HFP construction manager self-test: Is this course right for me?
Test here whether a job as a site manager with a federal diploma suits you and whether the higher professional examination "Site Manager" is the right path for you.
What does the day-to-day work of a federally certified site manager look like?
Construction managers with a federal diploma are highly qualified professionals in engineering and architecture.* They have specialist construction knowledge and work mainly in engineering, architecture and specialized construction management offices or for general contractors. There they manage and control the implementation of construction projects in building construction (residential, office and commercial buildings) or civil engineering (traffic routes, tunnels, bridges, sewer systems, etc.), depending on which specialization they choose.**
They work as members of project teams and report to the overall project manager. You are responsible for the quality of the work on the construction site, from preparation to acceptance of the building. They manage employees, are responsible for finances and ensure compliance with legal requirements and safety regulations. They cooperate competently with the authorities, the planners and the companies contracted for the project.
Site managers are responsible for their work to all project participants in technical, economic, legal, ecological and ethical terms.
Your day-to-day work includes the following activities
- They check the plans and basic principles of construction projects and draw up implementation plans, including cost calculations, phased schedules and invitations to tender.
- They check offers, write award applications and issue contracts for work and services.
- They manage and monitor the implementation of officially approved construction projects on the construction site.
- If they detect deviations from the approved plans, they inform the overall management and the client (building owner) and initiate the necessary measures.
- On the construction site, they monitor the progress of construction and the work of the companies, as well as compliance with regulations, reports and invoices.
- You manage the construction accounting and ensure transparent and comprehensible documentation of the construction process.
* Caution: Do not confuse with professions and functions in the construction industry such as building supervisors (building envelope supervisors with a federal certificate) or master builders with a federal diploma who work "on the building site" and for the construction companies carrying out the work.
** Until 2020, there were two separate higher professional examinations (HFP): "HFP Construction Manager Building Construction" and "HFP Construction Manager Civil Engineering". The two HFPs were combined: Since 2021, there has only been one HFP "HFP Bauleiter / Bauleiterin" with the two specializations "Hochbau" and "Tiefbau".
Question 1:
Do the activities described meet your expectations? Would you like to work as a federally certified site manager specializing in building construction or civil engineering?
If you don't like all the jobs, think about which ones interest you the most. Also take a look at job advertisements. Perhaps you will find some that only require the activities that suit you better. Then you are on the right track with this training.
Or perhaps another, related training course would suit you better? For example:
- Master builder (HFP)
- Expert for healthy and sustainable building (HFP)
If you don't like the activities, take a look at the numerous other training opportunities. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection.
Target group: For whom is the higher professional examination for construction supervisors with a federal diploma suitable?
The advanced training course "HFP Construction Manager with Federal Diploma" is aimed at qualified (EFZ) draughtsmen, bricklayers and carpenters as well as qualified professionals with higher qualifications and at least 5 or 6 years of experience in construction management who work in general contracting, planning, architecture and engineering offices or for other construction service providers and wish to expand their skills in the field of construction management and have them confirmed with a federal diploma.
It is aimed at people with
- structural engineering knowledge
- Sense of responsibility
- Leadership and social skills
- Organizational and planning talent
- Negotiating skills
- Willingness to work irregular hours
Question 2:
Do you belong to the target group for this training and do you have the necessary personal qualities?
If you lack the necessary professional experience, look for a job in this field or ask your employer if they offer you the opportunity to take on some or all of the tasks involved in site management.
Some schools will admit you to further training even if you have less work experience. Talk to the school and your employer; it may be worthwhile for you to attend further training now. You can then take the higher professional examination later if you have more experience in construction management and meet all the admission requirements.
If you lack the necessary professional experience, look for a job in this field or ask your employer if they offer you the opportunity to take on some or all of the tasks involved in site management.
Take a look at our freeGuide 4.9 "Initial and further training in the construction and architecture sector". You may come across further training courses that are precisely tailored to your requirements.
Requirements for admission to the higher professional examination for site managers with a federal diploma (HFP)
You must meet one of the following requirements for admission to the higher professional examination "Site Manager (HFP)":
- Completed basic training (EFZ) as a draughtsperson specializing in architecture or civil engineering or an equivalent qualification and at least 5 years of proven practice as a site manager
- Other completed basic vocational training (EFZ) or equivalent qualification and at least 6 years of proven practice as a site manager
- Holders of a federal certificate or another federal diploma, a degree from a higher technical college (HF), (at least) a bachelor's degree from a university of applied sciences (FH) or university or with an equivalent qualification and at least 6 years of professional experience as a construction supervisor
The deadline for providing proof of the required professional experience is generally the day on which the examination begins.
