly Industrial Master Craftsman) (HFP) does not suit you. What a pity? - Perhaps not, because there are so many other options for further training. One or the other will 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.
Production Manager Industry (formerly Industrial Foreman) (HFP) is probably not the right further education 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: The job of Production Manager Industry (formerly Industrial Foreman) (HFP) does not seem ideal for you. Or is it perhaps the form of training that doesn't suit 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.
Training as an industrial production manager is not ideal for you - or is it?
If you are unsure, it is best to attend the providers' information events. There you can find out more about further training and discuss your personal options and questions directly with the specialist representatives present.
Directly to the schools:
"Production Manager Industry with a federal diploma (formerly Industrial Master Craftsman) (HFP)"
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:
"Production Manager Industry with a federal diploma (formerly Industrial Master Craftsman) (HFP)"
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:
"Production Manager Industry with a federal diploma (formerly Industrial Master Craftsman) (HFP)"