Self-test: Is the "Specialist in Physical Activity and Health Promotion (BP)" course right for me?
Test here whether the job profile "Specialist in exercise and health promotion with a federal certificate" (formerly fitness instructor and gymnastics studio manager BP) suits you and whether an extra-occupational preparatory course is the right path for you.
What is everyday working life like as a specialist in exercise and health promotion with a federal certificate?
A specialist in exercise and health promotion (formerly a fitness instructor and gym instructor) works in fitness centers, wellness centers, health centers, wellness hotels or is self-employed, for example. They often also teach by the hour in a neighborhood meeting place, in large companies or other institutions. The specialists inform and advise interested people, test their physical fitness and put together individual training programs. During training, they check the exerciser's movements and posture, monitor the correct functioning of the equipment and are available to answer any questions. The specialist in exercise and health promotion (formerly fitness instructor and gymnastics studio manager) is available in two specializations:
- Fitness and health training
The focus here is on the use of equipment. The specialists plan equipment-based training programs, put together individually tailored training sessions and instruct and monitor customers in the use of the equipment. - Body and movement training
This specialization focuses on the conscious use of the body and movement design. The specialists lead courses in breathing and relaxation techniques, body shapes and movement design.
The following activities are typical for a specialist in exercise and health promotion with a federal certificate:
- Putting together course lessons for individual customers and groups of different ages
- Creating individual training plans - planning training programs taking into account any factors that restrict movement and health
- Implementation of customized courses and training sessions
- Monitor trainings
- be the contact person for all customer questions
- Carry out personal training sessions
- Additional tasks specializing in "fitness and health training"
- Instruct equipment-based strength and endurance training
- Checking the correct settings of the training and fitness equipment
- Check movement sequences and posture for equipment use
- Adapt the load and duration of the training sessions to the requirements, performance and goals of the trainees
- Recognize incorrect and excessive loads and take corrective action
- Additional tasks in the field of "body and movement training"
- Leading exercise classes such as fitness gymnastics, cardiovascular training, back, osteoporosis or pelvic floor gymnastics, Nordic walking or aqua fitness
- Course composition according to order such as active vacation week or weekend events
- Stress reduction through relaxation techniques
- Finding rest after strenuous exercise
- Promotion of regeneration
- Other tasks in the areas of sales, communication, management and administration
- Telephone presence
- Advise interested parties
- Carry out trial training sessions
- Sale of memberships, subscriptions and products
- Cash management
- Cleaning and inspection work
- Team management, supervision of employees and apprentices as well as staff deployment planning
Question 1:
Do the activities meet your expectations? Can you imagine working as an exercise and health promotion specialist?
If you like the actual work on the whole, you can assume that you are in the right specialist area.
The next question is whether the preparatory course for the professional examination is the right further training course for you as a specialist in physical activity and health promotion to acquire the necessary skills. Continue to test the specialist in physical activity and health promotion course for yourself.
Even if you don't like all the tasks involved in being an exercise and health promotion specialist, it could still be the right job for you. Because in almost every job there are also less interesting tasks to be done. However, the majority of tasks as a specialist in exercise and health promotion with a federal certificate should interest you.
Take a look at descriptions of similar job profiles - perhaps a different degree would suit you better:
If you don't like most of the elements of the job profile, you could look at what you would have liked. Is it the training instructions, the sales activities or the administration? To be on the safe side, also check job advertisements for the position of specialist in exercise and health promotion, as the weighting of tasks can vary greatly depending on the size, sector and orientation of a company. Also check alternatives to specialist in exercise and health promotion.
If you are generally unsure about what you would like to do, we can help you with ourAdvisorhelp you find your own calling.
Target group and skills: Who is the specialist in exercise and health promotion with a federal certificate suitable for? What qualities and skills are required?
The training course for exercise and health promotion specialists with a federal certificate is aimed at people with an interest in sport and a health-conscious lifestyle who have their own fitness and strength training experience:
- People who have completed an apprenticeship as a specialist in exercise and health promotion EFZ
- People with professional experience as fitness and exercise trainers who wish to continue their education and obtain a federally recognized qualification
- Career changers with a keen interest in athletic fitness and a health-conscious lifestyle who want to work full-time in a fitness center or work in the growing fitness and health market
The following skills and characteristics are required for successful employment as a specialist in physical activity and health promotion:
- Open and friendly manners
- Confident and well-groomed appearance
- Discretion and loyalty
- Interest in working with people and health issues
- Committed, reliable, responsible and independent
- Motivational strength and patience
- Good powers of observation
- Pedagogical skills
- Flexibility in terms of working hours and irregular income
- High load capacity
Question 2:
Do you belong to one of the target groups of the Specialist in Physical Activity and Health Promotion training?
