Self-test: Is the SME Management Specialist (BP) course suitable for me?
Are you interested in training to become an SME management specialist with a federal certificate? But before you make a decision, do you want to be absolutely sure that this further training course is the right one for you?
Then take our free and non-binding self-test now! Find out whether a job in SME management meets your expectations and whether a preparatory course for the professional examination for SME management specialists and a federal certificate is the right path for you.
You can also benefit from further information that is tailored to the respective answer options "Yes", "Partly", "No".
What does the day-to-day work of "SME management specialists" with a federal certificate look like?
Specialists in business management SMEs work in small or medium-sized, mostly owner-managed companies in numerous sectors. They take on leadership and management tasks and are responsible for maintaining the business. As a rule, SME management specialists are already current owners or co-owners of the company or are expected to become such in the foreseeable future.
As an SME management specialist, you are personally connected to the company, which means that you are not only responsible for the company's success, but also bear the corresponding risks. You represent your company to the outside world - with the aim of successfully marketing your own products and services.
Specialists in corporate management SMEs use suitable (business management) instruments for the independent management of their company and for responsible corporate management (so-called corporate social responsibility).
They monitor and analyze the course of business and business processes and, if necessary, define suitable (optimization) measures.
They keep an eye on global (economic) developments and industry-specific trends and weigh up whether there is a need for action for their own company. They are also responsible for recruiting and hiring new employees.
They also keep an eye on the company's financial situation. This also includes evaluating the annual financial statements.
SME management specialists work closely with other members of management, employees, customers, suppliers and other stakeholders. They maintain an active network on relevant business and industry platforms and take care to maintain their contacts in the long term.
Question 1:
Do the activities described meet your expectations? Would you like to work as an SME management specialist with a federal certificate?
The SME Management Specialist course seems to fully meet your interests - 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 your training in business management for SMEs, 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. Take a look at comparable job advertisements. Perhaps you will find some that only require activities that suit you better, in which case you are in the right place with this further training.
Or you can look at similar or related courses. You may find another qualification (also at other levels) that suits you better. Take a look at the following pages:
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 here at Ausbildung-Weiterbildung.ch.
For whom is the professional examination (BP) to become an SME management specialist with a federal certificate suitable? What qualities and skills are required?
The following persons belong to the target group of the preparatory courses for or the professional examination for SME management specialists:
- Ambitious professionals with management experience who would like to run their own company in the future and would like to create a good basis for this with the federal certificate.
- Professionals in management positions (from SMEs) who wish to certify their knowledge and skills with an appropriately established certificate and thus increase their chances on the job market
- SME founders who would like to receive further training in business management
Specialists in SME management should have the following personal qualities and skills:
- Entrepreneurial skills
- Analytical and conceptual skills
- Commercial skills
- Load capacity
- Sense of responsibility
- Good communication skills
- Organizational skills
- Interest in economic issues, developments and trends
- Confident appearance
Question 2:
Do you belong to the target group of this SME management training course and do you have the necessary personal qualities?
Great!
In the next step, find out whether you meet the admission requirements for taking the professional examination to become an SME management specialist and obtain the federal certificate.
- If you do not belong to any of the target groups mentioned, you cannot aim directly for the Federal PET Diploma. However, there are numerous paths to a management position. Take a look at the following pages here:Business economist training,Leadership and management training,SME training. You may come across educational offers here that are aimed precisely at people like you.
- If you do not have the necessary personal qualities and skills, you will probably not be happy in this demanding management role. Look out for further training opportunities that offer a technical specialization that better suits your skills.
- If you are unsure whether you are capable of taking on more responsible tasks, it is best to discuss this with experienced people such as career coaches. You can find suitable providers here:
Prerequisites for admission to the professional examination for SME management specialists with a federal certificate (BP):
If you meet the following requirements, you will be admitted to the professional examination for SME Management Specialist.
