Self-test Production specialist with federal certificate (BP): Is this course suitable for me?
Test here whether a job as a specialist in the mechanical, electrical and metal industry with a federal certificate is right for you and whether a preparatory course for the federal vocational examination "Production Specialist" is the right path for you.
What does the day-to-day work of a production specialist with a federal certificate look like?
A production specialist works in small, medium-sized and large companies in the MEM sector (mechanical, electrical and metal industries). They are the manager of a workshop, group or project and act as a link between the employees and the management.
Production specialists are experts in the field of industrial manufacturing of products and parts in the MEM industry. Their aim is to optimize manufacturing and production processes in line with the economic aspects of Industry 4.0 and put them into practice.
They carry out the following activities:
- Planning the individual work steps
- Determination of suitable manufacturing and processing methods
- Organization, control, monitoring and improvement of processes
- Initiation and development of solutions (e.g. automation)
- Independent development of simple constructions
- Consideration of the cost-effective and environmentally conscious use of resources
- Control of production and resource efficiency with optimum capacity utilization (minimum downtime)
- Verification of product quality.
Production specialists have specialist knowledge of, among other things, the structure and function of production systems that manufacture individual parts, for example. They ensure that the production systems are optimally utilized and work without any faults. As "production cracks", they are able to locate, analyze and rectify faults or malfunctions. They help decide on the purchase of new tools, machines and other production equipment and are also responsible for their maintenance. They carry out minor maintenance and repair work themselves.
Production specialists are team leaders. They carry out their managerial role according to modern communication and management principles. They set targets for the whole team as well as on an individual level for individual employees and give clear and comprehensible work instructions. They also play a key role in the training of apprentices. They use their expertise to advise line managers and customers on technical issues and matters relating to investments.
Question 1:
Do the activities described meet your expectations? Would you like to work as a production specialist?
If you don't like all the jobs, think about which ones interest you the most. Also take a look at 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.
Or perhaps another, related training course would suit you better? For example:
- Automation specialist (BP)
- Management Specialist (BP)
- Maintenance specialist (BP)
- Metal construction designer (BP)
- Metal construction, workshop and assembly manager (BP)
- Process specialist (BP)
- Welding specialist (BP)
- Technical Business Management Assistant (BP)
If you don't necessarily have to take a professional examination with a federal certificate, there is also the option of completing a course or training program with a school certificate or attending seminars on the subject. Perhaps that would be something for you?
- Industry 4.0(public seminars)
- Digitization/Purchasing4.0 (Cert.)
- Team leader in the technical-production area(Cert.)
If you don't like the activities, take a look at the numerous other further training opportunities.
Target group: Who is the vocational examination for production specialists with a federal certificate suitable for?
The "Production Specialist (BP)" courses are suitable for:
- People with a technical vocational qualification (EFZ), e.g. mechanic EFZ, polymechanic EFZ, production mechanic EFZ, design engineer EFZ, plant and apparatus engineer EFZ, automation technician EFZ, electronics technician EFZ, IT technician EFZ or equivalent qualification, who wish to qualify for a lower to middle management position in a production company.
- Professionals in the MEM sector (mechanical, electrical and metal industries) who want to take on more responsibility for production, processes and employees.
Production specialists should have the following personal requirements:
- Technical understanding
- Spatial imagination
- Craftsmanship
- Structured and goal-oriented way of working
- Motivational ability
- Commitment
- Assertiveness
- Load capacity
- Patience and perseverance
- Organizational talent
- Sense of responsibility
- Good linguistic expression
- High social competence
- Ability to work in a team
- Leadership ability
Question 2:
Do you belong to the target group for this training and do you have the necessary personal qualities?
- If you do not belong to any of the above-mentioned groups, you cannot apply directly for the Federal PET Diploma. There are various ways to enter the MEM industries (mechanical, electrical and metal industries). Take a look at our free guide 4.7 "Training and further education in mechanical and metal engineering". You may come across further training courses that are aimed precisely at people like you.
- If you don't have the necessary personal qualities and skills, you probably won't be happy in this management role in the mechanical, electrical and metal industry. Look out for further training opportunities that offer in-depth technical training or specialization and require less prominent management tasks. You can find suggestions in our guide "Training and further education in mechanical and metal engineering". Also take a look at theWebsite of the professional associationThe Swiss Association for Mechanical-Technical Training VMTW, where you will also find interesting training opportunities. Courses and seminars on the subject are also available for professional development. You can find suitable offers on Ausbildung-Weiterbildung.ch, such as the public seminar onIndustry 4.0.