If you belong to the target group and you have the necessary skills and characteristics, then the Specialist in Exercise and Health Promotion course is still an option for you. The course still seems to fit your expectations.
- If you do not belong to any of the above-mentioned groups, you cannot apply directly for the federal certificate as a specialist in physical activity and health promotion. Entry opportunities in the fieldHealth promotionare numerous and may offer alternative educational opportunities that may interest you even more or suit you better.
- If you don't have the necessary skills and qualities for the job description of an exercise and health promotion specialist, you probably won't be good and satisfied in such a role. Look for alternative training courses in the fitness sector.
- If you are still unsure about your professional development, contact experienced people such as career advisors for targeted advice or coaching:
Requirements for admission to the professional examination for specialists in exercise and health promotion:
The following conditions must be met for admission to the federal examination in physical activity and health promotion:
- Completion of basic vocational training as a specialist in exercise and health promotion and professional practice
- in the field of fitness and health training at least 3500 hours in at least 2 to a maximum of 5 years
- 500 hours of supervised course units are required in the field of physical and movement training
or
- Completion of other basic vocational training at EFZ level or baccalaureate and professional experience
- in the field of fitness and health training at least 5000 hours in at least 2.5 to a maximum of 5 years
- 750 hours of supervised course units are required in the field of physical and movement training
and
- Module completions or certificates of equivalence
- BLS (CPR) card valid on the examination date
Some schools also require employment in a fitness center, regular training in a fitness center, good written and spoken German (at least level B2), participation in an introductory seminar for a fee, preliminary studies or a minimum age of 18 or 20 years.
You will be informed in writing at least three months before the start of the examination whether you meet the requirements for the professional examination in physical activity and health promotion.
Question 3:
Do you meet the requirements for training as a specialist in exercise and health promotion? And do you have the confidence to complete the additional courses required?
If you meet the requirements, you can start training as a specialist in exercise and health promotion as soon as possible. You will then be admitted to the professional examination.
If you are not sure whether your professional experience is sufficient, clarify your chances directly with the sponsor of the professional examination, theSwiss Fitness and Health Center Association,OdAandBGB Switzerland.
If you have too little or no professional experience for the professional examination Specialist in Exercise and Health Promotion, you have the following options:
- Search with the help of professional job boardsas followsfor suitable jobs.
- If you know someone who is employed in health promotion, ask this person for help in finding a job.
If you are not sure whether you are eligible for admission to the professional examination following the specialist training in exercise and health promotion with your qualifications through an equivalence test, please contact theExamination secretariator theSERIfor foreign degrees.
If you have not completed your basic vocational training, you can make up for it. How can you do this in ourAdvisor"The Swiss education system at a glance".
Or take a look at the "Fitness and movement trainer" course, which can be an intermediate step on the way to the professional examination:
If you do not have the necessary professional experience, you should look for a suitable position before you start training as a movement and health promotion specialist. Or find out about other further training opportunities in your field of work or a sensible intermediate step.
Subject matter and content of the Specialist in Physical Activity and Health Promotion continuing education program:
The subject matter of the preparatory courses for the professional examination to become a specialist in physical activity and health promotion is based on the requirements of the sponsoring body of the federal examination, theSwiss Fitness and Health Center Association,OdAandBGB Switzerland.
- Basic modules
- Anatomy and Physiology II
- Training theory II
- Methodology, didactics, learning psychology
- Main module
- Health promotion and lifestyle intervention
- Specialization "Fitness and health training"
- Basic module
- Advanced device-based and device-independent movement skills
- Main module
- Develop and implement training programs
- Basic module
- Subject area "Body and movement training"
- Basic module
- Enhanced body and movement skills
- Main module
- Develop and implement course programs
- Basic module
- Elective modules Training specialist in exercise and health promotion
- Network and further training
- Sales and administration
- Employee management
Question 4:
Are you interested in the contents of the Specialist in Physical Activity and Health Promotion further training course and would you like to acquire knowledge in these subject areas?
Perfect, the content seems to suit you perfectly. With the skills you have learned, you can score points on the job market and increase your salary prospects. You can now find out more about the structure and concept of the specialist training in exercise and health promotion from the training institutes.