- You are in possession of a federal certificate of proficiency (EFZ) or equivalent and have at least two years of professional experience* in a small or medium-sized enterprise SME in a management position**
Or
- You can demonstrate at least eight years of professional experience in a management position in an SME
And
- You can present the required module qualifications or certificates of equivalence
The modules required for admission to the final examination are listed below (the modules are completed in the preparatory courses for the BP. They remain valid for five years, during which time the professional examination can also be taken):
- Module 1: General corporate management
- Module 2: Leadership, communication and personnel management
- Module 3: Organization
- Module 4: Accounting***
- Module 5: Marketing, public relations, supplier and customer relations
- Module 6: Law in the management of SMEs
You will find out whether you have been admitted to the professional examination for specialists in SME management at least four months before the start of the examination with a written notification including reasons and information on legal remedies in the event of rejection.
As the admission requirements do not have to be met until the time of registration for the final examination or the first day of the professional examination, some schools allow you to start the preparatory course for the BP - even if you do not (yet) fully meet the admission requirements.
In such cases, you are responsible for ensuring that you meet the necessary requirements by the required date. The central point of contact for questions regarding the fulfillment of the requirements is the respective sponsoring body of the federal examination.
Would you like to complete the SME management specialist course but not the professional examination? At some schools, it is also possible to attend the course without taking the exam. For example, you can simply attend and complete the individual modules. Upon successful completion, you will receive a module certificate that is valid for five years. Contact the school of your choice directly and ask what options are available.
*This information refers to a full-time position and is calculated pro rata in the case of a part-time position.
** The following is meant by a management position: performing leadership and management tasks in a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME), furthermore supervising and assessing at least two employees (including apprentices).
***Many schools offer specific preliminary courses in the areas of accounting / bookkeeping / costing. With appropriate placement tests, you can find out immediately whether your knowledge is sufficient to complete the module or whether it makes sense for you to attend a preliminary accounting course.
Question 3:
Do you meet the requirements for admission?
Great! Then you are eligible to take the professional examination to become an SME management specialist. 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 certificate and the answer to the question: Is the course right for me?
Did you know...
... that attending a preparatory course for SME management specialists is not compulsory? However, as the preparatory courses are specifically geared towards the professional examination and admission to it, and confirmation of the equivalence of other further training courses can be time-consuming and is not guaranteed, the tailor-made preparatory courses are highly recommended.
If you are not sure whether your professional experience will be recognized as professional experience for the SME management specialist, please clarify this directly with the sponsors of the professional examination: the Swiss Trade Association sgv (KMU Frauen Schweiz),AM Suisse,Swiss Meat Federation SFFSwiss Trade Association sgv,Swiss Painting and Plastering Contractors' Association SMGV,EIT.swissor theExamination secretariat. The responsible body has the relevant authority to make a binding assessment or provide information.
If you do not have enough professional experience, you have the following options:
- Search for suitable jobs with the help of professional job boards.Hereto find out how you can proceed.
- If you know someone from your private or professional environment who is already working in the SME business development 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 your knowledge of accounting is not sufficient, then take a look atherefor corresponding basic or preliminary courses from suitable providers.
If you are not sure whether your qualifications will be accepted for the professional examination, please contact theExamination secretariatfor a corresponding equivalence assessment by the Quality Assurance Commission.
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.
Did you know...
... that attending a preparatory course for SME management specialists is not compulsory? However, as the preparatory courses are specifically geared towards the professional examination and admission to it, and confirmation of the equivalence of other further training courses can be time-consuming and is not guaranteed, the tailor-made preparatory courses are highly recommended.
If you are not sure whether your professional experience will be recognized as professional experience for the SME management specialist, please clarify this directly with the sponsors of the professional examination: the Swiss Trade Association sgv (KMU Frauen Schweiz),AM Suisse,Swiss Meat Federation SFFSwiss Trade Association sgv,Swiss Painting and Plastering Contractors' Association SMGV,EIT.swissor theExamination secretariat. The responsible body has the relevant authority to make a binding assessment or provide information.
If you do not have enough professional experience, you have the following options:
- Search for suitable jobs with the help of professional job boards.Hereyou will find helpful information on how to proceed.
- If you know someone from your private or professional environment who is already working in the SME management 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 your knowledge of accounting is not sufficient, then take a look atherefor corresponding basic or preliminary courses from suitable providers.
If you are not sure whether your qualifications will be accepted for the professional examination, please contact theExamination secretariatfor a corresponding equivalence assessment by the Quality Assurance Commission.
