Self-test for janitors with a federal certificate (BP): Is this course the right one for me?
Find out here whether the profession of janitor 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 janitor with a federal certificate look like?
A janitor with a federal certificate is responsible for the cleaning, maintenance and upkeep of properties of all kinds. This includes the operation and maintenance of building technology, environmental work, customer contact and employee management. In this way, they make an important contribution to maintaining the value of the property and ensuring its safe and trouble-free operation. The tasks of janitors are
- Building cleaning and compliance with hygiene regulations
- Care and maintenance of outdoor facilities and green spaces (incl. maintenance of equipment, use of fertilizers and pesticides)
- Maintenance and servicing of technical building systems (heating, hot water, ventilation, air conditioning and water treatment systems)
- Building maintenance (electrical and sanitary components, control and regulation technology)
- Repairs to buildings, machinery, furniture and equipment
- Operating and monitoring building management systems, locking and security systems
- Occupational and operational safety
- Environmental protection and energy saving
- Proper disposal of waste
- Management and instruction of employees
- Training and supervision of apprentices
- Contact for tenants, users, customers, owners, management, tradesmen and cleaning staff (including apartment handovers and handover reports)
- For more extensive maintenance tasks or repairs, the janitor commissions external service providers (incl. budgeting and budget control)
Usual employment conditions as a janitor:
- Employment as a management and technical specialist:
- in the private sector with building operators, in utility companies or in technical facility management
- with municipality
- with the canton
- self-employment
- Janitors are responsible for properties such as
- Residential properties
- Commercial properties
- Industrial buildings
- Public buildings
- Large buildings such as shopping centers, hospitals, schools and sports facilities
- Mostly irregular working hours including on-call duty at night and on weekends
- Partial office work in home office possible
- Janitor is responsible for the property entrusted to him/her, including the organization of the professional removal and supply system as well as aspects of quality and economy
- Plan, coordinate and monitor the deployment of apprentices, employees and external service providers
- Technical understanding and knowledge of building technology, important contract types, commercial accounting and administration are required
- With a federal certificate, you can take on more responsibility, take on management tasks and earn a more attractive salary
Question 1:
Do the activities described meet my expectations? Would I like to work as a janitor with a federal certificate?
Great! Then janitor training could be the right thing for you.
If you don't like all the jobs after the janitor training course, think about which ones interest you the most. Then take a look at job advertisements for janitors with a federal certificate. You may find some that only require the tasks 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:
- Bathing facilities specialist (BP)
- Building cleaning specialist (BP)
- Real estate manager (BP)
- Maintenance specialist (BP)
- Foreman/works service (certified)
If you don't like the work of a janitor at all, take a look at the numerous other further training opportunities. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection.
Do the activities described meet your expectations? Would you like to work as a janitor with a federal certificate?
The janitor training course is aimed at people who already work as a janitor and want to continue their training, as well as people with a recognized basic technical qualification who want to retrain as a janitor. The professional examination is a federally recognized qualification.
Important qualities for this profession are
- High degree of independence and reliability
- Responsible and quality-conscious
- Discretion and communication skills
- Flexibility and resilience
- Assertiveness and organizational talent
- Technical understanding
- Are able to approach people
Question 2:
Do you belong to the target group for janitor training and do you have the necessary personal qualities?
Great! Then you belong to the target group for janitor training.
- If you do not belong to any of the above-mentioned groups, you cannot aim directly for the federal certificate as a janitor. There are numerous entry opportunities in facility management. 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 facility management sector for janitor 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 janitor, you will probably not be happy with this role in facility management. Look out for further training opportunities that focus less on facility management.
- 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 with federal certificate (BP):
In order to be able to register for the federal professional examination for janitors, you have to take the examination in accordance with the examination regulations:
- have at least 2 years of professional experience as a caretaker/janitor in a workload of 80%
The following qualifications are required at the start of the examination:
- ECDL Certificate European Computer Driving License Base
- Course certificate as a vocational trainer in training companies
- Specialist authorization for the use of plant protection products in special areas
- Emergency aid certificate as described in the guidelines
- BLS-AED-SRC card complete
The decision on admission to the examination is communicated to the applicant in writing at least three months before the start of the examination. A negative decision contains a statement of reasons and information on legal remedies.