- If you are unsure whether you are suited to a management role, it is best to discuss this with experienced people such as career advisors.
Requirements for admission to the federal vocational examination for production specialists:
You must meet the following requirements for admission to the federal vocational examination "Production Specialist (BP)":
- Federal certificate of proficiency (EFZ) as a polymechanic, production mechanic, mechanic, design engineer or equivalent qualification.
- 2 years of professional experience with four-year basic training or 3 years of professional experience with three-year basic training in the MEM sector after completion of the apprenticeship.
- The following module qualifications* or confirmation(s) of equivalence:
- Technical Calculations module
- Specialist module Resource Management
- Specialist module process control
- Specialist module Industry 4.0 (Basic)
- Specialist module on working methods and leadership
- Specialist elective module CNC-CAM techniques or specialist elective module Handling Systems
*This module regulation has been in force since February 2020; until the end of 2024, candidates who obtained the required (and still valid) module qualifications before this change will still be admitted to the final examination.
You will find out whether you will be admitted to the professional examination at least six months before the examination begins.
Note: Individual schools may also be prepared to admit you to a preparatory course for the vocational examination for production specialists if you do not (yet) meet the criteria for admission to the federal examination. It is then your responsibility to ensure that you meet the necessary requirements at the time of the examination/application for the examination.
Question 3:
Do you meet the requirements for admission?
If you are not sure whether your professional experience will be recognized as professional practice for production specialists, whether your degree will be assessed as equivalent or whether the module qualifications you have already completed will (still) be recognized, please contact the body responsible for the examination regulations, theSwiss Association for Mechanical-Technical Training VMTW. They will be happy to help you.
If you have little or no professional experience, you have the following options:
- Search for suitable jobs with the help of professional job boards.
- If you know someone from your private or professional environment who is already working in the MEM 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 do not have the required 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 practice for production specialists, whether your degree will be assessed as equivalent or whether the module qualifications you have already completed will (still) be recognized, please contact the body responsible for the examination regulations, theSwiss Association for Mechanical-Technical Training VMTW. They will be happy to help you.
If you have little or no professional experience, you have the following options:
- Search for suitable jobs with the help of professional job boards.
- If you know someone from your private or professional environment who is already working in the MEM 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 do not have the required 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 content of the preparatory courses for the federal vocational examination for production specialists is based on the specifications of the sponsoring body for the vocational examination, the Swiss Association for Mechanical-Technical Continuing Education VMTW. The course material is divided into three areas, which in turn comprise various modules with different content:
1) Basic, general knowledge and skills
- Technical calculations (mathematics and physics)
- Applied Computer Science I
2) Specialist and industry-specific knowledge and skills
- Resource management
- Process control
- Industry 4.0 (Basic)
- CNC/CAM techniques (elective module)
- Handling Systems (elective module)
3) Leadership-specific knowledge and skills
- Working methods and leadership
Question 4:
Are you interested in this content, would you like to acquire this knowledge?
If you are only partially interested in this federal certificate, take a look at other training and further education courses in the mechanical, electrical and metal industry. You may find a course that suits you better due to the content taught.
- Would you like to focus on leadership and management tasks? Then take a look at the professional examination "Management Specialist (BP)" to.
- Are you more interested in the maintenance of machines, systems and buildings? Then the professional examination "Maintenance specialist (BP)" something for you.
- Are procedures and processes your world? Then perhaps the professional examination for "Process specialist (BP)" liked.
- Are you looking for a broad training program that will provide you with knowledge and skills in accounting, logistics, management, law and leadership? Perhaps the professional examination "Technical business management assistant" exactly to your ideas and wishes.
Obviously the typical areas of responsibility of production specialists 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 may vary depending on the provider. In general, the following costs can be expected for the 2- or 3-semester, part-time course:
- Course fees: between CHF 9,900 and CHF 13,600, half of which you will receive back from the federal government on application after passing the examination (regardless of the result) (federal contributions*). If you complete the production specialist course with a Swissmechanic/VMTW training partner and your employer is a member of Swissmechanic and pays into the vocational training fund, you will be reimbursed a further part of the course costs (around CHF 700).
