Self-test: Is the "e-commerce specialist" vocational examination a good fit for me?
Do you think the job of an e-commerce specialist meets your expectations and wishes?
Take the test now!
The result at the end of the self-test will show you whether you are on the right track with e-commerce training for a federal certificate.
What does the everyday working life of e-commerce specialists with a federal certificate look like?
E-commerce specialists work in companies and organizations of all sizes that operate an online store and sell goods or services online. They are responsible for the creation, operation and further development of the online store and also take on the role of team leader.
E-commerce specialists plan and implement projects for online stores and digital platforms. For example, they optimize the purchasing process and product presentations to ensure a satisfying digital shopping experience. To do this, they keep up to date with the latest developments and trends. They analyze their significance for their own online store and take appropriate measures. Furthermore, e-commerce specialists with a federal certificate check and update various master data, such as product descriptions, images and videos. They also draw up and monitor the budget.
Their area of activity also includes the planning and implementation of marketing projects (including social media, blogs, newsletters) and analyzing whether the desired effect has been achieved. They take into account legal aspects such as data protection and copyright and ensure compliance with these.
E-commerce specialists work together with various departments: ICT, logistics, product management, marketing, etc. They maintain good contact with manufacturers and wholesalers as well as specialists and experts and therefore regularly exchange information on a wide range of topics - such as logistics processes (returns, sustainable packaging, waste disposal) or new sales channels (e.g. Click & Collect).
Question 1:
Do the activities described meet your expectations? Would you like to work as an e-commerce specialist (BP)?
Great! Then you've come to the right place with this course.
By the way: If you are looking for further suitable training opportunities after successfully completing the federal certificate, take a look at theEducational counseling offerfrom 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. 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.
Take a look at the following guides:
You may come across courses here that are better suited to your requirements in terms of activities.
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.
Target group and skills: Who is the professional examination to become an e-commerce specialist with a federal certificate suitable for? What qualities and skills are required?
The e-commerce training, further training and the professional examination to become an "e-commerce specialist" are aimed at the following target groups:
- Ambitious professionals from the retail trade, commercial sector, logistics or ICT who work in e-commerce and would now like to acquire in-depth knowledge and skills in online shopping
- Determined business people, retailers, logisticians and ICT specialists who are responsible for an online store in their professional activities and would like to enhance their profile and career opportunities with a federal certificate.
E-commerce specialists should have the following personal qualities and skills:
- Enthusiasm for technology and digitalization
- Understanding of technology, sales and marketing
- Creativity
- Sociability
- Communication skills
- Organizational talent
- Sense for numbers
- Analytical and logical thinking
- Effective, efficient and independent way of working
- Negotiation and sales skills
- 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!
- If you do not belong to any of the target groups mentioned, you cannot apply directly for the Federal PET Diploma. No need to throw your hands up in the air right away. Many paths lead to the e-commerce sector. Take a look at the following pages:
You may come across further training courses here that are aimed precisely at people like you.
- If you do not have the necessary personal qualities and skills, you will not be happy in this job. 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 professional examination for E-Commerce Specialist:
Persons who meet the following admission requirements by the time of the professional examination or registration deadline are admitted to the final examination (BP):
- Federal certificate of proficiency (EFZ) as a retail specialist, businessman / businesswoman, mediamatician, computer scientist or customer dialog specialist or equivalent qualification and at least 2 years of professional experience* in the e-commerce sector
Or
- Apprenticeship (EFZ) in another profession or equivalent qualification and at least 3 years of professional experience* in e-commerce
And
- The required module qualifications** or certificates of equivalence. Please note that access to store software is mandatory for completing the modules.
You will receive written notification at least 4 months before the start of the examination as to whether you have been admitted to the professional examination. If you receive a rejection letter, you will be informed of the reasons for the rejection as well as instructions on how to appeal.
Note: Some schools are prepared to admit you to a preparatory course for the professional examination for e-commerce 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/examination registration.
By the way: At some schools, it is possible to complete only the e-commerce course without taking an exam. However, you will not end up empty-handed. As a rule, you will receive a course confirmation or the school's own certificate after completing the course. It is best to contact the school of your choice directly for such course-specific questions.
* Qualified professional experience in the e-commerce sector is defined as work in a trading function or in a trading company in the e-commerce sector. Part-time positions are credited on a pro rata basis.
**
- Module 1 - BUA A: Establishing and developing a digital platform
- Module 2 - HKB B: Optimizing the digital product presentation
- Module 3 - HKB C: Digitizing sales processes
- Module 4 - HKB D: Realization of marketing activities
- Module 5 - HKB E: Interacting at interfaces
- Module 6 - HKB F: Managing projects and project teams
- Module 7 - HKB G: Networking and operating in the digital market
Question 3:
Do you meet the requirements for admission?
Great!
- If you are not sure whether your professional experience will be counted as professional experience for e-commerce specialists, please clarify this directly with the sponsoring body or the examination secretariat of the professional examination: theAssociation sponsoring the federal professional examination "E-Commerce Specialist" (TEPEC). Here you will receive a binding preliminary clarification.