Note: The qualifications can be completed before or during the janitor course. Many janitor schools also offer courses in this area.
Question 3:
Do you meet the requirements for admission to the professional examination for janitors? And are you confident that you can cope with the additional courses required?
Great! Then you meet the janitor 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 janitors, clarify your chances directly with the sponsor of the professional examination, theExamination secretariat for federal professional examinations for janitors.
If you have too little or no professional experience for the janitor exam, 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 facility management, 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 janitor 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 janitors, clarify your chances directly with the sponsor of the professional examination, theExamination secretariat for federal professional examinations for janitors.
If you have too little or no professional experience for the janitor exam, 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 facility management, 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 janitor 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 janitor training course
The subject matter and content of the preparatory courses for the federal professional examination for janitors with a federal certificate are based on the requirements of the sponsoring body of the professional examination, theExamination secretariat for federal professional examinations for janitors. The following organizations from the world of work are the sponsors:
- Allpura - Association of Swiss Cleaning Companies
- BAH - Professional Association of Trained Caretakers
- CURAVIVA.CH - Swiss Association of Homes and Institutions
- SFH - Swiss Professional Association of Caretakers
- SKO Swiss Cadre Organization
- suissetec - Swiss-Liechtenstein Building Technology Association
- UNIA - The trade union
- VPOD - Swiss Association of Public Service Employees
The subject matter of the janitor training course covers the following topics:
- Management and administration
- Building maintenance
- Building services
- Cleaning technology
- Environmental and gardening work
- Environmental protection, energy saving
Question 4:
Are you interested in these contents of the janitor training course, would you like to acquire this knowledge?
Great! You can look forward to exciting and instructive hours at the janitor training course, during 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 contents of this federal certificate for janitors, 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 janitor 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 further training:
The costs of further training for janitors vary slightly depending on the provider and duration of the course. On average, the following costs can be expected for a four-semester part-time course:
- Course fees:between CHF 6'000.- and CHF 12'000.-
You will receive around 50% of this back from the federal government on application after the examination (regardless of the result)*. - Examination fees:CHF 2,200 (as at: 2023)
The examination fee for janitors is set by the body responsible for the professional examination. It is paid by the candidate after admission has been confirmed. - Extra costs:At some janitor schools, the costs for teaching materials, training documents, fees, additional courses, external certificates (ECDL, vocational trainer, etc.) 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 for the janitor training course.
*Since 1.1.2018, 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% (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 in a position to pre-finance approx. CHF 6,000 - CHF 12,000 for course fees (plus examination fee of CHF 2,200 for the federal examination for janitors)?
Great! Here's another tip: If you are able to pay the entire amount for the janitor training 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 you would have to expect for the janitor training. Then find out from your employer whether they will contribute to the janitor's 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 actual janitor costs you would have to expect. Then find out from your employer whether they will contribute to the janitor's 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 lessons and learning effort:
- The janitor apprenticeship lasts around 2 to 2.5 years and is classically structured.
- Lesson times vary depending on the provider and comprise around 500 lessons. As a rule, the 6 to 8 lessons per week take place one afternoon and evening per week, one morning, two evenings, one evening only, one weekday or on Saturdays.
- Many schools now offer a mix of classroom and online courses (online, hybrid lessons, blended learning) and self-study for janitor training.
- 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. As a precaution, we recommend that you allow at least 4 to 8 hours per week. Additional hours should be set aside for the additional janitor training courses: for the specialist plant protection license (approx. 4 hours), obtaining the emergency helper certificate (approx. 16 hours) and the internal school diploma examination (approx. 10 hours).
Note: Some schools offer so-called "taster lessons", which provide an insight into the lessons and learning atmosphere. It is best to contact the school of your choice directly.
Question 6:
Can you find the time for lessons and self-study for the janitor training course?
Great!
Tip for janitor 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 free up time elsewhere. Perhaps someone close to you can take on certain tasks for you for the duration of your janitor training?
Degree, diploma and title "Caretaker with federal certificate of competence":
The professional examination for janitors with a federal certificate takes place annually, provided there are at least 25 candidates. It is guaranteed to be held at least every two years. It can be held in the three official languages German, French or Italian.
The candidates for the professional examination for janitors are called at least three weeks before the start of the examination.
The professional examination for the janitor qualification consists of six parts:
- Cleaning (written and practical, 60 minutes each)
- Written preparation of practice-relevant problem situations from the competence area of caretaking from the competence area of cleaning - recognize situations, draw conclusions and propose measures based on a given practice-related initial situation
- carrying out practical activities or solving problems in the field of cleaning - carrying out work professionally, dealing with or rectifying faults or commenting on activities verbally
- Building maintenance (written and practical, 60 minutes each)
- Written preparation of practically relevant problem situations from the competence area of caretaking from the competence area of building maintenance - recognize situations, draw conclusions and propose measures based on a given practical situation
- carrying out practical activities or solving problems in the area of building maintenance as a janitor - carrying out work professionally, dealing with or rectifying faults or commenting on activities verbally
- Building services engineering (written and practical, 60 minutes each)
- Written preparation of practically relevant problem situations from the competence area of caretaking from the competence area of building services engineering - recognize situations based on a given practical situation, draw conclusions and propose measures as a janitor
- carrying out practical activities or solving problems in the field of building services engineering - carrying out work professionally, dealing with or rectifying faults or commenting on activities verbally
- Sports, outdoor and green areas (written and practical, 60 minutes each)
- Written preparation of practice-relevant problem situations from the competence area of caretaking from the competence area of sports, outdoor and green facilities - recognize situations, draw conclusions and propose measures based on a given practice-related initial situation
- carrying out practical tasks as a janitor or solving problems in the field of sports, outdoor and green areas - carrying out work professionally, dealing with or rectifying faults or commenting on activities verbally
- Administration and employee management (written, 120 minutes and oral, 45 minutes)
- Written test of understanding and knowledge in the areas of law, accounting and employee management based on practical situations
- Oral examination discussion based on given, practice-related initial situations, reacting appropriately to the situation and developing and demonstrating proposed solutions
- Networking and communication (prepared in advance - oral, 30 minutes)
Recognize connections between different specialist areas and communication skills as a janitor - Presentation and examination discussion of the submitted, independently prepared written work
Diploma and title "Caretaker"
Graduates of the professional examination receive a federal certificate and are entitled to use the federally recognized and protected title "Caretaker with a federal certificate" or "Caretaker with a federal certificate".
- In French: "Concierge avec brevet fédéral"
- In Italian: "Custode con attestato professionale federale"
Question 7:
Do you have the confidence to pass the janitor professional examination for the federal certificate?
Great!
Here are some general success factors on the way to a new training qualification such as janitor 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 lessons Caretaker
- 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 janitor training course.
Arrange apersonal consultation appointmentwith the school of your choice or the sponsor of the professional examination, theExamination secretariat for federal professional examinations for janitors. 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 janitor 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 janitor 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 will pass the final exam, it is best to arrange apersonal consultation appointmentwith a school or theExamination secretariat for federal professional examinations for janitors. Explain your interest and concerns about janitor training 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 to become a janitor BP does not suit you. What a pity? - Perhaps not, because there are so many other opportunities for further training. One or the other would certainly suit you much better.
Check which other training or further education courses are suitable for you. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
Janitor with a federal certificate is probably not the right 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 career. Perhaps this will point you in the direction of more suitable training or further education.
Then see what other training or further education courses interest you. ToEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
That's a half-hearted result: working as a janitor with a federal certificate 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 training or further education courses are suitable for you. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
Further training to become a janitor with a federal certificate is not ideal for you - or is it?
If you are unsure, it is best to attend the information events organized by the providers. There you will learn a lot more about the course and can discuss your personal options and questions directly with the subject representatives present.
Here you will find schools that offer the course"Caretaker (BP) / Caretaker (BP)"offer.
This training seems to be a good fit for you.
In the next step, we recommend that you attend an information event at suitable schools and find out about the exact costs and dates.
Here you will find schools that offer the course"Caretaker (BP) / janitor (BP)"offer.
This course seems to be made for you.
In the next step, we recommend that you attend an information event at suitable schools and find out about the exact costs and dates.
Here you will find schools that offer the course"Caretaker (BP)"offer.
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