Self-test ICT Manager course with federal diploma (HFP): Is this course suitable for me?
Test here whether a job as an expert in the management of ICT projects and processes with a federal diploma suits you and whether a preparatory course for the federal PET examination "ICT Manager" is the right path for you.
What does the everyday working life of ICT managers with a federal diploma look like?
ICT managers generally work in ICT departments of medium-sized to large companies and organizations, in public administrations or independently. With their comprehensive knowledge of information and communication technology (ICT) and their understanding of the interrelationships and dependencies in operational IT in the overall context of the company, they take on demanding specialist and management tasks.
ICT managers manage complex ICT projects and implement them on schedule. To do this, they are in close contact with customers and clients, discuss their wishes and ideas, assess feasibility and create concepts for suitable solutions.
ICT managers are also responsible for the availability of ICT systems, processes and infrastructures as well as information/data. They ensure that ICT technology functions properly. To this end, they carry out regular checks and eliminate risks at an early stage. Your tasks also include introducing quality and security standards and monitoring compliance with them.
ICT managers have a managerial function at executive level and develop the ICT strategy within the corporate strategy. They plan, implement and monitor this strategy and prepare the results in reports. They also check which services can be provided in-house and which need to be purchased externally. They are responsible for financial planning in ICT, including the planning of investments, monitor budgets and report to the management.
Finally, ICT managers lead a team or an entire department. In addition to motivating, promoting and assessing their employees, they are also responsible for organizing work processes.
Question 1:
Do the activities described meet your expectations? Would you like to work as an ICT manager?
If you don't like all the jobs, think about which ones interest you the most. Also take a look at relevant job advertisements. You may find that there are only jobs that you are more suited to, in which case you are in the right place with this training.
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 Higher Professional Examination for ICT Managers with a Federal Diploma suitable for? What qualities and skills are required?
The course and the higher professional examination for "ICT Manager" are suitable for
- for ambitious professionals with several years of ICT work experience and a federal certificate of some kind, who would like to take on demanding management tasks and complex specialist responsibility in ICT.
- for ICT professionals with several years of ICT professional experience and initial management experience (e.g. team leadership) and a federal diploma (HFP) of some kind who wish to further develop their knowledge and skills in order to make the leap into senior management.
- for interested ICT specialists and managers with a university degree (Bachelor's, Master's) who would like to expand or deepen their knowledge.
- People in management positions with at least 8 years of professional experience in ICT who would like to prove their skills with a federal diploma and thus expand their career opportunities.
ICT managers should have the following personal qualities and skills:
- Technical understanding
- analytical and conceptual skills
- quick comprehension
- networked thinking and acting
- independent way of working
- Flexibility and resilience
- Sense of responsibility
- Leadership and organizational talent
- Communication and negotiation skills
- Customer and service orientation
Question 2:
Do you belong to one of the target groups for this training course and do you have the necessary personal qualities?
- If you do not belong to any of the above-mentioned groups, you cannot apply for the federal diploma directly. In this case, take a look atto the following page. 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 ICT sector, use professional job boards to search for suitable jobs.
- If you do not have the necessary personal qualities and skills, you will not be happy in this demanding management role. Look out for further training opportunities that offer a professional specialization that better suits your skills.
- If you are unsure whether you are well suited to such a role, it is best to discuss this with your line manager or career advisor. You can find suitable providers of career advice and career coaching here:
Prerequisites for admission to the Advanced Federal PET Diploma in ICT Management:
In order to be able to take the Advanced Professional Examination for ICT Managers, you must have passed the examination regulations by the date of the examination:
- Have a federal diploma (BP) and 4 years of professional experience* in ICT
Or
- Have a federal diploma (HFP) and over 3 years of professional experience* in ICT
Or
- A university degree (Bachelor's or Master's) and more than 2 years of professional experience* in ICT
Or
- At least 8 years of professional experience in ICT, of which the last 2 years in a managerial and/or line function (sur dossier examination)
*The cut-off date for proof of professional experience is the start of the examination. Part-time workloads are credited pro rata, which means that the time frame in which the required practical experience is accumulated is extended accordingly.
You will find out whether you have been admitted to the Advanced Federal Diploma Examination at least three months before the start of the examination by means of a written notification including reasons.
Note: Some schools are prepared to admit you to a preparatory course for the Higher Professional Examination for ICT Managers even if you do not 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.
Question 3:
Do you meet the requirements for admission?
If you are not sure whether your professional experience will be recognized as professional experience for ICT managers, clarify your chances directly with the sponsoring body or the examination secretariat of the Advanced Federal PET Diploma, theAssociation ICT Vocational Training Switzerland.
If you don't have enough work experience, use professional job boards to look for suitable jobs where you can gain experience.
If you are not sure whether your professional experience will be recognized as professional experience for ICT managers, clarify your chances directly with the sponsoring body or the examination secretariat of the Advanced Federal PET Diploma, theAssociation ICT Vocational Training Switzerland.
If you don't have enough work experience, use professional job boards to look for suitable jobs where you can gain experience.
