Self-test: Is the "Caretaker with Federal Diploma (HFP)" course the right one for me?

What is the everyday working life of a janitor with a federal diploma like?

Janitors with a federal diploma (HFP) are responsible for managing the maintenance and repair department in real estate management companies, large companies or public institutions, for example. Their tasks include the strategic planning of maintenance and the personnel, organizational and commercial management of the department.

They draw up budgets, calculate assignments, award external contracts and plan the deployment of their own employees. In addition to direct management tasks, they are also responsible for instructing and training employees and apprentices, managing accounting and personnel administration and preparing the annual financial statements.

Nevertheless, the weighting and frequency of the individual areas of responsibility can vary slightly depending on the job profile and company.

Target group and skills: For whom is the higher professional examination for janitors with a federal diploma suitable? What qualities and skills are required?

The course and the higher professional examination to become a "janitor with a federal diploma" are suitable for

• Janitors with extended areas of responsibility and corresponding professional experience who wish to demonstrate their knowledge and skills accordingly
• Professionals with a professional qualification in facility management who aspire to a management and leadership position

Janitors should have the following personal qualities and skills:

• Independent, structured and precise way of working
• Good manners, a well-groomed appearance and a confident demeanor
• Very good assertiveness
• Sensitivity in dealing with people
• Leadership and social skills
• Manual skills, technical understanding
• Organizational talent

Prerequisites for admission to the higher professional examination for janitors:

Admission to the higher professional examination for janitors is granted to those who meet the following admission requirements by the time of the examination date or examination registration:

• Has passed a professional examination in the facility sector

And

• After successfully completing the BP or obtaining the federal certificate, can demonstrate at least two years of professional experience in the facility sector

You will find out whether you have been admitted to the higher specialist examination at least three months before the start of the examination with a written notification including reasons in the event of rejection.

Note: Some schools are also prepared to admit you to a preparatory course for the higher professional examination for janitors if you do not (yet) meet the criteria for admission to the federal examination. It is your responsibility to ensure that you meet the necessary requirements at the time of the examination/examination registration. At some schools, it is also possible to attend the course without the intention of taking an examination. Admission requirements vary depending on the provider.

Subject matter and content of the training

The subject matter of the preparatory courses for the Higher Professional Examination for Caretakers is based on the specifications of the organizer of the federal examination, the Examination Secretariat for the Higher Professional Examination for Caretakers.

The following topics are covered, which also represent the examination subjects:

• Business management, administration, legal knowledge, personnel management
• Property maintenance (maintenance, environment and horticulture, environmental protection and disposal)
• Building services (maintenance of building services systems)
• Cleaning
• Occupational and operational safety, building protection (Occupational and operational safety, building protection / security technology / property protection)

Costs and financing of further training

The costs vary depending on the provider (apart from the examination fee, which is set by the HFP sponsor). In general, the following costs must be expected for the 4-semester part-time janitor training course:

• Course feesbetween CHF 10,200 and CHF 17,500 of which you will receive around 50% back from the federal government after the examination (regardless of the result)*.
• External examination feesCHF 5,400 (as at: March 2023) The examination fee is set by the body responsible for this higher professional examination. It is paid by the candidate after admission has been confirmed.
• Fee for federal diploma and entry in the SERI register:CHF 50.-
• Extra costsSome schools do not include the costs for teaching materials, training documents and simulation exams 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 (BP) and higher professional examinations (HFP) have been financially supported by the federal government. Graduates of these courses will therefore be reimbursed up to 50% (max. CHF 9,500 for BP, max. CHF 10,500 for HFP) of the course costs paid upon application after taking the federal examination. In exceptional cases of hardship, the federal contributions will also be paid out in advance.

Duration of study, number of lessons and learning effort

• The marketing manager training course has a modular structure and lasts 4 semesters.
• The course can be attended at different times, which are determined by the respective schools and can therefore vary. Day and/or evening courses are often offered.
• 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.

Receive course or training documents from suitable schools immediately

The higher professional examination for janitors is held once a year if at least 15 candidates meet the admission requirements, otherwise at least every two years. Candidates can take the examination in the three official languages German, French and Italian.

Candidates are notified at least 3 weeks before the start of the examination. The invitation includes the examination program and the list of experts.

The higher professional examination consists of the following examination parts (type and time):

1. Business management, administration, legal knowledge, personnel management (written 4 hours, oral 40 minutes)
2. Property maintenance (written 4 hours, oral 20 minutes)
3. Building services (written 4 hours, oral 1 hour)
4. Cleaning (written 3 hours, oral 40 minutes)
5. Occupational and operational safety, building protection (written 2 hours, oral 20 minutes)
6. Diploma thesis (presentation) (oral 40 minutes)

Candidates work on a diploma thesis in advance, which relates to the candidate's company. The project assignment must be related to facility management. The thesis is then presented to a panel of experts.

Diploma and title

Successful graduates of the higher professional examination receive a federal diploma and are entitled to use the federally recognized and protected title "Certified Caretaker".

In French: "Gardienne d'immeuble diplômée / Gardien d'immeuble diplômé"

In Italian: "Custode di immobili diplomata / Custode di immobili diplomato"

In English (This is only a recommendation/translation and not a protected title): "Federally Qualified Caretaker"