- Examination fee: After positive notification of admission, the candidate pays the examination fee of CHF 1,800 (as of 2021).
- Some providers charge extra costs for teaching materials, training documents and the seminar hotel. Please contact the respective provider directly for more information.
The course fees for the "Production Specialist (BP)" course are to be paid either at the start of the course or by the semester. In individual cases, it is also possible to arrange individual installment payments, please contact the provider of your choice directly.
* Since 1.1.2018, preparatory courses for federal professional examinations (BP) / 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 cases of hardship, it is also possible to receive the federal contribution in advance.
Question 5:
Are you able to pre-finance approx. CHF 11,700-15,400 for course fees and the federal examination?
Great! Here's another tip: If you are able to pay the full amount in advance: Check with the school of your choice to see if they offer a special discount for paying in full upfront.
Information on financial support from the federal government can be found hereLinkto the Swiss Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation.
Information on the partial reimbursement of tuition fees by Swissmechanic/VMTW and the application form can be obtained fromhere.
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 from the federal government can be found hereLinkto the Swiss Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation.
Information on the partial reimbursement of tuition fees by Swissmechanic/VMTW and the application form can be obtained fromhere.
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 from the federal government can be found hereLinkto the Swiss Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation.
Information on the partial reimbursement of tuition fees by Swissmechanic/VMTW and the application form can be obtained fromhere.
Duration of study, number of lessons and learning effort
- The "Production Specialist (BP)" course lasts 2-3 semesters, has a modular structure and is completed on a part-time basis. In addition, the course forms the first year of the HF degree course to become a "qualified technician HF mechanical engineering, production technology".
- The course contains 580 lessons, which are usually completed in blocks on two days a week (usually Monday or Friday and Saturday). In addition, there is one week for the work methodology and leadership module.
- The individual time required for self-study and exam preparation averages a further 3-5 hours per week.
Question 6:
Can you find the time for lessons and self-study?
Great! If you've been bitten by the school bug, why not take a look at the HF course for production technicians? The production technician course forms the first year, the foundation, so to speak, on which you will then build further during your studies. For more information on the "Graduate Technician HF Mechanical Engineering, Production Technology" degree, please contacthere.
If you do not have that much time, contact the providers and clarify whether you can possibly complete the course over more than two or 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 for "Production Specialist" takes place annually in October (as of 2021), provided that 10 candidates meet the admission requirements. It can be taken in one of the three official languages German, French and Italian.
The federal examination consists of three parts, which are structured as follows:
1) Project work: prepared in advance, written (weighting 3x)
Within six weeks, candidates work individually and independently on a written paper in which they develop and document a topic from their own working environment. They submit the topic 5 months before the examination. It is then checked by a team of experts to ensure that it conforms to the rules and is released or returned for revision 2.5 months before the examination. The paper comprises 20-22 pages (excluding directories, management summary and appendix) and must comply with the specifications on the design and form of the documentation.
2) Presentation of the project work: 20 minutes, oral (weighting 1x)
During the presentation, the candidates present their project work orally. The following infrastructure is usually available for this purpose: Beamer, blackboard, flipchart, overhead projector, PC, CD drive and USB access.
3) Expert discussion: 40 minutes, oral (weighting 2x)
The candidates answer the experts' questions in the technical discussion.
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.
Diploma and title:
Graduates of the professional examination receive a federal certificate and may use the federally recognized and protected title "Production Specialist with Federal Certificate".
In French: "Expert / Experte en production avec brevet fédéral"
In Italian: "Esperto / Esperta in produzione con attestato professionale federale"
In English: "Expert in Production, Federal Diploma of Higher Education"
Question 7:
Do you have the confidence to pass the federal professional examination?
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 professional examination to theSwiss Association for Mechanical-Technical Training VMTW. 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.
If you are not confident about taking the federal professional examination, you may not be left empty-handed after successfully completing the preparatory course: if you have successfully completed all modules, some schools may give you aschool certificate.
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 for Mechanical-Technical Training VMTW. 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 as a production specialist (BP) does not suit you. What a pity? - Perhaps not, because there are so many other options for further training. One or the other will 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.
Production specialist 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: working as a production specialist 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 as a production specialist 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: