Self-test "VSH Commercial Diploma" continuing education: Is this course the right one for me?
Test here whether a VSH commercial diploma is right for you and whether a VSH diploma course is the right path for you.
What does the everyday working life of holders of a VSH commercial diploma look like?
People who hold a commercial diploma from the Association of Swiss Commercial Schools VSH are able to carry out a demanding commercial activity in administration or business in a customer-oriented manner. The diploma is regarded as basic commercial training and certifies a good general business education as well as good written and oral communication skills. In addition, graduates of the VSH Commercial Diploma are able to communicate orally and in writing in at least one foreign language.
Successful graduates of the part-time preparatory course for the VSH diploma, which is also referred to as "additional commercial training", have knowledge that corresponds to the subject matter of the school-based part of the dual apprenticeship for commercial apprentices (EFZ). They therefore have the same level of schooling as commercial apprentices - but no work placement.
The VSH commercial diploma is recognized by the Swiss Trade Association (SGV) as being of a high standard and similar to basic commercial training. Holders of a commercial diploma are able to take on various commercial processing tasks and/or specialize according to their inclinations (for example in accounting, sales or logistics). They plan, organize and carry out the tasks assigned to them. Depending on the size of the company and the tasks involved, this may be done under supervision or independently.
Important! The weighting and frequency of the individual areas of responsibility can vary greatly depending on the company and job profile.
Who is the Association of Swiss Commercial Schools (VSH)? What does it do? What is the status of the VSH commercial diploma recognition?
Since 1978, the Association of Swiss Commercial Schools has been an association of private commercial schools, i.e. private educational companies that offer commercial training and further education.
The VSH and its member schools pursue the goal of providing sound training for commercial practice.
The training courses are characterized by a uniform and correspondingly high quality. To this end, the association is in close contact with important organizations and associations, offices, authorities and private institutions in the education sector. In addition, the VSH carries out regular monitoring of its member schools and checks whether the schools comply with the association's standards, specifications, requirements and rules.
The examinations leading to a VSH diploma are regulated and monitored by the VSH, which is why the diploma is a quality label that is also recognized and valued on the job market. The VSH diplomas awarded are registered by the association.
Question 1:
Do the activities described meet your expectations? Would you like to work with the commercial diploma?
Great! Then you've come to the right place with this 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 commercial diploma, take a look at theEducational counseling offerfrom Ausbildung-Weiterbildung.ch.
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 VSH commercial diploma course suitable for? What qualities and skills are required?
The commercial diploma further training for the VSH diploma addresses the following target groups.
- People with a VSH office management diploma
- Persons who are aiming to obtain a commercial apprenticeship certificate (EFZ)
- Professionals who want to acquire basic commercial knowledge
- People without vocational training who want to improve their chances on the job market
- Self-employed persons who need sound commercial knowledge for their business activities
- People who want to retrain for a commercial profession or want to re-enter working life
Holders of the VSH Commercial Diploma should have the following personal qualities and skills:
- Precise working method
- Reliability
- Ability to work in a team
- Friendliness
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 groups of people mentioned, take a look atrelated areasyou may come across further training courses that are aimed precisely at people like you. Here is a selection to inspire you:
- Office assistant (EBA)
- Retail trade specialist (EFZ)
If you don't have the necessary personal qualities and skills, you won't be happy in this role. Look out for training opportunities that offer a technical specialization that better suits your skills.
Requirements for admission to the commercial diploma course:
In order to start a commercial diploma course, you must generally meet the following requirements when you start the course:
- Full-time day commercial school (so-called "basic commercial training", more for young people): Completion of compulsory schooling, proficiency in German and keyboarding skills
- Part-time part-time courses (so-called "additional commercial training", aimed at adults who have already completed initial training): Apprenticeship certificate with EFZ, age of majority, proficiency in German and keyboarding skills
Depending on the school, the following requirements may also apply:
- Minimum age of 18 years (at the time of the last module examinations)
- VSH office management diploma
Note: At some schools, it is also possible to attend the course without taking an exam. However, you will not be left empty-handed - in this case you will usually receive a certificate from the school.
In addition, many schools offer various refresher courses, such as German grammar, spelling, keyboarding, computer science or other languages.
Question 3:
Do you meet the requirements for admission?
Great!
