Self-test Marketing Specialist with Federal Certificate (BP): Is this training the right one for me?
Find out here whether the profession of marketing specialist with a federal certificate is right for you and whether a part-time preparatory course is the right path for you.
What does the day-to-day work of a marketing specialist with a federal certificate look like?
Marketing specialists with a federal certificate work in marketing agencies, marketing departments or in sales support for all industries - usually in management positions. They are able to solve complex tasks and apply their broad expertise. They analyze market developments, design marketing activities for individual products, product groups or services and implement these themselves or with the help of agencies. They manage their area of responsibility independently, bear a great deal of responsibility and act as an interface within the organization. A marketing specialist with a federal certificate contributes significantly to maintaining and promoting the competitiveness of the company.
The marketing specialist's tasks are
- Conduct market analysis and market research
- Deriving strategies from marketing objectives
- Create integrated, cross-media planning across all communication tools
- Creating marketing concepts and correctly weighting, linking and planning individual instruments according to objectives
- Implementing planned measures in the areas of marketing, advertising, sales promotion, online marketing and social media in a legally correct manner and working together with external specialists
- Budget and marketing activity control
Typical areas of work for marketing specialists are:
- Marketing
- Online marketing
- Advertising
- Communication
- Public Relations
- Market research
- Direct marketing
- Product management
- Internal sales department
- Field sales force
Question 1:
Can I imagine working as a marketing specialist?
Great! Then the marketing specialist apprenticeship could be the right thing for you.
If you don't like all the marketing 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:
If you don't like the job of marketing specialist at all, look for other further training opportunities. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection.
Target group and skills: Who is the professional examination (BP) for marketing specialists with a federal certificate suitable for? What qualities and skills are required?
The Marketing Specialist further education course is aimed at people who already work in marketing (communication, PR, product management, customer service or sales) as assistants, clerks, employees, marketing specialists, product managers or other junior staff. This further development is suitable for professionals who see their future in the challenging field of marketing and sales, for example, who would like to be responsible for a sub-area of marketing such as digital marketing.
Important qualities and skills for a career as a marketing specialist are
- marketing-oriented thinking
- Good knowledge of business administration
- Creativity
- Implementation strength
- Communication skills
- Organizational talent
- Negotiating skills and diplomacy
- Critical perception and judgment
Question 2:
Do you belong to the target group for marketing specialist training and do you have the necessary personal qualities?
Great! Then you belong to the target group for further training as a marketing specialist.
- If you do not belong to one of the above-mentioned groups of people, you cannot aim directly for the Federal PET Diploma in Marketing. There are numerous opportunities to enter the field of marketing. 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 marketing field for the marketing specialist training, then look for suitable jobs with the help of professional job exchanges. 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 as a marketing specialist, you will probably not be happy with this role in marketing. Look out for further training opportunities that focus less on marketing.
- 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 marketing specialists with a federal certificate (BP):
As of the 2019 federal examination, an admission examination (MarCom or equivalent examination such as Marketing and Sales Specialist edupool.ch) is no longer required for admission to the federal professional examination as a marketing specialist. However, the specialist knowledge of the Markom certificate examination level will continue to be tested. People without basic marketing knowledge are therefore recommended to attend a preparatory or certificate course.
Admission requirements for the Federal Professional Examination for Marketing Specialists with a Federal Certificate of Proficiency:
- the proof of aFederal Certificate of Competence (EFZ)of a profession with at least three years of basic vocational training or a diploma from a state-recognizedSecondary commercial school,a diploma from a state-recognized, at least three-yearDiploma middle schoolorSecondary technical schoolor aMatura certificate (all profiles)owns
and
- aboutAt least two years of relevant professional experiencehas
Or
- the proof of aFederal Vocational Certificate (EBA)of a profession with at least two years of basic vocational training
and
- aboutAt least three years of relevant professional experiencehas
The professional experience does not have to be available until you register for the examination, but it is often possible to start training earlier - please consult the training provider. If you do not have the required qualifications, you can request a sur dossier admission if you have six years of professional experience. If you are unsure, you can also contact the examination provider Suxxess for preliminary clarification. All applicants will be notified in writing of the decision on admission to the examination at least three months before the start of the examination. In the event of a negative decision, a statement of reasons and information on legal remedies will be provided. The timely transfer of the examination fee remains reserved.
Question 3:
Do I have one of the required qualifications and the necessary professional experience for the marketing specialist apprenticeship? And am I prepared to acquire the necessary marketing knowledge if required?
Great! Then you meet the marketing specialist requirements. 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 marketing specialists, clarify your chances directly with the sponsor of the professional examination, theSussexx.
If you have too little or no professional experience for the Marketing Specialist professional 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 marketing, 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 Marketing Specialist 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 now. You can find out more about catch-up training for adults in ourAdvisor"The Swiss education system at a glance".
If you are not sure whether your professional experience will be recognized as professional experience for marketing specialists, clarify your chances directly with the sponsor of the professional examination, theSussexx.
If you have too little or no professional experience for the Marketing Specialist professional 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 marketing, 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 Marketing Specialist 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 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 Marketing Specialist course:
The subject matter and content of the preparatory courses for the Federal Professional Examination for Marketing Specialists with a Federal Certificate are based on the requirements of the sponsoring body of the professional examination, theSussexx.
The course material is divided into basic marketing and sales knowledge and in-depth marketing knowledge:
- Basic knowledge of marketing and sales:
- Basics of marketing
- Market analysis, market research
- Sales and distribution
- Marketing communication
- Accounting, Controlling
- Project management
- Internal communication
- Self-management
- In-depth knowledge of marketing:
- Marketing concept
- Digital marketing
- Integrated communication
As part of the preparation course for the federal marketing specialist exam, intensive marketing specialist case study training on basic knowledge, marketing planning and marketing implementation as well as training in the methodological skills of presenting and post-basket tasks usually takes place.