Attention:The admission criteria for further training and preparatory courses for the HFP Construction Manager are often not identical to the criteria for admission to the HFP. Some schools also accept applicants with less experience, for example.
It is then up to you to ensure that you meet the necessary requirements at the time of the examination/examination registration.
Question 3:
Do you meet the requirements for admission?
If you are not sure whether your professional experience in construction management will be recognized and whether your admission to the higher professional examination is secure, clarify your chances directly with the examination board viawww.hfp-bauleiter.chfrom.
If you have too little or no professional experience in construction management, ask your employer whether they offer you the opportunity to take on some or all of the tasks of construction management, or use professional job boards to look for a position where you can take on such tasks.
If you are not sure whether your professional experience in construction management will be recognized and whether your admission to the higher professional examination is secure, clarify your chances directly with the examination board viawww.hfp-bauleiter.chfrom.
If you have too little or no professional experience in construction management, ask your employer whether they offer you the opportunity to take on some or all of the tasks of construction management, or use professional job boards to look for a position where you can take on such tasks.
Subject matter and content of the training
The content of the various courses in preparation for the higher professional examination for construction supervisors with a federal diploma is based on the specifications of the Association for Higher Professional Examinations in Engineering and Architecture HFP, the sponsor of the higher professional examination.
The course material covers the following topics:
- Construction management: project management, construction management organization, scheduling, preparation of execution, on-site construction management
- Construction costs: construction cost planning, tendering and submission, construction cost monitoring
- Building construction: foundation, preparation, shell construction, building services, electrical engineering, finishing, surroundings, renovations
- Construction basics: structural analysis and strength theory, building physics, building materials science, ecology, safety and health protection, accident prevention and fire protection
- Surveying: position determination, height determination
- Law: contract and commercial law, SIA 118, land register and mortgages, builder's lien, spatial planning law, building and environmental law
- Communication: correspondence and minutes, conducting discussions, chairing meetings and teamwork, personal working techniques
Question 4:
Are you interested in this content, would you like to acquire this knowledge?
If you are only partially interested in the learning content in preparation for the HFP Site Manager, take a look at our freeGuide: "Training and further education in the construction and architecture sector". Perhaps you will find training objectives there whose content and learning materials interest you more.
Obviously the typical tasks of a site manager with a federal diploma are not your world. Take a look at other further training courses instead. WithEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection.
Costs and financing of further training
The costs of further training courses to prepare for the higher professional examination for construction supervisors with a federal diploma vary considerably - depending, among other things, on the additional services included. You should expect the following costs:
- The majority of courses cost around CHF 13,500-16,700; individual training providers charge up to around CHF 25,000 (or CHF 30,000 without membership of the Swiss Federation of Master Builders (SBV)).
- Some schools charge additional costs for materials and teaching aids, internal examinations, etc.
- The fee for the federal examination is CHF 2,100 (as of 2021). It is not included in the course costs.
- The federal government provides financial support for higher vocational education and training. If you have passed the higher professional examination, you will receive up to half of the costs of further training (regardless of the result), up to a maximum of CHF 10,500.
Question 5:
5. are you able to pre-finance at least CHF 15,600 for the course and the federal examination?
Great! Here's another tip: If you are able to pay the full amount in advance: Check with the school of your choice to see if they offer a special discount for paying in full upfront.
Nevertheless, ask your employer whether they will contribute to the costs of further training. Also find out from them whether they belong to an industry association (e.g. Swiss Federation of Master Builders), which may cover part of your training costs.
Information on financial support from the federal government can be found hereLink to the Swiss Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation.
Many 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 of further training. Also find out from them whether they belong to an industry association (e.g. Swiss Federation of Master Builders SBC), which may cover part of your training 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 money immediately with the federal contribution after the higher professional examination.
Information on financial support from the federal government can be found hereLink to the Swiss Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation.
Many 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 of further training. Also find out from them whether they belong to an industry association (e.g. Swiss Federation of Master Builders SBC), which may cover part of your training 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 money immediately with the federal contribution after the higher professional examination.
Information on financial support from the federal government can be found hereLink to the Swiss Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation. There are also hardship solutions where the federal contribution can be obtained in advance.
Duration of study, number of lessons and learning effort
- The further training courses in preparation for the Higher Professional Examination for Construction Supervisors with a Federal Diploma (HFP) can be completed on a part-time basis.
- The courses comprise around 600 lessons and last 4 semesters. There are also individual follow-up courses (5th and 6th semester) as revision courses and to accompany the diploma thesis (part of the HFP examination).