Subject matter and content of the training
The subject matter of the preparatory courses for the Higher Professional Examination for ICT Managers is based on the specifications of the sponsor of the federal examination, the Swiss ICT Vocational Training Association.
The learning material is divided into 7 areas:
- Application EngineeringDevelop ICT enterprise architecture, manage ICT application portfolio, define ICT development process
- Business EngineeringDesign ICT process, determine ICT process and organizational structure, advise on ICT deployment
- Business ManagementDevelop ICT strategy, define sourcing strategy, implement changes, create and monitor financial planning, plan human resources, handle legal aspects of ICT projects
- Marketing CommunicationDefine marketing activities
- Project ManagementDevelop ICT portfolio process, evaluate ICT portfolio, define ICT portfolio controlling
- Security/Risk ManagementPerform ICT security analyses, ensure ICT security
- Service ManagementEnsure ICT system processes, procure and monitor ICT services
Question 4:
Are you interested in this content, would you like to acquire knowledge in these subject areas?
If you are only partially interested in the content of this federal diploma, take a look at other training and further education courses in the ICT sector. You may find a course that suits you better.You can find inspiration here.
Obviously the typical subject areas of ICT managers with a federal diploma are not your thing. 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 vary depending on the provider. In general, the following costs must be expected for the 2- to 4-semester in-service training course to become an ICT manager:
- Course fees: CHF 11,940-15,900, of which you will receive up to 50% back from the federal government on application after the examination (regardless of the result)*.
- Examination fee: currently CHF 3,400 (as of October 2022)
- Some providers charge extra for
- Enrollment
- Teaching materials and (software) licenses
- Training documents
- Internal examinations and examination training
- Simulation test
Find out directly from the provider of your choice 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.
Question 5:
Are you able to pre-finance around CHF 15,340-19,300 for the course and exam?
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, the federal government, the canton, foundations or loans from theEducaSwiss Foundation for the Promotion of Educationyou will receive in ourGuide "How to finance your further training properly".
Most schools allow you to pay the course costs in installments. The schools usually charge a small surcharge for payment in installments.
Information on financial support options from the employer, the federal government, the canton, foundations or loans from theEducaSwiss Foundation for the Promotion of Educationyou will receive in ourGuide "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.
Most schools allow you to pay the course costs in installments. Most schools charge a small surcharge for payment in installments.
Information on financial support options from the employer, the federal government, the canton, foundations or loans from theEducaSwiss Foundation for the Promotion of Educationyou will receive in ourGuide "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.
Duration of study, number of lessons and learning effort
- The ICT Manager course has a modular structure and lasts 2-4 semesters.
- The course comprises between 320 and 448 lessons, which can be attended in different time variants (e.g. 1-2 evenings per week or 1 evening plus half a Saturday or all day on Saturdays only).
- Many schools offer a mix of face-to-face and online events (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.
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 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 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
The Higher Professional Examination for ICT Managers is held every year if at least 25 candidates for German (or 8 for French and 3 for Italian) meet the admission requirements, otherwise every two years. The examination can be taken in one of the three official languages German, French or Italian.
The federal examination consists of three parts, which proceed as follows:
1. written examination
Part 1: Specialist knowledge, technical and methodological skills across all modules, 3 hours, written
Part 2: Case study, methodological and practical skills across all modules, 3 hours, written
The written examinations take the form of two independent tasks. The examination takes place on paper or on a computer system. Candidates are required to demonstrate their skills in practical situations, i.e. select the relevant work steps plausibly, design and carry them out in a comprehensible manner and present convincing arguments for the appropriateness of the solution.
2. technical discussion: technical and practical skills across all modules, 40-50 minutes, oral
Candidates are given a case study (example from practice), for which they work out a solution independently and within the given time.
They then present their solution to the panel of experts in 10 minutes.
This is followed by an expert discussion on the solution presented in the presentation and on other topics from all ICT fields of activity.
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 ICT Manager".
In French: "ICT-Manager diplômé / ICT-Manager diplomée"
In Italian: "ICT-Manager diplomato / ICT-Manager diplomata"
In English (recommendation): "ICT Manager with Federal Diploma of Higher Vocational Education and Training"
Question 7:
Do you have the confidence to pass the Advanced Federal Diploma Examination?
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 important exam experience, e.g. in simulation exams.
If you are unsure, we recommend that you contact aInformation eventto attend this course.
Arrange apersonal consultation appointmentwith the school of your choice or the sponsor of the higher professional examination, theSwiss ICT Vocational Training Association. 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 someGeneral success factorson 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 important 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 course, it is best to arrange a personal consultation appointment with a school or the body responsible for the higher professional examination, theSwiss ICT Vocational Training Association. 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 course leading to the Federal Diploma in ICT Management (HFP) does not suit you. What a pity? - Perhaps not, because there are so many other options for further training. One or the other would 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.
ICT Manager (HFP) 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 an ICT manager (HFP) 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.
Further training to become an ICT 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 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 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: