Self-test: Is the master tinsmith course (HFP) right for me?
Do you think the master tinsmith apprenticeship suits you?
Find out now and take our free, no-obligation self-test.
Here you can find out whether you are on the right track with a preparatory course for the higher professional examination (formerly known as the master craftsman's examination) "Master tinsmith with federal diploma".
Benefit from further information that is tailored to the respective answer options "Yes", "Partly", "No".
You will receive the result at the end of the self-test. You will also receive an overview of suitable providers for the master plumber training for the federal diploma, as well as helpful tips on the question "How do I find the right school?".
What does the day-to-day work of a master tinsmith with a federal diploma look like?
Master tinsmiths take on specialist and management tasks in medium-sized to large companies. However, they are often self-employed and run their own tinsmith business. Master tinsmiths are responsible for a job from acquisition and project planning through to completion and invoicing. They are involved in practical work in the workshop and on the construction site as well as in organizational and administrative tasks.
Master tinsmiths draw up a cost and construction proposal for each job and the desired construction measures, which also includes calculating and ordering the materials and planning the deployment of employees. To ensure that the jobs are carried out as requested by the client and completed on time, master tinsmiths monitor the budget and regularly visit the construction site to monitor progress and consult with the client and architects. On the construction site, they instruct the employees as required and offer technical and manual support. They also ensure that occupational safety and accident prevention measures are adhered to. On completion of the job, they invoice the work carried out and the expenses incurred.
In the area of company management, master plumbers are also involved in tasks relating to finance, accounting, law, insurance and taxation as well as personnel management. They also develop suitable marketing measures for customer acquisition. Finally, they look after their customers and maintain their customer relationships.
What are the classic tinsmith jobs?
Tinsmiths ensure that roofs and facades are protected from the effects of weather such as sun, rain, hail, speed and wind. To do this, they work with sheet metal parts, which they process, install, maintain and, if necessary, repair.
Question 1:
Do the activities described meet your expectations? Would you like to work as a master tinsmith?
Great! The course to become a master tinsmith seems to be a good fit for you.
By the way: If you are looking for further suitable training opportunities after successfully completing your master tinsmith training, take a look at theEducational guidance offered by Ausbildung-Weiterbildung.ch.
Based on the information you provide in the questionnaire, our education advisors will make suitable suggestions for courses, seminars or training programs, provide an overview of the various levels and types of education and assist you with questions about the Swiss education system. You will thus receive an initial overview based on the information you provide. This can support you in your search for or decision on the right education or further training.
If you don't like all the jobs, think about which ones interest you the most. Also take a look at relevant job advertisements. Perhaps you will find some that only require the activities that suit you better; then you are in the right place with this master plumber training. Remember: in practically every job there are activities that are less interesting. It is important to make sure that these do not predominate.
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.
Are you still looking for your own calling? Then take a look at our guide "Finding your vocation".Hereyou can download the guide free of charge.
Target group and skills: Who is the "Master Tinsmith" higher professional examination with a federal diploma suitable for? What qualities and skills are required?
The course and the higher professional examination (formerly "master craftsman examination") to become a "master tinsmith with a federal diploma" or "master tinsmith with a federal diploma" are aimed at proven specialists from the tinsmith industry who wish to specialize further in this field in order to be able to take on more responsible specialist and management tasks in the future. With the federal diploma, they want to prove their knowledge and skills with a corresponding federally recognized certificate in order to position themselves advantageously on the job market and increase their own career and salary opportunities.
In order to do justice to their tasks, master tinsmiths should have the following personal qualities and skills:
- Communication skills
- Ability to organize and coordinate
- Physically fit (no loss of balance/dizziness)
- Manual dexterity
- Leadership skills
- Sense of responsibility
- Negotiating skills
- Customer-, service- and solution-oriented way of working
- Reliability
- Independence
- Physical and mental resilience
- Stress resistance
- Ability to work in a team
Question 2:
Do you belong to one of the target groups for this training course and do you have the necessary personal qualities?
Great! You're on the right track with the master tinsmith course. Find out more about the admission requirements in the next step
- If you do not belong to any of the above-mentioned groups of people for the master tinsmith training, you cannot aim directly for the federal diploma. There are various ways to continue your education in the direction of "leadership". In this case, take a look atfollowing page.You may be able to find suitable training and further education courses here that are aimed precisely at people like you.