If you are not sure whether your German language skills are sufficient for the Handelsdiplom advanced training course, then take a test now.Placement test. If your language skills are not sufficient, you will findheresuitable educational offers.
You can contact the appropriate schools directly via the inquiry form free of charge and without obligation and receive detailed information on the respective course and can ask your questions.
If you do not have a VSH office management diploma, you will findhereFurther information and suitable providers.
If you are not yet very proficient at typing, look out for educational courses where you can learn and practise the 10-finger system. Perhaps you willherefound.
If you are not sure whether your German language skills are sufficient for the Handelsdiplom advanced training course, then take a test now.Placement test. If your language skills are not sufficient, you will findheresuitable educational offers.
You can contact the appropriate schools directly via the inquiry form free of charge and without obligation and receive detailed information on the respective course and can ask your questions.
If you do not have aVSH office management diplomathen you will find further information and suitable providers here.
If you are not yet very proficient at typing, look out for educational courses where you can learn and practise the 10-finger system. Perhaps you willherefound.
Subject matter and content of the training
The subject matter of the commercial school for continuing education is based on the requirements of the VSH association. As a rule, the following topics are covered (analogous to the examination subjects):
Full-time day commercial school/"basic commercial training" (more for young people, the course includes the office management diploma)
- Standard language: German (word types, spelling, syntax, punctuation, stylistic layers, understanding text content, classifying texts, summarizing texts, editing texts, verbal communication, etc.).
- Foreign languages: French and English (basics of foreign languages, listening, speaking, reading, writing)
- Economy and society (S+G) (understanding financial, business, macroeconomic and social contexts, bookkeeping, law and government)
- Information, Communication, Administration (IKA) (information management, administration, basics of computer science, written communication, text design, spreadsheets, office automation, presentation, operating systems, file management, image design, e-mail and internet)
- Project work: Deepening and networking
Part-time part-time courses/"additional commercial training" (building on initial training, therefore more for adults)
Core subjects:
- Communication skills / German (spelling, punctuation, use of suitable aids, feedback, text production)
- IT skills / computer science (with ECDL certificate) (data administration, file management, virus protection, shortcuts, data protection, copyright, data security, web browser, social media)
- Office Skills / Administration & Information (rule-compliant presentation of documents, formatting, creating tables, basic operations, calculations, editing data and documents, common business transactions, complaints, meetings, creating presentations, etc.).
- Finance skills / accounting (introduction to double-entry bookkeeping, structure of balance sheet and income statement, commercial accounting, foreign currencies, VAT, etc.)
- Business skills / business administration, economics, law (stakeholder groups, environmental spheres, mission statement/strategy/corporate concept, economic cycle, economic policy, globalization, insurance/provision, basics of law and state, contract theory, etc.).
- Personal Skills / Personality & Teamwork
- Optional subjects such as English or French
Specialization subjects (as of March 2023):
- Business Communication
- Human Resources
- Accounting
- (Online) Marketing
There may well be slight differences in the learning content between schools. For example, schools can offer additional subjects, so-called "free subjects" in further education (e.g. French or English). The examination requirements for the additionally examined subjects are then determined by the schools themselves - however, these are not effective for passing the VSH commercial diploma examination.
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 the VSH Commercial Diploma, take a look at other training and further education courses in related areas. You may find a course that suits you better. Perhaps the VSH Office Management Diploma would be the right course for you?Hereyou will find more information.
Obviously the typical subject areas of the VSH commercial diploma are not your thing. Take a look at other 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 school and training model (full-time or part-time, and with one or two foreign languages). In general, the following costs must be expected for the 2-3 semester course:
- Course fees:
- Full-time day commercial school/"basic commercial training": approx. CHF 22,000
- Part-time courses/"additional commercial training": between CHF 5,700 and CHF 6,600
The fee for the VSH commercial diploma is usually included in the course fees.
- ECDL modulesapprox. CHF 400.-
- Some providers requireExtra costsfor
- Enrollment
- Teaching aids
- Training documents
- Pre-courses
- Internal examinations and examination training
- Simulation test
It is best to contact the provider of your choice directly regarding the possible extra costs.