- If you have little or no professional experience, you have the following options:
- Use professional job boards to search for suitable jobs in order to gain the required work experience.Hereyou will find helpful information.
- If you know someone from your private or professional environment who is already working in the e-commerce 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 are not sure whether your qualifications will be accepted for the professional examination (equivalence test), please contact theExamination secretariat. There can be a binding preliminary clarification.
- Do you have a foreign qualification? SERI is responsible for checking the equivalence of foreign qualifications for admission to the BP.Hereyou will find more information.
- If you do not have a federal certificate of proficiency (EFZ) or equivalent basic vocational training, you still have the opportunity to catch up now. You can find out more about catch-up training for adults in ourGuide "The Swiss education system at a glance".
- If you are not sure whether your professional experience will be counted as professional experience for e-commerce specialists, please clarify this directly with the sponsoring body or the examination secretariat of the professional examination:the Association of Sponsors of the Federal Professional Examination "E-Commerce Specialist" (TEPEC). Here you will receive a binding preliminary clarification.
- If you have little or no professional experience, you have the following options:
- Use professional job boards to search for suitable jobs in order to gain the required work experience.Hereyou will find helpful information.
- If you know someone from your private or professional environment who is already working in the e-commerce 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 are not sure whether your qualifications will be accepted for the professional examination (equivalence test), please contact theExamination secretariat. There can be a binding preliminary clarification.
- Do you have a foreign qualification? SERI is responsible for checking the equivalence of foreign qualifications for admission to the BP.Hereyou will find more information.
- If you do not have a federal certificate of proficiency (EFZ) or equivalent basic vocational training, you still have the opportunity to catch up now. You can find out more about catch-up training for adults in ourGuide "The Swiss education system at a glance"
Subject matter and content of the training
When compiling the learning content for the preparatory course for the professional examination for e-commerce specialists, the schools are guided by the specifications of the sponsor of the federal examination, the Association of Sponsors of the Federal Professional Examination "E-Commerce Specialist" (TEPEC).
The sponsoring body is responsible for periodically reviewing the professional examination and requirements. This review ensures that the knowledge and skills imparted continue to be up to date, i.e. that they meet the requirements of the labor market.
The e-commerce training course has a modular structure and imparts knowledge and skills on the following topics:
- Module 1 - BUA A: Establishing and developing a digital platformSetup, operation and further development of an online shop/digital platform, testing the online shop/digital platform from the customer's perspective.
- Module 2 - HKB B: Optimizing the digital product presentationPlan, create, coordinate and check article information, delegate the implementation and coordination of content checks and optimizations, further develop and coordinate product presentations.
- Module 3 - HKB C: Digitizing sales processesAnalysis and presentation of customers' digital usage behavior, creating digital customer experiences, supporting and assisting online customers during and after their purchase.
- Module 4 - HKB D: Realization of marketing activitiesPlanning of (omni-channel) marketing campaigns or advertising measures and their implementation in the online shop/on the digital platform, analyzing the impact of marketing activities and initiating measures.
- Module 5 - HKB E: Interacting at interfacesCoordinate various interfaces (logistics, category management, omni-channel sales channels), monitor legal compliance of the digital platform.
- Module 6 - HKB F: Managing projects and project teamsImplementation of (omni-channel) strategies in your own area, management of e-commerce projects, technical management of project teams, planning, monitoring and evaluating the financial implementation of projects.
- Module 7 - HKB G: Networking and operating in the digital marketBuilding and using a business network in the digital market, supporting change processes and digitalization in the workplace, shaping personal skills management.
Question 4:
Are you interested in this content, 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 certificate, take a look at other training and further education courses in related areas. You may find a course that suits you better. For example:
- Retail specialist BP / Retail specialist BP
- Marketing Specialist BP / Marketing Specialist BP
- Sales Specialist BP / Sales Specialist BP
- Logistics Specialist BP / Logistics Specialist BP
You can also find inspiration here:
Obviously, the typical subject areas of e-commerce specialists with a federal certificate 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 e-commerce training are not always the same, as they are set independently by the schools. An exception to this is the examination fee - this is charged by the sponsor of the federal examination.
In general, the following costs must be expected for further training in e-commerce:
- Course feesBetween CHF 9,500 and CHF 14,000, of which you will receive up to 50% back from the federal government upon application (regardless of the result).
- Fee for the professional examinationCHF 2,000 (as of June 2023). Candidates must pay the examination fee as soon as they have received notification of admission.
- With some providers you have to payadditional costsfor enrolment, teaching materials and training documents, internal examinations or simulation tests, for example. We recommend that you contact the provider of your choice directly and ask what extra costs you can expect.
*Since 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.
Question 5:
Are you able to pre-finance around CHF 11,500 - CHF 16,000 for the course and exam?
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.
Information on federal contributions to courses that prepare students for federal examinations can be found athere.
