Self-test Head of Facility Management and Maintenance with Federal Diploma (HFP): Is this course the right one for me?
Test here whether a job as an expert in facility management and maintenance with a federal diploma suits you and whether a preparatory course for the federal PET examination "Head of Facility Management and Maintenance" is the right path for you.
Note: The course/profession "Head of Facility Management and Maintenance" replaces the two courses "Head of Facility Management" and "Head of Maintenance", which were discontinued in 2021. In addition, the abbreviation "LFMM" was introduced, which is the official abbreviation for this course.
What does the day-to-day work of a Head of Facility Management and Maintenance with a federal diploma look like?
The new profession "Head of Facility Management and Maintenance (HFP)" is a merger of the previous HFP professions "Head of Facility Management (HFP)" and "Head of Maintenance (HFP)". The area of responsibility has thus become very broad and comprehensive and is now divided into four areas of competence:
1) Production infrastructure and facilities
Ensuring the technical availability of machines, production lines, warehouses, etc. in production and manufacturing companies
2) Technical building infrastructure
Maintaining technical installations such as heating, ventilation, air conditioning, locking systems, security installations, e.g. in residential complexes, industrial complexes, hospitals, production plants, banks, shopping centers
3) Real estate management
Administration, letting and management of real estate, rooms and spaces, e.g. for real estate management companies, insurance companies, public administrations, hospitals and care homes
4) Hospitality Management
Services such as cleaning, catering services, provision of laundry and work clothing, e.g. in hospitals, care homes, hotels
Heads of Facility Management and Maintenance (LFMM) are executives in operational management and can take on tasks from several of these areas of competence, such as the overarching management function over the janitors, cleaning staff and housekeeping in a large hospital. Or responsibility for the availability of production facilities and the maintenance of building technology systems in an industrial complex.
Your tasks in detail:
- Organize and manage your own area of responsibility
- Recruitment, selection, induction and promotion of employees
- Design of internal and external communication
- Initiating, planning and supporting change processes
- Determine and manage marketing measures
- Supervise building and operational safety, health protection and risk management
- Responsibility for financial management, operational accounting, investments
- Design framework conditions for service and service contracts
Please note: The weighting/frequency of the individual areas of responsibility can vary greatly depending on the function/job profile as well as the company, company size and sector.
Question 1:
Do the activities described meet your expectations? Would you like to work as Head of Facility Management and Maintenance?
Great! Then you are certainly in the right place with this course. We wish you lots of fun and success.
If not all of the activities appeal to you, think about which ones interest you the most.
Then take a look at the job advertisements. Hardly any jobs ask for all activities equally. You may see job advertisements that only ask for the activities that interest you. Then you are still on the right track 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 Head of Facility Management and Maintenance with a Federal Diploma suitable for? What qualities and skills are required?
The preparatory courses for the federal higher professional examination "Head of Facility Management and Maintenance (HFP)" (formerly Head of Facility Management / Head of Maintenance) are aimed at people with professional experience in housekeeping, caretaking, real estate management, facility management or a similar field who wish to prepare for a higher and overarching management function.
If you want to ensure that employees have good working conditions, that the necessary work equipment and tools are reliably available, that services can be provided at a reasonable price and that the available resources are used optimally, you have the right qualifications for a job as Head of Facility Management and Maintenance.
If you are also well organized, a strong negotiator and able to enforce quality and safety regulations, then you are probably suitable for this LFMM training course.
Question 2:
Do you belong to one of the target groups for this training course and do you have the necessary personal qualities?
Great! In the next step, find out whether you meet the admission requirements to take the Advanced Professional Examination for Head of Facility Management and Maintenance and obtain the Federal Diploma.
- 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 atfollowing page. You may come across further training courses here that are aimed precisely at people like you.
- Please also take a look at ourGuide "Training and further education in the areas of personnel, organization, project and process management". Perhaps you will find what you are looking for here.