- Perhaps you would be better off with a professional examination for a federal certificate as a tinsmith foreman? The federal certificate is a prerequisite for admission to the higher professional examination for master tinsmiths anyway.Hereyou will find more information and suitable providers.
- If you do not have the necessary personal qualities and skills, you will not be happy with this demanding management role in the plumbing industry. Look out for further training opportunities that offer a technical 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 "Master Tinsmith" (HFP):
In order to be admitted to the higher professional examination for "Master tinsmith", you must fulfill the following requirements by the start of the examination or examination registration:
- Be in possession of a federal certificate (BP) as a tinsmith foreman or an equivalent qualification
And
- Have at least four years of professional experience in the plumbing industry after completing basic vocational training
And
- Have the required module qualifications* or certificates of equivalence
*The required module completions relate to the following module groups:
- Work organization
- Applied legal issues
- Finance
- Corporate management
- Marketing
- Personnel management
- Networking module corporate management
The individual modules of the master tinsmith training are completed in the preparatory courses for the higher professional examination. Upon successful completion of the respective module, candidates receive a certificate of competence, the so-called "module certificate", which is valid for five years as admission to the final examination.
You will find out whether you have been admitted to the higher professional examination at least three months before the start of the examination with a written notification including reasons in the event of a negative decision.
You do not yet meet all the admission requirements?
Some schools are nevertheless prepared to admit you to a preparatory course for the Higher Professional Examination for Master Tinsmiths. It is then your responsibility to ensure that you meet the necessary requirements at the time of the examination/examination registration.
Some schools also offer courses without the intention of taking an exam. In this case, however, the admission requirements vary depending on the provider.
Question 3:
Do you meet the requirements for admission?
Great! You can start looking for a suitable school where you would like to complete the preparatory course for the HFP as a "master tinsmith".
In addition: Find out more about the course content, costs/financing, duration/teaching and examination procedure/completion in the next steps. These are also important points on the way to the federal diploma and the answer to the question: Is the master tinsmith apprenticeship right for me?
If you are not sure whether your professional experience will be recognized as professional experience for master tinsmiths, clarify your chances directly with the sponsor of the federal examination, theSwiss-Liechtenstein Building Technology Association (suissetec).
If you have too little or no (relevant) 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 tips on how to proceed.
- If you know someone from your private or professional environment who is already working in the tinsmith industry, 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, please contact theExamination secretariatfor an equivalence test.
Do you have a foreign qualification? SERI is responsible for assessing the equivalence of foreign qualifications for admission to the HFP.Hereyou will find more information.
If you are not sure whether your professional experience will be recognized as professional experience for master tinsmiths, clarify your chances directly with the sponsor of the federal examination, theSwiss-Liechtenstein Building Technology Association (suissetec).
If you have too little or no (relevant) 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 tips on how to proceed.
- If you know someone from your private or professional environment who is already working in the tinsmith industry, 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, please contact theExamination secretariatfor an equivalence test.
Do you have a foreign qualification? 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
When compiling the course content for the master tinsmith apprenticeship, the schools are guided by the specifications of suissetec, the sponsor of the federal examination. It is responsible for periodically reviewing and, if necessary, updating the higher professional examination and the requirements for master tinsmiths. This ensures that the knowledge and skills imparted meet the requirements of the job market.
In the master tinsmith training course, the respective topics are taught within modules. Which topics are covered in which module is shown below:
- Work organization" module:Construction and technical drawing (CAS / IT-supported drawing, construction drawing, detailed sketches, technical drawing), order processing (management processes, project management, damage analysis, occupational safety)
- Module "Applied legal issues":Application of the law (basis and application of common types of contracts in the trade, such as purchase contracts, rental contracts, consumer credit agreements, in-depth knowledge of employment contract law and contracts for work and services, commercial register, company law, forms of company (SG, GmbH, association, etc.), procedure for initiating proceedings, various types of debt collection, structure and tasks of the trade association, inheritance law, etc.).