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.
Did you know...
... that attending a preparatory course for SME management specialists is not compulsory? However, as the preparatory courses are specifically geared towards the professional examination and admission to it, and confirmation of the equivalence of other further training courses can be time-consuming and is not guaranteed, the tailor-made preparatory courses are highly recommended.
Subject matter and content of the training
The learning content in preparatory courses for the professional examination for "SME Management Specialist" is based on the specifications of the sponsoring body of the federal examination. The latter is responsible for periodically reviewing the BP and the requirements. This ensures that the requirements (which are actually in demand on the job market) and thus also the quality of the federal PET examinations are up to date.
The learning content is divided into the following six modules:
- Module 1: General corporate managementCorporate social responsibility and environmental management, self-management, time management, etc.
- Module 2: Leadership, communication and personnel managementAmong other things, situational leadership behavior, coping with communication situations and conflicts, preparing and conducting meetings and events, making business decisions, recognizing changes in technology, the economy and nature and using them sustainably in the company, dealing appropriately with various stakeholder groups, managing personnel administration, etc.
- Module 3: OrganizationDefinition of the division of labour, observation, recognition and improvement of organizational routines and processes
- Module 4: AccountingAmong other things, calculation of key management figures such as profit and liquidity and definition of appropriate measures, financial management, evaluation of payment transactions, bookkeeping, interpretation of figures and data
- Module 5: Marketing, public relations, supplier and customer relationsMarket analysis and derivation of trends for your own company, development of effective communication with various stakeholder groups, design of marketing instruments
- Module 6: Law in the management of SMEsKnowledge of the economic and legal framework conditions in all areas of entrepreneurial trade and their implementation, assessing contracts, clarifying legal issues
Question 4:
Are you interested in this content, would you like to acquire this knowledge?
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 this area. You may find a course that suits you better due to the content taught. You can find inspiration here:
Obviously, the subject matter required for an SME management specialist with a federal certificate is 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 listed in each case for a preparatory course for the professional examination to become an SME management specialist vary greatly in some cases. This is because the schools set the costs themselves.
The examination fee, on the other hand, is set by the organizing body of the federal examination. It is binding for all candidates.
You should expect the following costs for the approx. 12-month training course in SME management:
- Course fees/course costsbetween CHF 9,800 and CHF 14,600. Thanks to the subject financing of the federal government, you will receive around 50% back from the federal government after the examination (regardless of the result).
- Fee for module examinationsCHF 1'500.- The costs for the module examinations are determined by the provider who organizes and conducts them.
- Examination feesCHF 2,290, to be paid by the candidate as soon as they have received confirmation of admission.
- Extra costsYou will often have to expect additional costs for, for example, preliminary courses, teaching materials, training documents, simulation exams, individual tutoring and support (e.g. when preparing work). Please contact the provider of your choice directly to find out what additional costs you can expect in addition to the course fees, module examinations and examination fees.
*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 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 exceptional cases of hardship, the federal contributions are also paid out in advance.
Question 5:
Are you able to pre-finance approx. CHF 12,090 - CHF 16,890 for course and examination fees (plus fees for module examinations)?
Great! Here's another tip: If you are able to pay the full amount for the course in advance, ask the school of your choice whether they offer a special discount if you pay in full in advance. Some schools also offer a special price for early bookings.
Information on federal contributions to courses that prepare students for federal examinations can be found athere.
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.
Most schools allow you to pay the course costs 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 training to become an SME management specialist.
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.
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.
Most schools allow you to pay the course costs 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 training to become an SME management specialist.
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.
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 of study, teaching times, teaching model and learning effort
- The SME Management Specialist course has a modular structure, is completed on a part-time basis and lasts approx. 12 months. A number of skills are already tested in the modules. The focus of the cross-module final examination is therefore on the practical integration of the various sub-competencies.
- The preparatory courses are offered as day and afternoon/evening courses. However, this varies from school to school, as the course dates or timetables are put together independently by the schools.
- Since the coronavirus pandemic at the latest, the various teaching models have become an integral part of schools, giving you the opportunity to combine further education with family, work and leisure in the best possible way. As a rule, you can choose between face-to-face teaching or online formats such as online teaching, hybrid teaching or blended learning. In the answers you will find a link to a website that explains the different forms of teaching.
