Self-test: Is the course "Real Estate Manager with Federal Certificate of Proficiency (BP)" the right one for me?
Test here whether a job as a specialist in real estate management with a federal certificate suits you and whether a preparatory course for the federal professional examination "Real estate manager with a federal certificate" is the right path for you. (formerly Real Estate Manager (BP), discontinued in 2006).
What does the day-to-day work of a real estate manager with a federal certificate look like?
Real estate managers look after properties and real estate on behalf of the owner. They ensure that the property generates a return and that its value is maintained or increased for as long as possible. To this end, they prepare condition analyses, calculate value-enhancing renovations or conversions and set the rents.
One of the most important tasks of real estate managers with a federal certificate is the overall management of tenants. They place advertisements, carry out viewings, select tenants, draw up tenancy agreements and are responsible for the acceptance and handover of the properties. They are the first point of contact for all questions from tenants, which means they are in close contact with their tenants.
For larger properties, they organize the caretaking by awarding contracts to external caretaking companies or recruiting their own employees. When repairs, renovations or refurbishments are due, they obtain quotes from tradesmen and place the orders. In the administrative area, they are responsible for the annual heating and ancillary cost statements and their distribution among the tenants, as well as for the dunning and collection process.
Real estate managers find jobs in companies that own real estate and manage it themselves or that manage real estate on behalf of the owner. The largest real estate managers in Switzerland include property management companies, construction and general contractors, real estate funds and pension funds, banks and insurance companies, public administrations and trust companies.
Question 1:
Do the activities described meet your expectations? Would you like to work as a real estate manager with a federal certificate?
Great!
If you don't like all the jobs, think about which ones interest you the most. Take a look at comparable job advertisements. Perhaps you will find some that only require the activities that suit you better, in which case you are in the right place with this further training course. Here is a selection of similar training courses:
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: For whom is the professional examination to become a real estate manager with a federal certificate suitable? What qualities and skills are required?
The course and the professional examination "Real Estate Manager (BP)" are suitable for
- People with relevant professional experience who want to advance their career in real estate management
- Professionals with experience in real estate management who would like to take on more responsible tasks and/or management functions
Sales professionals should have the following personal qualities and skills:
- Flexible and assertive personality
- Independent and conscientious way of working
- Very good communication skills in dealing with a wide variety of people
- Well-groomed personality with high social skills and good manners
Question 2:
Do you belong to the target group for this training and do you have the necessary personal qualities?
Great!
- If you do not belong to any of the above-mentioned groups of people, you cannot apply directly for the federal certificate. However, there are many different routes into the real estate industry. Take a look at thefollowing pagewith 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 real estate management, search for suitable jobs on professional job boards (You can find more information here.)
- If you know someone from your private or professional environment who is already working in this field, 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 don't have the necessary personal qualities and skills, you probably won't be happy in this role. Look out for other further training opportunities that offer in-depth knowledge or specialization.
- 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 for real estate managers with a federal certificate:
In order to be able to sit the professional examination for real estate managers, by the time of the examination or examination registration you must
- Have a federal certificate of proficiency (EFZ) from a three-year basic vocational training course, a high school diploma, a federally recognized commercial diploma, an HF degree, a federal professional certificate (BP), a federal diploma (HFP), a university degree or an equivalent qualification
And
- Have at least three years of professional experience (full-time) in a profession in the real estate industry since obtaining the degree
Or
- Have at least 5 years of full-time professional experience in a profession in the real estate industry
And
- Have at least two years of professional experience in a profession in the real estate industry in Switzerland or the Principality of Liechtenstein
As well as
- does not have any entries in the criminal record that contradict the purpose of the examination
You will find out whether you have been admitted to the professional examination at least two months before the start of the examination with a written notification including reasons and information on legal remedies in the event of rejection.
Note:
- Some schools may also be prepared to admit you to a preparatory course for the professional examination for real estate managers (BP) if you do not (yet) meet the criteria for admission to the federal examination. You are then responsible for ensuring that you meet the necessary requirements at the time of the examination/application for the examination.
- At some schools it is possible to enter the 3rd semester with the course "Sachbearbeiter Immobilienbewirtschaftung edupool.ch / Sachbearbeiterin Immobilienbewirtschaftung edipoo.ch". For details, please contact the school of your choice.
Question 3:
Do you meet the requirements for admission?
Great!
If you are not sure whether your professional experience will be recognized as professional experience for real estate managers, clarify your chances directly with the body responsible for the examination regulations, theSwiss Association of the Real Estate Industry SVIT Switzerland.
If you have little or no professional experience, you have the following options:
- Search for suitable jobs with the help of professional job boards.You can find more information here.
- If you know someone from your private or professional environment who is already working in the real estate sector, 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 professional examination (equivalence test), please contact theExamination secretariat.
SERI is responsible for assessing the equivalence of foreign qualifications for admission to the BP.You can find more information here.
If you do not have a federal certificate of proficiency (EFZ) or equivalent basic vocational training, you still have the opportunity to catch up on this now. You can find out more about catch-up training for adults in our guide "The Swiss education system at a glance".
If you are not sure whether your professional experience will be recognized as professional experience for real estate managers, clarify your chances directly with the body responsible for the examination regulations, theSwiss Association of the Real Estate Industry SVIT Switzerland.