- Finance" module:Financial and operational accounting (including accounting, income statement, balance sheet, bookkeeping, accounting), financial management (including balance sheet and income statement analysis, investment planning, investment calculation, liquidity planning), costing supported by IT (costing, post-costing, project planning)
- Corporate Management" moduleCorporate management (including economics (VWL), business administration (BWL), business plan)
- Marketing" module:Marketing (basics of marketing, analysis, goals and strategies, marketing instruments, marketing implementation)
- Personnel management" module:Personnel management (including personnel management tasks, personnel planning, recruitment, selection, development, employee induction, wage policy, social policy, termination of employment relationships)
- Module "Networking module corporate management"Management tasks, systematic networking and collaboration, presentation and argumentation.
Question 4:
Are you interested in these contents of the master tinsmith training, 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 plumbing industry. You may find a course that suits you better.
Obviously the typical subject areas of training to become a master tinsmith 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
The costs for the preparatory courses for the higher professional examination for master tinsmiths are determined independently by the schools. There may therefore be differences.
You can expect the following costs for a master tinsmith training course:
- Course feesbetween CHF 19'000.- and CHF 21'000.-
Cost reduction thanks to subject funding from the federal governmentSince 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.
In addition, suisstec members receive course discounts. The amount is automatically refunded by suisstec to the entitled persons. - Examination fee:CHF 1,000 (as of August 2023), for suisstec members around CHF 400. The examination fee is set by the organizing body of the federal examination and is binding for all candidates. It is paid by the candidate after admission has been confirmed.
- Fee for module examinationsTotal approx. CHF 2'100.-, these are determined by the providers and are partly already included in the course fees.
- Extra costsThe costs for teaching materials, training documents, simulation exams and module exams, for example, are not included in the course fees at some schools. Please contact the provider of your choice directly to find out what additional costs you can expect.
Question 5:
Question Step 5: Are you able to pre-finance CHF 20,000 to 22,000 for the course and the higher professional examination (plus costs for the module examinations)?
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.
You can find information on financial support options from your employer, the federal government, the canton, foundations or loans from the EducaSwiss Foundation in ourGuide "How to finance your further training properly".
Information and help on budget planning and budget preparation can be foundhere.
At most schools, you can pay the course costs for training to become a "master tinsmith" in installments. But beware: most schools charge a small surcharge for paying in installments.
Ask your employer whether they will contribute to the costs of the master plumber training course (HFP).
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.
You can find information on financial support options from your employer, the federal government, the canton, foundations or loans from the EducaSwiss Foundation 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.
At most schools, you can pay the course costs for training to become a "master tinsmith" in installments. But beware: most schools charge a small surcharge for paying in installments.
Ask your employer whether they will contribute to the costs of the master plumber training course (HFP).
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.
You can find information on financial support options from your employer, the federal government, the canton, foundations or loans from the EducaSwiss Foundation 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 and structure of studies, teaching times, teaching formats and learning effort
- Duration and structure:The training to become a master tinsmith takes three semesters and is completed on a part-time basis. It is designed as a modular model, i.e. a "modular system with final examination", which means that candidates must have successfully completed the specified modules and have the corresponding module certificates before they can sit the final examination.
- Lesson times:The schools themselves are responsible for drawing up a timetable - the lesson times can vary accordingly. As a rule, the lessons take place on Fridays and Saturdays (all day). In some cases, block weeks are also possible.
- Teaching formatsSince the coronavirus pandemic at the latest, many schools have been offering different teaching formats: Face-to-face teaching and online formats such as online teaching, hybrid teaching and blended learning. You can therefore choose the format that allows you to combine further education with family, work and leisure in the best possible way. You can find an overview of the teaching formats in the answers. Not sure about the differences between the various teaching formats? In the answers you will find a helpful link to an overview of the teaching formats.
- Learning effort:Thanks to the extra-occupational concept of the master tinsmith further training 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-learning - 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.
Would you like to get a personal impression of the school first? This is possible at some schools with so-called "taster lessons". It offers you the opportunity to gain an insight into the lessons and the learning atmosphere. Two 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.
Perhaps you could also get together with other course participants from the class to form a learning group? The exchange with like-minded people and the commitment to meet at a fixed time to learn together can be very motivating.
