How long does further training to become a "PR specialist (BP)" take and how much does it cost?

Duration and procedure

The preparatory courses to become a public relations specialist are designed to be taken part-time.
They last between 8 and 12 months.
Depending on the provider, the course comprises between 198 and 410 lessons.
Lessons take place on a weekly basis or on individual days, usually Fridays and Saturdays.
You can choose from various teaching formats: Face-to-face, online, hybrid teaching and/or accompanied e-learning.
The federal examination for PR specialists with a federal certificate takes place once a year if at least 30 candidates meet the admission requirements. As a gesture of goodwill on the part of the examination organization, it can also be held with fewer candidates. In this case, however, it is not guaranteed to take place. The professional examination can be taken in one of the three official languages German, French and Italian.

The fees for the courses to prepare for the professional examination vary between CHF 5,300 and CHF 9,900.
The examination fee of CHF 1690 (as of spring 2021) also includes CHF 40 for the issue of the federal certificate and entry in the SERI register.
In principle, the course fees also include the costs for course materials, simulation exams and case and exam corrections. Please contact the respective provider directly and clarify whether other costs are to be expected.
Since 2018, graduates of continuing education courses that prepare for a professional examination (BP) or higher professional examination (HFP) have received financial support from the federal government. Once you have passed the federal examination, you will receive up to 50% of the training costs back from the federal government upon application (regardless of the result). Further information is available here:www.sbfi.admin.ch