If you have little or no professional experience, you have the following options:
- Search for suitable jobs with the help of professional job boards.You can find more information here.
- If you know someone from your private or professional environment who is already working in the real estate sector, 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 professional examination (equivalence test), please contact theExamination secretariat.
SERI is responsible for assessing the equivalence of foreign qualifications for admission to the BP.You can find more information here.
If you do not have a federal certificate of proficiency (EFZ) or equivalent basic vocational training, you still have the opportunity to catch up on this now. You can find out more about catch-up training for adults in our guide "The Swiss education system at a glance".
Subject matter and content of the training
The learning material and the content of the preparatory courses for the federal professional examination for real estate managers with a federal certificate are compiled in accordance with the specifications of the sponsoring body of the professional examination, the Swiss Real Estate Association SVIT Switzerland.
The following topics / areas are the focus of the preparatory courses for the professional examination:
- Management of condominiums
- Management of rental properties
- Structural knowledge
- Law
- Real estate accounting
- Reporting to owner (client)
- Refurbishment and renewal
- Personnel management
Question 4:
Are you interested in this content, would you like to acquire this knowledge?
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 this federal certificate, take a look at other training and further education courses in the real estate sector. You may find a course that suits you better due to the content taught.
Obviously, the typical areas of responsibility of real estate managers 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 are determined by the schools and can therefore vary from school to school. You can expect the following costs for the 2-3 semester part-time real estate management course.
- Course feesBetween CHF 10'950.- and CHF 12'100.- Of this, you will receive around 50% back from the federal government on application after the examination (regardless of the result).* Note: SVIT members benefit from reduced course fees.Find out more here.Members of the Kaufmännischer Verband also benefit from a member discount of up to 10% on the course costs.You can find more information here.
- Examination feesThe examination fee is set by the sponsoring body of the professional examination and currently amounts to CHF 2,700 (as of 2023). The examination fee is paid by the candidates after admission has been confirmed.
- Extra costsSome providers charge extra costs for teaching materials, training documents and simulation exams. 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 can therefore be reimbursed up to 50% (max. CHF 9,500 for BP, max. CHF 10,500 for HFP) 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 able to pre-finance approx. CHF 10,950-CHF 12,100 for course fees (plus examination fee for the federal examination)?
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 FoundationEducaSwisscan be found in our guide "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 FoundationEducaSwisscan be found in our guide "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,here.
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 FoundationEducaSwisscan be found in our guide "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,here.
Duration of study, number of lessons and learning effort
- Duration:The real estate manager training, further training for the federal certificate lasts 2-3 semesters and is completed on a part-time basis. A two-semester course is generally only possible with the appropriate prior knowledge. You can obtain details from the school of your choice.
- Lesson times:The course takes place on different days and times depending on the school. There are evening courses and day courses. Usually on two evenings per week or all day on one weekday (Monday-Saturday) per week. For details, please contact the school of your choice directly.
- Teaching format: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 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 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, 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
The professional examination to become a real estate manager with a federal certificate takes place once a year, provided that at least 25 candidates (for German, 8 candidates for French and 3 candidates for Italian) meet the admission requirements, otherwise every two years. The examination can be taken in German, French or Italian, as desired.
At least one month before the start of the examination, the candidates receive the invitation with the examination program and list of experts.
The final examination for the federal certificate for real estate managers comprises a total of 5 parts:
1. law (written, 2 hours)
2. structural knowledge (written, 1.5 hours)
3. personnel management (written, 1.5 hours)
4. real estate management (written, 8 hours)
5. real estate management (oral, 45 minutes)
The written examination is used to test the candidates' specialist skills by means of practically relevant content. The respective examinations are based on the examination objectives in the guidelines.You can find the instructions here.
The oral examinations are primarily used to test candidates' social and methodological skills. Professional competence comes second. For this purpose, the candidates are confronted with a practical case, which in turn will be the subject of the subsequent technical discussion with the experts.
Diploma and title
Graduates of the professional examination receive a federal certificate and are entitled to use the federally recognized and protected title "Real estate manager with a federal certificate".
- In French: "Gréant d'immeubles avec brevet fédéral / Gréante d'immeubles avec brevet fédéral"
- In Italian: "Gestore immobiliare von attestato professionale federale / Gestrice immobiliare con attestatp professionale federale"
- In English (recommendation, not a protected title): "Properts Manager with Federal Diploma of Professional Education and Training"
Question 7:
Do you have the confidence to pass the professional examination for the federal certificate?
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 attend an information event on this course.
Arrange a personal consultation appointment with the school of your choice or the sponsor of the professional examination,the Swiss Association of the Real Estate Industry SVIT Switzerland. 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 important exam experience, e.g. in simulation exams.
If you are not at all confident that you can pass the final examination, it is best to arrange a personal consultation with a school or the sponsor of the professional examination, theSwiss Association of the Real Estate Industry SVIT Switzerland. 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.
No, the course for the federal certificate in real estate management (BP) is not right for 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 further training courses are suitable for you. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
Real estate manager 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 real estate manager (BP) 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 a real estate manager with a federal certificate 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:
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:
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