* Since 1.1.2018, preparatory courses for federal professional examinations have been financially supported by the federal government. Anyone who attends the commercial diploma as a module of a compact course to prepare for a federal professional examination such as technical salesperson, marketing specialist or management specialist can therefore receive up to 50% of the course fees back after taking the professional examination.
Question 5:
Are you able to pay for the course?
Great! Here's another tip: If you are able to pay the full amount in advance, ask the school of your choice whether they offer a special discount for full payment in advance.
Information on financial support options from the employer, federal government, canton, foundations or through loans from the Education Promotion 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 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 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 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 from "temptraining", the further training fund of the temporary employment sector, can be found athere.
Duration of study, training options, number of lessons and learning effort
- The VSH commercial diploma is modular and takes 2-3 semesters (depending on the provider)
- The VSH commercial diploma is offered in various models and variants, which are structured differently:
- Full-time day commercial school/"basic commercial training"This course comprises between 2180 and 2300 lessons. The exact breakdown of the lessons into the respective teaching areas is set out in the corresponding VSH regulations.
- Part-time part-time courses/"additional commercial training"Central" variant with final examinations (with or without specialization subject) or "Credit" variant with examinations at the end of the subject area to be examined (with or without specialization subject). For the sub-variant without a specialization subject, a minimum number of 320 learning hours applies; for the sub-variant with a specialization subject, a minimum number of 360 learning hours applies.
- Various time options are offered for attending the lessons or learning sessions. For example, all day once a week or two mornings or evenings a week.
- 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 don't have that much time, get in touch with the providers and clarify whether you can possibly complete the course over more than three semesters.
If you still don't have enough time, check whether you can create space for yourself elsewhere. Perhaps someone close to you can take on certain tasks for you for the duration of your training?
Degree, diploma and title
Qualification procedure for the VSH commercial diploma in basic commercial training (full-time day commercial school, more for young people)
Every year, the VSH Quality Commission creates examination series, i.e. examination templates that schools must use unchanged.
The conduct, correction and grading of all parts of the VSH Commercial Diploma examination are subject to the control of the VSH.
The examination for the VSH Commercial Diploma in Basic Commercial Education consists of the following five parts (examination form, duration)
- Standard language (German) (written (120 minutes), oral (20 minutes))
- Foreign language (French or English) (written (90 minutes), oral (20 minutes))
- IKA Information, Communication, Administration (experience grades)
- W+G Economy and Society (written 180 minutes)
- Project work Deepening and networking
Qualification procedure for the VSH commercial diploma in additional commercial training (part-time part-time courses, for adults)
The qualification procedure differs slightly depending on the variant.
- Central" variant (with or without specialization subject): Final examinations take place here. The examination series are made available to the schools by the VSH and must be adopted unchanged.
- Credit" variant (with or without specialization):Here, so-called "credit examinations" take place at the end of the subject area to be examined. The schools create the credit exams independently
For both variants, controlling, i.e. the implementation, correction and grading of all examination parts, is carried out by the VSH or by the PQSK or experts commissioned by it.
The final examination for the VSH commercial diploma in additional commercial training is structured as follows (subject, form and duration):
- Communication Skills / German (written, 60 minutes)
- IT Skills / Computer Science (written, 60 minutes)
- Office Skills / Administration & Information (written, 90 minutes)
- Finance Skills / Accounting (written, 60 minutes)
- Business skills / business administration, economics, law (written, 90 minutes)
- Personal Skills: At the school's discretion (e.g. written, 90 minutes or written, 60 minutes and oral 15 minutes etc.).
- If variant with specialization subject (written, 60 minutes)
Diploma and title
Successful graduates of a commercial school of further education receive the "VSH Commercial Diploma" (basic commercial training or additional commercial training) and are entitled to use the protected title "VSH Graduate Businesswoman / VSH Graduate Businessman".
Question 7:
Do you have the confidence to pass the VSH Diploma in Commerce course?
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 theAssociation of Swiss Business Schools VSH.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 theAssociation of Swiss Business Schools VSH. 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 commercial diploma further training for the VSH diploma does not suit you. What a pity? - Maybe not, because there are so many other options for further education. 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.
The commercial diploma further education to VSH diploma 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.
That's a half-hearted result: The commercial diploma further education to VSH diploma doesn't 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.
The commercial diploma further training for the VSH diploma 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:
This VSH commercial diploma course 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:
The VSH trading diploma 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: