Self-test "Financial planner with federal certificate (BP)": Is this course the right one for me?
Test here whether a job in financial planning with a federal certificate suits you and whether a preparatory course for the federal professional examination "Financial planner with a federal certificate" is the right path for you.
What does the day-to-day work of a financial planner with a federal certificate look like?
What does the day-to-day work of a financial planner look like? Which activities are carried out and how often?
A financial planner with a federal diploma works as an employee or self-employed person in the financial services sector. They deal with financial advice and financial planning for private individuals who are affiliated to the second pillar, which includes self-employed persons and employees. In order to be able to provide such financial advice with subsequent financial planning, these financial specialists have extensive knowledge in the areas of asset formation, income security, pension optimization, asset protection, i.e. insurance, retirement security and all aspects of financing and the acquisition of real estate. Financial planners can also answer tax law questions relating to the financial plan, such as tax optimization, whereby more complex questions are passed on to experts and included in the planning. This enables them to provide private individuals with comprehensive advice and support throughout their entire life cycle, right up to retirement.
Your financial planning activities include the following steps:
- As a first step, financial planners with a federal certificate clarify the individual needs of their clients and collect all the necessary client data.
- They then use this data and requirements to formulate planning objectives and carry out an analysis of the current situation, which includes all income, expenditure, debts, assets and taxes.
- In the following, financial planners propose solutions that include financial investments such as funds, life insurance, mortgages, etc. They present complex issues, including the formation and investment of assets and the coverage of life risks, to the client in an understandable way using graphics. When finding a solution, they take into account the flexibility, return, risk, liquidity and disposal wishes of the client, taking into account tax optimization, the legal situation and the sustainability of the financial investments.
- Closing of sales, review of results and regular recalculation or updating in the event of changing circumstances such as marriage, divorce, cohabitation, family offspring, early retirement or early inheritance.
(Good to know: The weighting/frequency of the individual task areas can vary depending on the company and task profile).
Typical positions are:
- Financial planner at banks, insurance companies, trust and financial service providers (middle management level)
- Financial advisor for trust and asset management companies
- Private client advisor in banks and financial institutions
- Self-employed financial advisor
- Insurance advisor
Question 1:
Do the activities described meet your expectations? Would you like to work as a financial planner with a federal certificate?
Great! Then you've come to the right place with the financial planner training course. We wish you lots of fun and success.
By the way: If you are looking for further suitable training opportunities after successfully completing your studies, take a look at theEducational counseling offerfrom Ausbildung-Weiterbildung.ch
If you don't like all the financial planner activities, 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:
- Occupational pensions advisor (certified)
- Financial Advisor IAF
- Employee benefits specialist (BP)
- Specialist in finance and accounting (BP)
- Trustee (BP)
- Insurance specialist (BP)
- Financial manager (certified)
- Client advisor ESG-CA (certified)
- Investment advisor (certified)
- Asset management FIDLEG (cert.)
- Alternatives in the area ofFinances
If you don't like the financial planner activities at all, take a look at the numerous other further training opportunities. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection.
Target group and skills: Who is the professional examination for financial planners with a federal certificate suitable for? What qualities and skills are required?
Target group of the course "Financial planner with federal certificate":
- Self-employed consultant and intermediary in customer advice and customer service
- Self-employed consultant and intermediary in the sale of pension and financial products
- Financial institution employee and employee
- Interested persons from the back office
Personal requirements:
The following qualities are required for a successful career as a financial planner:
- Ability to work in a team
- Good communication skills
- Confident appearance
- Friendliness
- Customer orientation
- Conceptual thinking
- Analytical skills
- High degree of independence
- Load capacity
Question 2:
Do you belong to the target group for financial planner training and do you have the necessary personal qualities?
Great! Then you belong to the target group for financial planner training.
- If you do not belong to any of the above-mentioned groups, you cannot aim directly for the federal certificate as a financial planner. There are numerous entry opportunities in financial planning. 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 field of financial planning for financial planner training, then look for suitable jobs with the help of professional job boards. If you know someone in your private or professional environment who is already working in this field, ask them for tips and whether they would support you in your job search. He/she will certainly have the relevant contacts and connections.