If you are only partially interested in the content of the specialist training course in exercise and health promotion, then this course is probably not the right one for you. Then take a look at other training and further education opportunities in theHealth promotion areathat suit you better due to the content taught.
Obviously the typical course content for a specialist in exercise and health promotion with a federal certificate is not for you. 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 for specialists in exercise and health promotion:
The costs vary depending on the provider and duration of the specialist in physical activity and health promotion training. On average, these amounts are to be expected for the training costs:
- Course fees:between CHF 9'600.- and CHF 32'550.-
After taking the exam, you will receive around 50% of this back from the federal government on application (regardless of the result)*. - Examination fees:CHF 1,500 (as at: 2023)
The examination fee is set by the body responsible for the professional examination. It is paid by the candidate after confirmation of admission to the specialist in exercise and health promotion examination. - Extra costs:At some schools, the costs for enrolment fees, teaching materials, training documents, books, intensive exam training, simulation exams, school diplomas and interim qualifications, 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 for the Specialist in Exercise and Health Promotion course.
*Since 1.1.2018, preparatory courses for federal professional examinations such as the specialist in physical activity and health promotion training 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 cases of hardship, the federal contributions are also pre-financed in exceptional cases.
Question 5:
Are you able to pre-finance between CHF 9,600 and CHF 32,550 for the Specialist in Exercise and Health Promotion course and CHF 1,500 for the exam, depending on the course and provider?
Great! Here's another tip: If you are able to pay the full amount for the Specialist in Physical Activity and Health Promotion training upfront, many schools will give you a discount.
- Information on financial support options from the employer, federal government, canton, foundations or through loans from the Education Promotion FoundationEducaSwissyou will receive in ourAdvisor"How to finance your further training properly".
- Information on financial support for temporary workers through "temptraining", the further training fund of the temporary employment sector, is available athere.
- Information and help on budget planning and budget preparation can be foundhere.
First ask the schools about the actual costs you would have to expect for the specialist in physical activity and health promotion course. Then find out from your employer whether they will contribute to the costs of the specialist in physical activity and health promotion and ask your school about the possibility of paying in installments. Perhaps there is someone in your private circle who will support your further education project with a loan. There are also banks and credit institutions that grant educational loans.
- Information on financial support options from the employer, federal government, canton, foundations or through loans from the Education Promotion FoundationEducaSwissyou will receive in ourAdvisor"How to finance your further training properly".
- Information on financial support for temporary workers through "temptraining", the further training fund of the temporary employment sector, is available athere.
- Information and help on budget planning and budget preparation can be foundhere.
First ask the schools about the actual costs you would expect to incur for the specialist training in physical activity and health promotion. Then find out from your employer whether they will contribute to the costs and ask your school about the possibility of paying in installments. Perhaps there is someone in your private circle who will support your further education project as a specialist in exercise and health promotion with a loan. There are also banks and credit institutions that grant educational loans.
- Information on financial support options from the employer, federal government, canton, foundations or through loans from the Education Promotion FoundationEducaSwissyou will receive in ourAdvisor"How to finance your further training properly".
- Information on financial support for temporary workers through "temptraining", the further training fund of the temporary employment sector, is available athere.
- Information and help on budget planning and budget preparation can be foundhere.
Duration of study, number of teaching hours and learning effort for the training course Specialist in Physical Activity and Health Promotion:
- The specialist training in exercise and health promotion has a modular structure (i.e. some of the skills are assessed in module examinations prior to the professional examination and are only tested across modules in the final examination) and takes 2 to 5 years to complete while working. It comprises between 400 and 1,650 lessons.
- The teaching times vary depending on the provider of the specialist in physical activity and health promotion training. Lessons take place in blocks, with practical experience and self-study required in between. As a rule, lessons take place on one or two days during the week and/or on Saturdays.
- Many schools now offer a mix of face-to-face and online teaching (online, hybrid teaching, blended learning) as well as self-study.
- Thanks to the extra-occupational concept of the further education course Specialist in Exercise and Health Promotion, you can immediately apply and deepen the learning material in practice. Nevertheless, you should allow sufficient time for lesson preparation and follow-up as well as for self-study. Depending on your prior knowledge, working style and learning speed, we recommend that you allow at least 6 to 10 hours per week.
Note: Some schools offer so-called "taster lessons", which provide an insight into the lessons and the learning atmosphere. A suitable learning environment is important on the way to successfully graduating as a specialist in physical activity and health promotion.