- 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:
Requirements for admission to the higher professional examination for Head of Facility Management and Maintenance:
You must meet the following requirements for admission to the federal higher professional examination "Head of Facility Management and Maintenance" (formerly Head of Facility Management / Head of Maintenance):
- Federal diploma or other tertiary-level qualification and at least two years of relevant professional experience
or
- Completion of upper secondary level (apprenticeship or Matura) or equivalent qualification and at least 5 years of relevant professional experience; at least two years of which in a management position
and
- Completion of the training modules:
- Module A: Managing employees
- Module B: Implementing internal / external communication
- Module C: Applying normative principles and safety regulations
- Module D: Organizing the area of responsibility
- Module E: Financial management of areas of responsibility
- Module F: Developing personal skills
- Module G: Providing and purchasing services
(Note: The module qualifications are valid for 5 years. Within these five years, the modules can be recognized as admission requirements for the HFP. Modules that have already expired must be renewed by taking the module examination again).
You will find out whether you have been admitted to the Advanced Specialist Examination for LFMM at least three months before the start of the examination with a written notification including reasons in the event of a negative decision.
Tip:Some schools are prepared to admit you to a preparatory course for the higher professional examination for Head of Facility Management and Maintenance 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. In this case, the admission requirements vary depending on the provider.
Question 3:
Do you meet the requirements for admission?
Great!
Have you not yet completed any further training (federal certificate) and have no experience in a management role? Then take a look at the professional examinations in this area, for example:
- Head of Hotel Housekeeping (BP) (formerly Head of Housekeeping (BP))
- Janitor (BP)
- Maintenance specialist (BP)
If you are not sure whether your professional experience will be recognized as work experience for Facility Management and Maintenance Managers, clarify your chances directly with the body responsible for the examination regulations, theSVIT(Swiss Association of the Real Estate Industry),fmpro,Allpura Association of Swiss Cleaning Companies
If you have little or no professional experience, you have the following options:
- Use professional job boards to search for suitable jobs where you can gain experience.Hereyou will find helpful information.
- If you know someone from your private or professional environment who is already working in foreign trade, 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 higher professional examination (equivalence test), please contact theExamination secretariat.
SERI is responsible for assessing the equivalence of foreign qualifications for admission to the HFP.Hereyou will find more information.
Have you not yet completed any further training (federal certificate) and have no experience in a management role? Then take a look at the professional examinations in this area, for example:
- Head of Hotel Housekeeping (BP)(formerly Head of Housekeeping (BP))
- Janitor (BP)
- Maintenance specialist (BP)
If you are not sure whether your professional experience will be recognized as work experience for Facility Management and Maintenance Managers, clarify your chances directly with the body responsible for the examination regulations, theSVIT(Swiss Association of the Real Estate Industry),fmpro,Allpura Association of Swiss Cleaning Companies
If you have little or no professional experience, you have the following options:
- Use professional job boards to search for suitable jobs where you can gain experience.Hereyou will find helpful information.
- If you know someone from your private or professional environment who is already working in foreign trade, 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 higher professional examination (equivalence test), please contact theExamination secretariat.
SERI is responsible for assessing the equivalence of foreign qualifications for admission to the HFP.Hereyou will find more information.