- If you do not have the necessary personal qualities and skills as a financial planner, you will probably not be happy with this role in financial planning. Look out for further training opportunities that focus less on financial planning.
- 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 in financial planning (BP):
In order to take the federal professional examination for financial planners, you must fulfill the following requirements in accordance with the examination regulations:
- Federal certificate of proficiency (at least 3 years of basic training) or equivalent and at least 2 years of professional experience in the financial services sector
or
- 2 years of basic education and 5 years of professional experience, at least 2 years of which in the financial services sector
or
- At least 5 years of professional experience in the financial services sector without relevant basic training
and
- Proof of all required module qualifications or certificate of equivalence
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.
The following is usually required for admission to the Financial Planner course:
- Completion of all modules of the "Certified Financial Advisor IAF" course
- A good basic knowledge of finance
- Professional experience with customer contact is highly recommended and essential for a great training benefit
Question 3:
Do you meet the requirements for admission to the professional examination in financial planning?
Great! Then you meet the requirements. You can start your financial planner training at the earliest possible date and are admitted to the subsequent professional examination.
If you are not sure whether your professional experience will be recognized as professional experience for financial planners, clarify your chances directly with the sponsor of the professional examination, theSponsors IAF Interest Group Training in Finance.
If you have too little or no professional experience for the professional examination for financial planners, 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 financial planning, 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 financial planner 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".
Or take a look at the "Financial advisor" course, which is a necessary intermediate step on the way to the professional examination:
If you are not sure whether your professional experience will be recognized as professional experience for financial planners, clarify your chances directly with the sponsor of the professional examination, theSponsors IAF Interest Group Training in Finance.
If you have too little or no professional experience for the professional examination for financial planners, 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 financial planning, 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 financial planner 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 financial planner training:
The subject matter of the preparatory courses for the professional examination for the financial planner certificate is based on the specifications of the sponsor of the federal examination, theIAFInterest group for training in the financial sector
Office for German-speaking Switzerland.
The learning content of the training is divided into the following financial planner subjects:
- Basics
- Financial mathematics
- Law (incl. matrimonial property law, inheritance law)
- Insurances
- Capital formation
- Asset situation (statement of assets, investments, derivatives and structured products, alternative investments)
- Development planning and advice (asset planning, tax burden, securing retirement provisions, estate planning)
- Pension provision (pension analysis and pension planning)
- Integral advice after life events/building planning (real estate)
- Retirement income and pension planning
- Pension planning and advice (client retirement goals, BVG entitlements, tax burden, property and inheritance disputes)
- Taxes
Question 4:
Are you interested in the content of the financial planning subjects and would you like to acquire knowledge in these subject areas?
Great! If you are interested in the course content, this could be the best educational option for you. Here's another tip: Find out from the schools about the exact structure and concept of the financial planner training offered. These are aspects that are in demand on the job market and increase your career and salary prospects.
If you are only partially interested in the content of this federal certificate, then financial planner training is probably not the right course for you. Then 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 financial planner 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 financial planning for continuing education:
Depending on the provider and duration of the course, the costs of the financial planner course vary slightly. On average, these amounts are to be expected:
- Course fees:between CHF 5'900.- and CHF 16'900.-
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 - Examination fees:CHF 1,000 (as at: 2023)
The examination fee is set by the body responsible for the professional examination. It is paid by the candidate after confirmation of admission to the financial planner examination. - Extra costs:At some schools, the costs for enrolment fees, teaching materials, training documents, books, intensive exam training, simulation exams, school diplomas and interim qualifications, 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 for the financial planner training course.
- Acquisition of additional qualifications:For additional qualifications such as Certified Financial Advisor IAF, you must expect extra costs for the preparation and external examination.
*Since January 1, 2018, preparatory courses for federal professional examinations have been financially supported by the federal government. Graduates of these courses can therefore be reimbursed up to 50% of the course costs paid after taking the federal examination.Further information is available here.
Question 5:
Are you able to pre-finance between CHF 6,900 and CHF 17,900, depending on the course and provider, for the financial planning course and the exam?
Great! Here's another tip: If you are able to pay the entire amount for the financial planner 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 effective financial planner for further education costs that you would have to expect. Then find out from your employer whether they will contribute to the costs 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.
- 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 effective financial planner for further education costs that you would have to expect. Then find out from your employer whether they will contribute to the costs 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.