- Most providers offer lessons on 2-3 evenings or half days per week (incl. Saturday), some offer lessons in blocks of several days.
- The federal examination takes place outside the school, certainly every two years. If enough suitable candidates register (at least 12), it will take place every year.
You can consolidate the learning material on an ongoing basis in your everyday working life. Nevertheless, you should allow sufficient time for preparation and follow-up work, self-study time and project work. How much time is "enough" depends on your prior knowledge, working style and learning speed. To be on the safe side, allow at least 4-6 hours per week.
Question 6:
Can you find the time for lessons and self-study time?
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
How does the higher professional examination (HFP) for construction managers (building construction or civil engineering) work?
The HFP Construction Manager specializing in structural engineering takes place every year in German-speaking Switzerland; the HFP Construction Manager specializing in civil engineering takes place every two years.
The examination for the federal diploma as a site manager consists of four parts:
1st part / diploma thesis (weighting 25%)
Candidates complete a diploma thesis in advance (in approx. 100 working hours). The subject matter covers all general and construction-specific fields of activity in construction management and at least two on management processes in the chosen specialist area of building construction or civil engineering. They give a 15-minute oral presentation of their thesis at the examination and then have a 45-minute technical discussion with the examination experts.
2nd part / project management (weighting 25%)
Project management (leadership and communication, site preparation), written exam, 6.5 hours (double weighting)
Project management, oral examination, 30 minutes (single weighting)
Law and security, written exam, 1 hour (single weighting)
3rd part / project management (weighting 25%)
Financial management, written exam, 6.5 hours (double weighting)
Financial management, oral examination, 30 minutes (single weighting)
Quality and defects (with preparation of the utilization phase), written exam, 1 hour (single weighting)
4th part / construction (weighting 25%)
Construction (structural or civil engineering), written exam, 6.5 hours.
Construction (structural/civil engineering), oral examination, 30 min (single weighting)
Topics in the field of structural engineering:Preparing a construction site, structures and elements
Topics in the field of civil engineering:Preparation of a building site, civil engineering work and constructions, elements
Diploma and title
Those who pass the higher professional examination receive a federal diploma and may use the following recognized and protected title:
Site manager with a federal diploma specializing in structural engineering
Site manager with a federal diploma specializing in civil engineering
Directrice des travaux/Directeur des travaux avec diplôme fédéral orientation bâtiment
Directrice des travaux/Directeur des travaux avec diplôme fédéral orientation génie civil
Direttrice dei lavori/Direttore dei lavori con diploma federale specializzazione edilizia
Direttrice dei lavori/Direttore dei lavori con diploma federale specializzazione genio civile
The English translation is:
Construction Manager, Advanced Federal Diploma of Higher Education option Building Construction
Construction Manager, Advanced Federal Diploma of Higher Education option Civil Engineering
The names of diploma holders are entered in a register kept by SERI.
Question 7:
Do you have the confidence to pass the higher professional examination?
If you are unsure, we recommend that you attend an information event on this course. You may also wish to contact the examination board directly (www.hfp-bauleiter.ch), explain your interest and concerns and see how your counterpart reacts to which points and what they recommend.
If you are not confident enough to take the higher professional examination, some schools will not leave you empty-handed after successfully completing the preparatory course: if you have fulfilled all the requirements and passed the internal final examination, most schools will award you a school-specific certificate as a site manager.
Here are some general success factors on the way to a new training qualification:
- Interest in the topic and active participation in class
- Bring in your questions, don't leave anything half-understood in the room
- Regular preparation and follow-up of the lesson material
- Committed cooperation in group work, case studies etc.
- Participation in learning groups for regular exchange
- Practicing exam situations, e.g. in simulation exams
If you are not confident enough to take the higher professional examination, some schools will not leave you empty-handed after successfully completing the preparatory course: if you have fulfilled all the requirements and passed the internal final examination, most schools will award you a school-specific certificate as a site manager.
Here are some general success factors on the way to a new training qualification:
- Interest in the topic and active participation in class
- Bring in your questions, don't leave anything half-understood in the room
- Regular preparation and follow-up of the lesson material
- Committed cooperation in group work, case studies etc.
- Participation in learning groups for regular exchange
- Practicing exam situations, e.g. in simulation exams
No, the course to become a site manager with a federal diploma does not suit you. What a pity? - Perhaps not, because there are so many other opportunities 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.
Site manager with a federal diploma 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 site manager with a federal diploma doesn't 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.
Further training as a site manager (HFP) 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:
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