- Thanks to the extra-occupational concept of the SME management course, 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. 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 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.
The different teaching formats and their characteristics at a glance.
If you do not have that much time, contact the providers and clarify whether you can complete the training in business management for SMEs over more than 12 months.
Have you possibly already acquired the learning material for individual modules in other training or further education courses? If so, and if you receive a confirmation of equivalence, you no longer have to spend time studying the corresponding block courses and learning materials. If you are unsure whether your qualifications will be accepted for the professional examination (equivalence test), please contact theExamination secretariat.
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
If you have successfully completed all the required modules and can present the necessary module certificates or certificates of equivalence and also meet the requirements for previous education and professional experience, then you can sit the cross-module final examination (BP).
The professional examination for SME management specialists takes place every year, provided that at least 20 candidates meet the admission requirements after the call for applications. The BP can be completed in German, French and Italian. Candidates can decide for themselves in which of the three official languages they wish to be examined.
Candidates are notified at least 6 weeks before the start of the examination. The invitation includes the examination program (including details of the place and time as well as the aids permitted and to be brought along) and the list of experts.
The professional examination is divided into the following three parts:
1) Performance dossier (written, prepared in advance, weighting 3)
In this part of the examination, candidates demonstrate that they can apply and implement the skills they have acquired in their own professional practice. They are also able to transfer these skills to other situations and companies.
In the 25-page performance dossier, candidates describe or analyze their leadership skills. They show how they use and apply these in the company.
2) Presentation (oral, 20 minutes, weighting 1)
3) Examination interview (oral, 60 minutes, weighting 2)
Diploma and title:
Successful graduates of the professional examination receive a federal certificate and are entitled to use the federally recognized and protected title "SME Management Specialist with Federal Certificate" or "SME Management Specialist with Federal Certificate".
- In French: "Spécialiste en gestion de PME avec brevet fédéral"
- In Italian: "Specialista della gestione PMI con attestato professionale federale"
- The recommended translation in English (this is not a protected title): "Specialist in Business Management SME with Federal Diploma of Professional Education and Training"
In addition:
Candidates who have successfully dealt with the specific issues relating to owner-managed family SMEs receive the additional certificate "Family SMEs" from the sponsoring organization "Bildung Führungskräfte Gewerbe Schweiz (BFG)".
Question 7:
Do you have the confidence to pass the professional examination to become an SME management specialist with a federal certificate?
Great!
Here are some general success factors on the way to a new training qualification in SME management:
- 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
If you are unsure, we recommend that you attend an information event on the "SME Management Specialist" course.
Arrange a personal consultation appointment with the school of your choice or the sponsors of the professional examination: the Schweizerischer Gewerbeverband sgv (KMU Frauen Schweiz),AM Suisse,Swiss Meat Federation SFFSwiss Trade Association sgv,Swiss Painting and Plastering Contractors' Association SMGV,EIT.swissor theExamination secretariat. 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 in SME management:
- 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
If you are not at all confident that you can pass the final examination, arrange a personal consultation with the school of your choice or the sponsors of the professional examination: the Swiss Trade Association sgv (KMU Frauen Schweiz),AM Suisse,Swiss Meat Federation SFFSwiss Trade Association sgv,Swiss Painting and Plastering Contractors' Association SMGV,EIT.swissor theExamination secretariat. 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 of Proficiency in SME Management (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.
Specialist in SME management 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 an SME management specialist 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 for specialists in SME management 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:
"Specialist in SME management SME training (BP)"
Which school is right 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 participantson. Thanks to the numerous filter options, including the number of stars, region, year or school, you can display exactly the reviews 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:
"Specialist in SME management SME training (BP)"
Which school is right for me?
Decision support for corporate management SME training is provided by 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 participantson. Thanks to the numerous filter options, including the number of stars, region, year or school, you can display exactly the reviews 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:
"Specialist in SME management SME training (BP)"
Which school is right for me?
Decision support for corporate management SME training is provided by 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 participantson. Thanks to the numerous filter options, including the number of stars, region, year or school, you can display exactly the reviews that interest you.