Information on financial support options from the employer, federal government, canton, foundations or through loans from the Education Promotion FoundationEducaSwissyou will receive in ourGuide "How to finance your further training properly".
- 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 federal contributions to courses that prepare students for federal examinations can be found athere.
- Information on financial support options from the employer, federal government, canton, foundations or through loans from the Education Promotion FoundationEducaSwissyou will receive in ourGuide "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.
- 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 federal contributions to courses that prepare students for federal examinations can be found athere.
- Information on financial support options from the employer, federal government, canton, foundations or through loans from the Education Promotion FoundationEducaSwissyou will receive in ourGuide "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.
Duration of studies, teaching times, teaching formats and learning effort
- The part-time e-commerce course is designed as a modular model with a final examination and lasts two semesters.
- The weekly schedules are determined independently by the educational institutions. There may therefore be differences depending on the school. Lessons often take place on one or two evenings a week and/or on Saturdays, so that they can be optimally combined with work.
- You can now choose from a wide range of teaching formats: Face-to-face teaching, online teaching, hybrid teaching or blended learning. You are sure to find an e-commerce training course with teaching formats that meet your expectations and needs. Tip: In the answers you will find a link to a page that provides an overview of the different teaching formats.
- Thanks to the in-service training concept, you can apply and deepen 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 prior knowledge, working style and learning speed. We recommend that you allow at least 4-6 hours per week as a precaution.
Note: Some schools offer so-called "taster lessons". This gives you the opportunity to gain an insight into the lessons and the learning atmosphere - both important aspects on the way to a successful graduation. 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.
The different teaching formats and their characteristics at a glancehere.
If you don't have that much time, get in touch with the providers and clarify whether you can possibly complete the course over more than two 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?
The different teaching formats and their characteristics at a glancehere.
Degree, diploma and title
If you have successfully completed the e-commerce training and can provide proof of all seven module qualifications, as well as meeting the other admission requirements for the required prior education and professional experience, then you are admitted to the professional examination.
The final examination is held annually, provided that at least 30 candidates meet the admission requirements after the call for applications. If this is not the case, the professional examination will be held every two years. Candidates can decide for themselves in which language (German, French or Italian) they would like to be examined.
At least four weeks before the start of the final examination of the e-commerce further education course, candidates receive a notice with the examination program (time and place of the examination) and the list of experts.
The professional examination to become an e-commerce specialist comprises the following examination parts:
1) Development report on own experience (written, prepared in advance, weighting: 40 %)
As part of their professional practice, candidates write a report on their experience. In it, they summarize their results, findings and measures from the practical documentation, the competence grid and the disposition checks.
The practical documentation is compiled for each area of competence A-G. In these, candidates examine their own tasks, assess them in terms of the quality of implementation and reflect on their own learning progress. Candidates use a skills grid to think through their competencies and a disposition check to assess their attitudes. Finally, they derive measures for their own professional practice and development.
2) Expert discussion on the development report (oral, 30 minutes, weighting: 20 %)
After their short presentation of the development report, the candidates are questioned about the development report. They must show that they are able to apply their experience to comparable and novel situations.
3) Analysis task with presentation (oral, 75 minutes, weighting: 20 %)
In this part of the exam, candidates take the customer perspective and click through an online store for 45 minutes. On the basis of specifications, they record anomalies regarding functions, sub-areas as well as problems and possible optimization measures. The candidates then present their analysis and findings and answer further questions from the experts.
4) Mini-Cases / Critical Incidents (oral, 30 min., weighting: 20 %)
In this part of the examination, candidates are asked to analyze smaller case descriptions and develop concrete steps and measures.
Diploma and title
Successful graduates of the professional examination receive a federal certificate and are entitled to use the federally recognized and protected title "E-Commerce Specialist with Federal Certificate".
In French: "Spécialiste du e-commerce avec brevet fédéral"
In Italian: "Specialista dell'e-commerce con attestato professionale federale"
In English: "E-Commerce Specialist, Federal Diploma of Higher Education"
Attention: Please remember that the English title is only a suggested translation and is not a protected title.
Question 7:
Do you have the confidence to pass the professional examination for the federal certificate?
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 on this course.
Arrange a personal consultation appointment with the school of your choice or the sponsor of the professional examination, theAssociation sponsoring the federal professional examination "E-Commerce Specialist" (TEPEC). 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.
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 but would like to complete the training, it is best to arrange a personal consultation appointment with a school or the sponsor of the professional examination, theAssociation sponsoring the federal professional examination "E-Commerce Specialist" (TEPEC). 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. You can find suitable offers here:
No, the e-commerce specialist (BP) federal certificate course 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.
E-commerce specialist with a federal certificate (BP) 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 an e-commerce specialist (BP) 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 to become an e-commerce specialist with a federal certificate (BP) 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:
"E-Commerce Specialist Training / E-Commerce Specialist (BP)"
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:
"E-Commerce Specialist Training / E-Commerce Specialist (BP)"
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:
"E-Commerce Specialist Training / E-Commerce Specialist (BP)"