Question 4:
Are you interested in this content, would you like to acquire this knowledge for the federal marketing specialist exam?
Great! You can look forward to exciting and instructive hours in which you will broaden your knowledge horizon and skills for the federal marketing specialist exam - 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 marketing specialist certificate, take a look at other training and further education courses in this area. You may find a course that suits you better due to the content taught. You will find inspirationhere.
Obviously the typical tasks of a marketing specialist with a federal certificate / social insurance 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 marketing specialists:
The costs vary slightly depending on the provider and duration of the Marketing Specialist course. On average, you can expect to pay these amounts:
- Course fees:approx. CHF 9'000.- to CHF 14'000.-
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 - Fee for the federal professional examination:CHF 2,500 (as at: 2023)
The examination fee is set by the organizer of the professional examination for marketing specialists. It is paid by the candidate after admission has been confirmed. - Extra costs for training as a marketing specialist:At some schools, the costs for enrolment fees, teaching materials, training documents, student ID cards 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 for marketing specialists 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 approx. CHF 9,000 and 14,000 for the course fee (plus examination fee of CHF 2,500 for the federal marketing specialist examination)?
Great! Here's another tip: If you are able to pay the entire amount for the Marketing Specialist course 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 of the marketing specialist training that you would have to expect. Then ask your employer whether they will contribute to the costs of the marketing 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. You will be able to repay some of the borrowed money 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 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.
Most schools allow you to pay the course costs for the Marketing Specialist further education course in installments. Most schools charge a small surcharge for payment in installments.
Ask your employer whether they will contribute to the costs of further training as a marketing specialist.
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 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.
Course duration, number of lessons and learning effort Marketing Specialist Training:
- The Marketing Specialist course is classically structured and lasts 2 to 3 semesters. It is completed on a part-time basis. It comprises approx. 350 lessons.
- 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 extra-occupational concept of the Marketing 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 previous knowledge, working style and learning speed. We recommend that you allow at least 4-6 hours per week as a precaution.
Note: Some schools also offer "taster lessons" for marketing specialist courses. This gives you the opportunity to gain an insight into the teaching and learning atmosphere. Important aspects on the way to a successful degree. It is best to contact the school of your choice directly for a taster lesson.
Question 6:
Can I cope with the time and effort required for the marketing specialist course and the homework?
Great!
Tip for marketing specialist 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, look for courses that take longer and require fewer lessons and less time for homework each week.
And 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 marketing specialist training?
Degree, diploma and title Marketing Specialist with Federal Certificate of Proficiency:
Professional examination
The professional examination for marketing specialists with a federal certificate takes place annually, provided that at least 70 candidates meet the admission requirements, otherwise every two years. It can be taken in German, French or Italian.
Candidates are notified at least 30 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), aids to be brought along and the list of experts.
The Marketing Specialist professional examination is divided into 7 examination parts:
- Basics (written, 120 minutes)
- Guided case study Marketing & Sales (written, 180 minutes)
- Guided case study planning (written, 180 minutes)
- Guided case study implementation (written, 120 minutes)
- Postal basket task (written, 90 minutes)
- Presentation and technical discussion
- Presentation (oral, 140 minutes - including 120 minutes preparation time)
- Expert discussion (oral, 30 minutes)
- Situations critical to success (oral, 30 minutes)
Each part of the examination can be subdivided into items. This subdivision and the weighting of the items in the marketing specialist examination is determined by the examination board in the guidelines.
Diploma and title:
Those who successfully complete the professional examination receive a federal certificate and are entitled to use the recognized and protected title:
- German: Marketing Specialist with Federal Certificate of Proficiency
- French: Spécialiste en marketing avec brevet fédéral
- Italian: Specialista in marketing con attestato professionale federale
- English: Marketing 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 Marketing Specialist Certificate?
Great!
Here are some general success factors on the way to a new training qualification such as marketing 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 course Marketing Specialist
- 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. (You can find old exams to download, for examplehere.)
If you are unsure, we recommend that you contact aInformation eventto attend the Marketing Specialist course.
Arrange apersonal consultation appointmentwith the school of your choice or the sponsor of the marketing specialist vocational examination, theSussexx.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 Marketing 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 topic and active participation in class
- In-depth preparation and follow-up of the subject matter of the marketing 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. (You can find old exams to download, for examplehere.)
If you are not at all confident that you can pass the Marketing Specialist final examination, it is best to arrange apersonal consultation appointmentwith a school or the sponsoring body of the professional examination, theSussexx.Explain your interest and concerns about the marketing specialist training and see how the other person 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 marketing specialist course really doesn't seem to be the right fit for you right now.
You may want to take another look at what other training courses might be suitable for you. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of different offers.
Marketing specialist with a federal certificate does not seem to be the right further training course 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.
You may want to take another look at what other training courses might be suitable for you. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of different offers
This is a half-hearted result: working as a marketing specialist doesn't 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 different offers.
Based on your answers, it could be that further training as a marketing specialist is not quite ideal for you.
Perhaps attend an information event to find out about your personal options and opportunities and take a look at similar further training courses. In the summary below you will find further suggestions for the questions that you answered with "partly" or "no".
Here you will find schools that offer the course"Marketing specialist with a federal certificate of proficiency"and from whom you can order detailed documentation.
This training seems to be a good fit for you.
As a next step, we recommend that you attend an information event at suitable schools and find out about the exact costs and dates.
Directly to the schools:
"Marketing specialist with a federal certificate of proficiency"
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.
Here you will find schools that offer the course"Marketing Specialist (BP)"offer.
No, this course for the Federal Certificate of Marketing 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 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.