Subject matter and content of the training
The further training course "Head of Facility Management and Maintenance" (formerly Head of Facility Management / Maintenance Manager) consists of 7 modules and 4 networking subjects:
Module A - Managing employees
- Assess applications, support selection, introduce new employees, conduct performance reviews
- Questioning yourself as a leader, becoming aware of your role, differentiating human images and leadership styles
Module B - Implementing internal / external communication
- Communication, feedback rules, criticism and complaints, discussion and negotiation techniques, arguing, using resistance
- Designing and writing meetings, technical reports, sales documentation, core information
Module C - Applying normative principles and safety regulations
- Standards, labor law, environmental protection, Code of Obligations OR, contract management, procurement law
- Fire protection, building safety, accident prevention, occupational safety, product liability
Module D - Organize area of responsibility
- Own service strategy, strategic planning and operational goals, organizational form
- Supply and disposal, warehouse management, sustainability, use of resources, quality
Module E - Financial management of areas of responsibility
- Financial and operational accounting, financial planning
- Management accounting, investment processes, controlling as a management and steering task, key figures and statistics
Module F - Developing personal skills
- Leading and managing projects and project teams
- Personal stress situations, stress, problem situations, personal handling of change
Module G - Providing and purchasing services
- Personnel requirements, employee deployment, operating resources, service quality and service processes
- Charging for service provision, communication with customers, complaint management
Module SA - Maintaining and servicing production infrastructure and equipment
- Resource requirements, processes and utilization time, inspections, maintenance planning
- Cost reduction, performance improvement, energy optimization, technical procedures and processes, corrective measures
Module SB - Supply and maintain technical building infrastructure
- Life cycle phases of a property, user requirements, building use and final energy consumption, energy indicators
- Maintenance concepts and maintenance plans, building automation, fire protection
Module SC - Real estate management Providing / operating space and areas
- Management strategy, cost drivers in real estate management, ancillary cost accounting
- Space management, forms of contract in real estate management, rental contracts, contracts for work and services, service contracts
Module SD - Providing hospitality management services
- Offer services such as reception, building access, parking lot management, grounds maintenance, events and functions
- Cleaning services, textile supply, industrial and professional laundry, catering services
Note: The course material for LFMM is based on the specifications of the sponsors of the federal examination, the SVIT (Swiss Association of the Real Estate Industry), fmpro and Allpura Association of Swiss Cleaning Companies.
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 this federal diploma, take a look at other training and further education courses in the relevant field. You may find a course that suits you better. You will find inspirationhere.
Obviously the typical subject areas of "Head of Facility Management and Maintenance" with a federal diploma (formerly Head of Facility Management / Maintenance Manager) 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
Apart from the examination fee, which is set by the sponsoring body of the higher professional examination, the costs vary depending on the provider.
In general, the following costs must be expected for the three to four-semester in-service training to become a Head of Facility Management and Maintenance (formerly Head of Facility Management / Maintenance Manager):
- Course feesbetween CHF 17,000 and CHF 21,000, of which you will receive around 50% back from the federal government after the examination (regardless of the result)*.
- Separate costs for module examinationsCHF 1'400.- to CHF 1'800.-
- External examination feesCHF 3,150 (as at: May 2023) The examination fee is set by the examination organizer. It is paid by the candidates once admission has been confirmed.
- 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.
Question 5:
Are you able to pre-finance between CHF 20,150 and CHF 24,150 for the course and exam (plus fees for module exams)?
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. Some schools also offer a discount for early booking.
Information on financial support options from the employer, federal government, canton, foundations or through loans from the Education Promotion FoundationEducaSwissyou will receive in ourGuide "How to finance your further training properly".
Information and help on budget planning and budget preparation can be foundhere.
- First take a closer look at the schools you are considering and clarify what costs you would actually have to expect. Most schools allow you to pay the course costs in installments. Most schools charge a small surcharge for paying 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 education loan. You will be able to repay some of the borrowed funds immediately after the Advanced Federal Diploma 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 ourGuide "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.
- Information and help on budget planning and budget preparation can be foundhere.
- First take a closer look at the schools you are considering and clarify what costs you would actually have to expect. Most schools allow you to pay the course costs in installments. Most schools charge a small surcharge for paying 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 education loan. You will be able to repay some of the borrowed funds immediately after the Advanced Federal Diploma 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 ourGuide "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.
- Information and help on budget planning and budget preparation can be foundhere.