You can find the different lesson formats and their features at a glance onthis page.
If you do not have that much time, contact the providers and clarify whether you can complete the "Master Tinsmith" (HFP) 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
Do you have all the required module certificates and can you also show the required number of years of professional experience as well as the federal certificate as a tinsmith foreman? Then you can take the higher professional examination for master tinsmiths.
The higher professional examination is held annually in the three official languages German, French and Italian if at least ten candidates meet the admission requirements after the call for applications, otherwise every two years. Candidates can decide for themselves in which language they wish to be examined.
Candidates are notified at least 30 days before the start of the examination. The invitation includes the examination program (location, time of the examination, permitted aids) and the list of experts.
The higher professional examination lasts a total of 5 hours and consists of two parts:
1) Business management case study (written, 4h)
In this part of the examination, candidates must analyze and solve a problem.
2) Diploma thesis in plumbing technology (written, prepared in advance, weighting: 2)
With the diploma thesis (individual work), candidates demonstrate that they are able to tackle challenging problems independently and develop practical solutions.
2.1) Presentation of diploma thesis / technical discussion (oral, 1h, weighting: 1)
In the final part of the examination, candidates present their diploma thesis to the experts and then answer their questions.
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 "Master tinsmith with a federal diploma".
In French: "Maître ferblantier titulaire du diplôme fédéral"
In Italian: "Maestro lattoniere diplomato federale / Maestra lattoniere diplomata federale"
Recommended English translation (note: this is not a protected title): "Master Tinsmith with Federal Diploma of Higher Vocational Education and Training"
Question 7:
Do you have the confidence to pass the higher professional examination for the federal diploma for master tinsmiths?
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 exam experience, e.g. in simulation exams
If you are unsure, we recommend that you attend an information event for the master tinsmith training course.
Arrange a personal consultation appointment with the school of your choice or the sponsor of the higher professional examination: theSwiss-Liechtenstein Building Technology Association (suisstec). 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.
Do you suffer from exam anxiety and is this possibly the reason for your insecurity? Here, too, you can get appropriate support to learn suitable techniques and also experience the positive sides of exam anxiety. You can find suitable providershere.
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 exam experience, e.g. in simulation exams
If you are not at all confident of passing the final examination for master tinsmiths, but would like to complete the training, it is best to arrange a personal consultation appointment with a school or the sponsor of the higher professional examination: theSwiss-Liechtenstein Building Technology Association (suisstec). 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 or the acquisition of appropriate mindfulness and relaxation techniques, which are helpful, for example, in the event of exam anxiety. You can find suitable offers here:
No, the course for the Federal Diploma in Master Tinsmithing (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.
Master tinsmith training is probably not the right 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.
That's a half-hearted result: working as a master tinsmith with a federal diploma 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.
The master tinsmith apprenticeship 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:
"Master tinsmith training (HFP)"
How do I find the right school for me?
Among other things, ourGuide: "How to choose the right training provider"
At the back of the guide you will find a helpful checklist with the most important points to clarify, which will help you to keep an overview.
Also take a look at ourEvaluation tool with numerous evaluations from former course participantsto.
Thanks to the numerous filter options, including the number of stars, region, year or school, you can display exactly the ratings that interest you.
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:
"Master tinsmith training (HFP)"
How do I find the right school for me?
To help you decide on a tinsmith apprenticeship, take a look at ourGuide: "How to choose the right training provider"
At the back of the guide you will find a helpful checklist with the most important points to clarify, which will help you to keep an overview.
Also take a look at ourEvaluation tool with numerous evaluations from former course participantsto.
Thanks to the numerous filter options, including the number of stars, region, year or school, you can display exactly the ratings that interest you.
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:
"Master tinsmith training (HFP)"
How do I find the right school for me?
To help you decide on the master tinsmith training course, please refer to ourGuide: "How to choose the right training provider"
At the back of the guide you will find a helpful checklist with the most important points to clarify, which will help you to keep an overview.
Also take a look at ourEvaluation tool with numerous evaluations from former course participantsto.
Thanks to the numerous filter options, including the number of stars, region, year or school, you can display exactly the ratings that interest you.