Question 6:
Are you able to cope with the workload for the face-to-face lessons and the homework for the specialist training in physical activity and health promotion?
If you are confident that you can cope with the teaching time and learning effort, you should start training as a specialist in physical activity and health promotion. At most, you can consider whether you can achieve even better results with suitable learning and working methods and a learning plan. Efficient learning methods pay off in the case of the specialist in exercise and health promotion with a federal certificate.
If you are not able to devote as much time to the specialist in physical activity and health promotion training, check with the providers whether the training can be spread over more than five years. Or can you find another way to make room for yourself? Perhaps you can hand over certain tasks during the training period?
Degree, diploma and title of specialist in exercise and health promotion:
The professional examination "Specialist in physical activity and health promotion with a federal certificate" takes place annually if at least 10 candidates meet the admission requirements, otherwise every two years. It can be held in German, French or Italian.
Candidates for the professional examination in physical activity and health promotion will be notified at least 4 weeks 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) and the list of experts.
The professional examination Specialist in Exercise and Health Promotion consists of the following three parts:
| 1 | Concrete case work based on an integrated case:
|
In writing | 4 hours |
| 2 |
Role play and mini cases (reflection on typical practical situations):
|
orally | 1 hour |
| 3 |
Integrated practical task (carrying out a course or training unit):
|
practical | 1 hour |
Diploma and title "Specialist in physical activity and health promotion"
Graduates of the professional examination receive a federal certificate and are entitled to use the federally recognized and protected title "Specialist in physical activity and health promotion with a federal certificate" or "Specialist in physical activity and health promotion with a federal certificate" with the addition "Specialist in physical activity and movement training" or "Specialist in fitness and health training".
- In French: "Spécialiste en promotion de l'activité physique et de la santé avec brevet fédéral" avec "orientation fitness et activité santé" ou "orientation éducation corporelle et du mouvement"
- In Italian: "Specialista per la promozione dell'attività fisica e della salute con attestato professionale federale" con "specializzazione educazione fitness e salute" o "specializzazione educazione corporea e al movimento"
- In English: "Specialist in Physical Activity and Health Promotion, Federal Diploma of Higher Education" with "Option Fitness and Health Training" or "Option Body and Movement Training" (note: this is only a recommendation/translation and not a protected title)
Question 7:
Do you have the confidence to pass the professional examination for specialists in exercise and health promotion with a federal certificate?
Good, you are confident that you will successfully complete the professional examination following your training as a specialist in exercise and health promotion. Think about where you can best ensure the transfer of practical experience. Which learning and working methods are most efficient for you?
If you are unsure about a successful conclusion, we recommend the following:
- oneInformation eventof the favored educational institute
- onepersonal consultation appointmentwith the school of your choice for further training as a specialist in exercise and health promotion with a federal certificate
- at theSchool managementAsk about support options
- oneInformationfrom the sponsor of the professional examinationSwiss Fitness and Health Center Association,OdAandBGB Switzerlandto dispel your concerns
- itselfSupportfromLearning therapistorCoachthroughautogenicormental trainingGet
If you are very unsure, you could look at which subjects you may have struggled with in the past. If these are subjects that will be repeated in this final examination, you should find out about possible preparatory courses, fill in any gaps in your knowledge with the help of tutors or discuss the possibility of internal tests with the school. If you are worried about the basic medical knowledge required for training as a specialist in exercise and health promotion because you have no previous training in this area, discuss the possibility of preparatory courses with your school.
If you have intense exam anxiety, you could look for a different type of course that works more with learning achievements, mid-term exams or semester work. External help from learning therapists, kinesiologists, autogenic training providers or mental training providers can also be considered.
You can find suitable providers here:
No, this course for the federal certificate as a specialist in physical activity and health promotion (BP) does not suit you. What a pity? Maybe 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.
Specialist in physical activity and health promotion with a federal certificate is probably not the right further education 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 specialist in exercise and health promotion with a federal certificate does not 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 as a specialist in exercise and health promotion is not ideal for you - or is it?
If you are unsure, the best thing to do is to attend the information events organized by the providers of specialists in exercise and health promotion with a federal certificate. There you can find out more about the further training and discuss your personal options and questions directly with the specialist representatives present.
Directly to the schools:
"Specialist in physical activity and health promotion with a federal certificate"
Training as a specialist in exercise and health promotion 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:
"Specialist in physical activity and health promotion with a federal certificate"
The Specialist in Exercise and Health Promotion 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:
"Specialist in physical activity and health promotion with a federal certificate"
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