- 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.
Duration of study, number of teaching hours and learning effort for financial planner training:
- The financial planner training course, including the intermediate step to become a financial advisor, has a modular structure (i.e. some of the skills are assessed in module examinations before the professional examination and are only tested across modules in the final examination) and lasts 1 to 4 semesters while working. If you already have the IAF financial advisor qualification, the course only lasts 4 to 10 months and comprises approx. 150 lessons.
- Lesson times vary depending on the provider of the financial planner training course. As a rule, for example, the lessons take place over 19 days - different options are offered: one evening and half a weekday/Saturday, two evenings per 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 Financial Planner 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 prior knowledge, working style and learning speed. As a precaution, we recommend that you allow at least 5 - 8 hours per week.
Note: Some schools offer so-called "taster lessons". This gives you the opportunity to gain an insight into the lessons and the learning atmosphere. These are important aspects on the way to becoming a financial planner. It is best to contact the school of your choice directly.
Question 6:
Can you cope with the time and effort required for the classroom lessons and the homework for the financial planner training course?
Great!
Tip for financial planner 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 are short on time, look for courses that take place over a longer period of time and require fewer lessons and less time for homework each week.
And if that's still not enough, you should check whether you can create more freedom for yourself in another way. Perhaps someone close to you could take on certain tasks for you for the limited period of your financial planner training?
Degree, diploma and title of Certified Financial Planning Specialist:
The professional examination for financial planners with a federal certificate takes place annually, provided that at least 50 candidates meet the admission requirements, otherwise every two years. It can be taken in German, French or Italian.
Candidates for the professional financial planner examination are notified at least 14 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) and the list of experts.
Pre-qualifications and module qualifications:
- 4 module completions:Capital formation
- Pension provision (personal and social insurance)
- Insurance (property and asset insurance)
- Real estate/financing
- Graduation dipl. financial advisor IAF / dipl. financial advisor IAF
The professional examination for financial planners comprises the following cross-module examination parts:
- Financial planning topics (web-based exam, 90 minutes)
- Financial planning for private households - solving one or more client cases (written exam, 240 minutes)
- Financial planning for private households (oral exam, 30 minutes)
Diploma and title "Financial Planner"
Graduates of the professional examination receive a federal professional certificate and are entitled to use the federally recognized and protected title "Financial Planner with Federal Professional Certificate" or "Financial Planner with Federal Professional Certificate". The qualification is recognized by the FPVS Swiss Financial Planners Association for active membership and by the SFPO Swiss Financial Planners Organization for the Associate Wealth Planner license. The title is recognized by Finma (Financial Market Supervisory Authority) as a professional qualification for registration as an insurance intermediary. The qualification is recognized by all FIDLEG advisor registers as proof of specialist knowledge and knowledge of the duties of conduct in accordance with the Financial Services Act (FIDLEG) Art. 6. Financial planner with a federal certificate is recognized by Cicero, the learning attestation system of the Swiss insurance industry.
- In French: "Conseillère financier avec brevet fédéral", "Conseiller financier avec brevet fédéral"
- In Italian: "Consulente finanziara con attestato professionale federale", "Consulente finanziario con attestato professionale federale"
- In English: "Financial Planner, 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 Diploma in Financial Planning?
Great!
Here are some general success factors on the way to a new training qualification such as financial planner 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 the financial planner course
- 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 financial planner course.
Arrange apersonal consultation appointmentwith the school of your choice or the sponsoring body of the professional examination for financial planners, theIAFInterest group for training in the financial sector
Office for German-speaking Switzerland. 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 qualification as a financial planner 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
- Detailed preparation and follow-up of the subject matter of the financial planner 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 Technical Business Management Assistant final examination, arrange apersonal consultation appointmentwith the school of your choice or the sponsoring body of the professional examination for financial planners, theIAFInterest group for training in the financial sector
Office for German-speaking Switzerland. 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.
No, this course for the federal certificate as a financial planner (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.
Financial planner with a federal certificate 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: working as a financial planner 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 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.
Financial planner training and 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:
"Financial planner with a federal certificate of competence"
Financial planner 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:
"Financial planner with a federal certificate of competence"
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:
"Financial planner with a federal certificate of competence"