Duration of study, teaching times, number of lessons, teaching formats and learning effort
- Duration:The further training course to become a Head of Facility Management and Maintenance (formerly Head of Facility Management / Head of Maintenance) has a modular, part-time structure and takes between 3-4 semesters (depending on the provider)
- Lesson times:The course is offered at different times. These time variants are determined independently by the respective schools, so there may be differences. Lessons usually take place weekly, for example either on a whole day or on individual afternoons, evenings and Saturdays.
- Number of lessons for LFMM:In total, the courses comprise approx. 460-670 lessons of classroom teaching. In addition, depending on the individual situation, there are approx. 200-400 working hours for self-study, exam preparation and term papers.
- Teaching formats: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.
- Learning effort: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 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
Anyone who has passed all the modules and meets the formal admission requirements will be admitted to the federal PET examination for LFMM.
The HFP for Head of Facility Management and Maintenance (formerly Head of Facility Management / Head of Maintenance) is held annually if at least 12 candidates meet the admission requirements after the announcement, otherwise at least every two years. Candidates can take the examination in German, French or Italian.
Candidates are notified at least 28 days before the start of the examination. The invitation includes the examination program (including details of the place and time of the examination as well as permitted aids) and the list of experts.
The higher professional examination is divided into two written and three oral parts:
1) Diploma thesis (written, weighting 2)
The diploma thesis is prepared in advance. Candidates first write a so-called disposition, in which they roughly describe their topic, plans, etc. They can then start writing their thesis. As soon as the disposition has been accepted, they can start writing the thesis. It comprises approx. 25-30 pages and is written on a topic within one of the many specialization areas (SA, SB, SC, SD).
2) Presentation and expert discussion on the diploma thesis (oral, 15min and 25min, weighted 1 and 2)
The candidates present their thesis to a panel of experts in a short presentation. They then answer questions from the experts about their thesis.
3) Expert discussion on three specialization competence areas (oral, 25min, weighting 2)
Candidates choose three of the four areas of specialization and action competence. They answer questions about these three in the expert interview.
4) Case study business case (written, 240min, weighting 2)
The basis for this part of the exam is a predetermined starting point, for which the candidates have to work on individual and interlinked questions.
*The four areas of specialization:
SA: Maintaining and servicing production infrastructure and equipment
SB: Supply and maintain technical building infrastructure
SC: Real estate management Providing and operating space and areas
SD: Provide hospitality management services
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 "Head of Facility Management and Maintenance with Federal Diploma / Head of Facility Management and Maintenance with Federal Diploma".
- In French: "Dirigeante en facility management et maintenance avec diplôm fédéral / Dirigeant en facility Management et maintenance avec diplôme fédéral"
- In Italian: "Dirigente in facility Management e manutenzione con diploma federale / Dirigente in facility management e manutenzione con diploma federale"
- In English (Please note: this is only a recommendation/translation and not a protected title): "Head of Facility Management and Maintenance, Advanced Federal Diploma of Higher Education"
Question 7:
Do you have the confidence to pass the modules, the diploma thesis and the federal 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
- Regular practice to get into the routine of solving tasks
- Regular application of what you have learned in everyday working life
- Contact and exchange with other participants, lecturers and successful former graduates of the course
- 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 the sponsor of the higher professional examination, theSVIT(Swiss Association of the Real Estate Industry),fmpro,Allpura Association of Swiss Cleaning Companies. 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
- Regular practice to get into the routine of solving tasks
- Regular application of what you have learned in everyday working life
- Contact and exchange with other participants, lecturers and successful former graduates of the course
- 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 that you can pass the final examination but would like to complete the course, it is best to arrange a personal consultation with a school or the body responsible for the higher professional examination, theSVIT(Swiss Association of the Real Estate Industry),fmpro,Allpura Association of Swiss Cleaning Companies. 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 Facility Management and Maintenance (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.
Training to become a Head of Facility Management and Maintenance (LFMM) is probably not the right further 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 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: the job of Head of Facility Management and Maintenance 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.
Training and further education to become a Head of Facility Management and Maintenance 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 for LFMM:
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 for LFMM:
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 for LFMM: