Self-test Marketing Specialist with Federal Certificate (BP): Is this training the right one for me?

What does the day-to-day work of a marketing specialist with a federal certificate look like?

Marketing specialists with a federal certificate work in marketing agencies, marketing departments or in sales support for all industries - usually in management positions. They are able to solve complex tasks and apply their broad expertise. They analyze market developments, design marketing activities for individual products, product groups or services and implement these themselves or with the help of agencies. They manage their area of responsibility independently, bear a great deal of responsibility and act as an interface within the organization. A marketing specialist with a federal certificate contributes significantly to maintaining and promoting the competitiveness of the company.

The marketing specialist's tasks are

• Conduct market analysis and market research
• Deriving strategies from marketing objectives
• Create integrated, cross-media planning across all communication tools
• Creating marketing concepts and correctly weighting, linking and planning individual instruments according to objectives
• Implementing planned measures in the areas of marketing, advertising, sales promotion, online marketing and social media in a legally correct manner and working together with external specialists
• Budget and marketing activity control

Typical areas of work for marketing specialists are:

• Marketing
• Online marketing
• Advertising
• Communication
• Public Relations
• Market research
• Direct marketing
• Product management
• Internal sales department
• Field sales force

Target group and skills: Who is the professional examination (BP) for marketing specialists with a federal certificate suitable for? What qualities and skills are required?

The Marketing Specialist further education course is aimed at people who already work in marketing (communication, PR, product management, customer service or sales) as assistants, clerks, employees, marketing specialists, product managers or other junior staff. This further development is suitable for professionals who see their future in the challenging field of marketing and sales, for example, who would like to be responsible for a sub-area of marketing such as digital marketing.

Important qualities and skills for a career as a marketing specialist are

• marketing-oriented thinking
• Good knowledge of business administration
• Creativity
• Implementation strength
• Communication skills
• Organizational talent
• Negotiating skills and diplomacy
• Critical perception and judgment

Requirements for admission to the professional examination for marketing specialists with a federal certificate (BP):

As of the 2019 federal examination, an admission examination (MarCom or equivalent examination such as Marketing and Sales Specialist edupool.ch) is no longer required for admission to the federal professional examination as a marketing specialist. However, the specialist knowledge of the Markom certificate examination level will continue to be tested. People without basic marketing knowledge are therefore recommended to attend a preparatory or certificate course.

Admission requirements for the Federal Professional Examination for Marketing Specialists with a Federal Certificate of Proficiency:

• the proof of aFederal Certificate of Competence (EFZ)of a profession with at least three years of basic vocational training or a diploma from a state-recognizedSecondary commercial school,a diploma from a state-recognized, at least three-yearDiploma middle schoolorSecondary technical schoolor aMatura certificate (all profiles)owns

and

• aboutAt least two years of relevant professional experiencehas

Or

• the proof of aFederal Vocational Certificate (EBA)of a profession with at least two years of basic vocational training

and

• aboutAt least three years of relevant professional experiencehas

The professional experience does not have to be available until you register for the examination, but it is often possible to start training earlier - please consult the training provider. If you do not have the required qualifications, you can request a sur dossier admission if you have six years of professional experience. If you are unsure, you can also contact the examination provider Suxxess for preliminary clarification. All applicants will be notified in writing of the decision on admission to the examination at least three months before the start of the examination. In the event of a negative decision, a statement of reasons and information on legal remedies will be provided. The timely transfer of the examination fee remains reserved.

Subject matter and content of the Marketing Specialist course:

The subject matter and content of the preparatory courses for the Federal Professional Examination for Marketing Specialists with a Federal Certificate are based on the requirements of the sponsoring body of the professional examination, theSussexx.

The course material is divided into basic marketing and sales knowledge and in-depth marketing knowledge:

• Basic knowledge of marketing and sales:
  • Basics of marketing
  • Market analysis, market research
  • Sales and distribution
  • Marketing communication
  • Accounting, Controlling
  • Project management
  • Internal communication
  • Self-management

• In-depth knowledge of marketing:
  • Marketing concept
  • Digital marketing
  • Integrated communication

As part of the preparation course for the federal marketing specialist exam, intensive marketing specialist case study training on basic knowledge, marketing planning and marketing implementation as well as training in the methodological skills of presenting and post-basket tasks usually takes place.

Costs and financing of continuing education for marketing specialists:

The costs vary slightly depending on the provider and duration of the Marketing Specialist course. On average, you can expect to pay these amounts:

• Course fees:approx. CHF 9'000.- to CHF 14'000.-
  After taking the exam, you will receive around 50% of this back from the federal government on application (regardless of the result)*.
  Note: Members of the Kaufmännischer Verband receive a 10% discount on the costs of training courses and courses offered by individual training providers
• Fee for the federal professional examination:CHF 2,500 (as at: 2023)
  The examination fee is set by the organizer of the professional examination for marketing specialists. It is paid by the candidate after admission has been confirmed.
• Extra costs for training as a marketing specialist:At some schools, the costs for enrolment fees, teaching materials, training documents, student ID cards 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.

*Since 1.1.2018, preparatory courses for federal professional examinations for marketing specialists 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.

Course duration, number of lessons and learning effort Marketing Specialist Training:

• The Marketing Specialist course is classically structured and lasts 2 to 3 semesters. It is completed on a part-time basis. It comprises approx. 350 lessons.
• Lesson times vary depending on the provider. As a rule, lessons take place two evenings a week or all day on a weekday and/or Saturday.
• 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 extra-occupational concept of the Marketing Specialist further education course, you can apply and consolidate 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 previous knowledge, working style and learning speed. We recommend that you allow at least 4-6 hours per week as a precaution.

Note: Some schools also offer "taster lessons" for marketing specialist courses. This gives you the opportunity to gain an insight into the teaching and learning atmosphere. Important aspects on the way to a successful degree. It is best to contact the school of your choice directly for a taster lesson.

Degree, diploma and title Marketing Specialist with Federal Certificate of Proficiency:

Professional examination

The professional examination for marketing specialists with a federal certificate takes place annually, provided that at least 70 candidates meet the admission requirements, otherwise every two years. It can be taken in German, French or Italian.
Candidates are notified at least 30 days before the start of the examination. The invitation includes the examination program (with details of the place and time of the examination as well as permitted aids), aids to be brought along and the list of experts.

The Marketing Specialist professional examination is divided into 7 examination parts:

• Basics (written, 120 minutes)
• Guided case study Marketing & Sales (written, 180 minutes)
• Guided case study planning (written, 180 minutes)
• Guided case study implementation (written, 120 minutes)
• Postal basket task (written, 90 minutes)
• Presentation and technical discussion
  • Presentation (oral, 140 minutes - including 120 minutes preparation time)
  • Expert discussion (oral, 30 minutes)
• Situations critical to success (oral, 30 minutes)

Each part of the examination can be subdivided into items. This subdivision and the weighting of the items in the marketing specialist examination is determined by the examination board in the guidelines.

Diploma and title:

Those who successfully complete the professional examination receive a federal certificate and are entitled to use the recognized and protected title:

• German: Marketing Specialist with Federal Certificate of Proficiency
• French: Spécialiste en marketing avec brevet fédéral
• Italian: Specialista in marketing con attestato professionale federale
• English: Marketing Specialist, Federal Diploma of Higher Education (Attention: This is only a recommendation/translation and not a protected title)