Self-test: Is the "HF Construction Planning Technician" course with a focus on civil engineering a good fit for me?
Are you interested in training / studying civil engineering? Would you like to work as an HF construction planning technician in civil engineering?
Then it's worth taking our free, no-obligation self-test. It will show you whether you are on the right track with the construction planning course with a focus on civil engineering at a university of applied sciences.
Note: In fall 2022, the HF technician courses (formerly "HF technician [specialization]") received a separate framework curriculum and a new title for each specialization. The course "Technician HF Construction Planning (specialization in civil engineering)" is still called "Technician HF Construction Planning", but without a specialization.
The universities of applied sciences still have the option of offering specializations - such as civil engineering. You will learn more about this in the course of this self-test.
What does the day-to-day work of a HF construction planning technician (with a focus on civil engineering) look like?
HF construction planning technicians with a focus on civil engineering work in engineering offices, construction companies, planning offices, architectural offices, public administrations, consulting firms or independently. Depending on the size of the company and their work experience, they perform a management function, for example they can take over the management of projects or even head entire departments.
HF construction planning technicians with a focus on civil engineering play a central role in the planning and implementation of construction projects for buildings and facilities that have special technical and structural requirements, such as bridges, tunnels, supporting structures, etc. They create simple planning and design principles, but often obtain these from the architect or engineer and develop them further. They create simple planning and design principles, but often obtain these from the architect or engineer and develop them further. This includes developing simple designs using CAD software, for example, and dimensioning, scheduling and costing them. They also carry out structural analyses and select materials, taking into account construction standards and environmental aspects.
They are involved in all phases of the implementation of construction projects. They draw up schedules, coordinate the construction steps and the deployment of specialists, instruct employees, monitor and control the execution, are responsible for administration and keep an eye on the budget and costs. They are also responsible for ensuring that safety regulations are correctly implemented and adhered to.
HF construction planning technicians with a focus on civil engineering work very closely with engineers and architects as well as site managers and other specialists. They are also in regular contact with clients and other project participants.
Question 1:
Do the activities described meet your expectations? Would you like to work as an HF construction planning technician with a focus on civil engineering?
Great! Then you've come to the right place with this HF course. We wish you lots of fun and success.
By the way: If you are looking for further suitable training opportunities after successfully completing the HF Construction Planning Technician course, take a look at theEducational counseling offerfrom Ausbildung-Weiterbildung.ch.
So you don't like all activities. Think about which ones interest you the most and which ones don't. Remember: in practically every job, there are activities that are less interesting. It is important to make sure that these do not predominate.
Take a look at the relevant job advertisements, because not every job involves all tasks. You may find an advertisement that only asks for the tasks that interest you. Then you are still on the right track with this training.
Perhaps another HF technician course would suit you better?Hereyou will find an overview.
If you don't like these activities at all, take a look at the numerous other further training opportunities. You will find a large selection on Ausbildung-Weiterbildung.ch.
Not sure whether you are really cut out for HF technician work? Then take a look at ourGuide "Finding your own calling"and benefit from helpful information and tips.
Target group, personal characteristics and skills: Who is the construction planning course with a focus on civil engineering at a university of applied sciences suitable for?
The target group for this HF construction planning technician course with a focus on civil engineering includes professionals from the fields of architecture, interior design, civil engineering, spatial planning and landscape architecture who are interested in a sound, practice-oriented education and would like to increase their salary and career opportunities with the HF diploma.
You should have the following personal qualities and skills for the job:
- Spatial thinking
- Technical understanding
- Analytical skills
- Good time management and organizational skills
- Communication skills
- Ability to work in a team
- Customer orientation
- Reliability and a sense of responsibility
Question 2:
Do you belong to the target group for this HF construction planning technician course with a focus on civil engineering and do you have the necessary personal qualities?
Great! Find out in the next step whether you meet the admission requirements to start the civil engineering course at an HF.
- Do you lack a background in construction engineering? Or do you come from a different technical field? Then take a look at other technician training courses or training courses in the field of "construction" or engineering. You can find a selection here.
Perhaps there is an educational offer that is aimed precisely at interested people like you.
- Do you not have a professional background in engineering/construction, but are interested in further training in management tasks? Then take a look atfollowing page. Here you will find an overview of possible leadership/management training courses.
- If you are interested in the subject but do not have the necessary personal qualities and skills, it will be difficult. You are unlikely to meet the requirements of the job, which will sooner or later affect your motivation and enjoyment of the job as well as your performance. Perhaps you could use your skills in another technical field? Look out for other further training opportunities that offer a technical specialization that is better suited to 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 HF construction planning technician course with a focus on civil engineering at a university of applied sciences
The universities of applied sciences decide independently on the admission procedure. These are set out in their study regulations. They must adhere to the legal principles; you can find more information on this in the answers.
Admission requirements may therefore differ from school to school.
As a rule, you must meet the following requirements for admission to a civil engineering course (Techniker HF Bauplanung mit Fokus Ingenieurbau) at a HF:
- Federal Certificate of Competence (EFZ) as a draftsman EFZ with the specializations: Architecture, civil engineering, interior design, landscape architecture, spatial planning
Or
- Other EFZ or another upper secondary level qualification or another equivalent qualification as well as relevant work experience in the field of construction planning of at least 1 year.
And
- 50% employment in the field of construction planning (for part-time studies)*
Note:
- Many schools offer various preliminary courses, e.g. in mathematics, so that you can refresh your knowledge in an optimal and targeted manner and are thus well prepared for the construction planning course.
- Some schools require a good command of English at level B1 (written and spoken).
- People with a technical vocational baccalaureate benefit from a shortened study period. As a rule, you can have one year credited. Please enquire about this directly with the school of your choice.
- Educational achievements that have already been completed may be credited. This may shorten the HF course slightly. The school of your choice will be happy to provide you with information on this.
* In full-time training, work experience and the transfer from specialist training to practice is regulated by internships integrated into the course.
Question 3:
Do you meet the requirements for admission?
Great! Then you can start the HF construction planning technician course with a focus on civil engineering.
Courses at universities of applied sciences (HF):The courses offered by the universities of applied sciences (HF) are based on framework curricula that have been jointly developed by education providers and industry associations (they are the sponsors of the framework curriculum) and approved by the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI). If the universities of applied sciences adhere to existing framework curricula in the detailed design of their courses, their HF courses are federally recognized and lead to a protected title.Hereyou will find a list of recognized HF degree courses.
- If you do not have the necessary basic vocational training with a federal certificate of proficiency (EFZ), then look for a suitable training opportunity. It is also possible to obtain the EFZ or an equivalent qualification as an adult. You can find out more about catch-up training for adults in ourGuide "The Swiss education system at a glance".
- If you have a foreign qualification / certificate, please contact the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI), which is responsible for checking the equivalence of foreign qualifications.Hereto find out more about the procedure.
- If you are not sure whether your professional experience will be recognized as work experience for the civil engineering course at a university of applied sciences (HF), clarify your chances directly with the school of your choice.
- 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.Hereto find out how best to proceed with your job search.
- If someone in your private or professional environment is already working in the field of construction planning/engineering, ask them for tips and whether they would support you in your job search. He/she will certainly have the relevant contacts and connections.
Courses at universities of applied sciences (HF):The courses offered by the universities of applied sciences (HF) are based on framework curricula developed jointly by education providers and industry associations and approved by the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI). If the PET colleges adhere to existing framework curricula in the detailed design of their courses, their PET courses are federally recognized and lead to a protected title.Hereyou will find a list of recognized HF degree courses.
- If you do not have the necessary basic vocational training with a federal certificate of proficiency (EFZ), then look for a suitable training opportunity. It is also possible to obtain the EFZ or an equivalent qualification as an adult. You can find out more about catch-up training for adults in ourGuide "The Swiss education system at a glance".
- If you have a foreign qualification / certificate, please contact the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI), which is responsible for checking the equivalence of foreign qualifications.Hereto find out more about the procedure.
- If you are not sure whether your professional experience will be recognized as work experience for the civil engineering course at a university of applied sciences (HF), clarify your chances directly with the school of your choice.
- 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.Hereto find out how best to proceed with your job search.
- If someone in your private or professional environment is already working in the field of construction planning/engineering, ask them for tips and whether they would support you in your job search. He/she will certainly have the relevant contacts and connections.
Courses at universities of applied sciences (HF):The courses offered by the universities of applied sciences (HF) are based on framework curricula developed jointly by education providers and industry associations and approved by the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI). If the PET colleges adhere to existing framework curricula in the detailed design of their courses, their PET courses are federally recognized and lead to a protected title.Hereyou will find a list of recognized HF degree courses.
Subject matter of the advanced training course for HF construction planning technicians with a focus on civil engineering
In the HF construction planning technician course with a focus on civil engineering, participants deal with the following topics:
- (Construction) physics
- Construction chemicals
- Mathematics
- Structural analysis
- Construction management
- Building materials science
- Geotechnics
- Surveying
- Steel and timber construction
- Water supply
- CAD
- IT
- Environment, safety, fire protection
- Monument preservation
- Sustainable building
- Building and environmental law
- Business administration
- English
- Project management
- Quality management
- Leadership / Employee management
This is not an exhaustive list, as the learning content and its name may differ from school to school.
The HFs are basically guided by the "Construction planning" framework curriculum* in terms of learning content, but they still have a certain amount of leeway in their design. For example, they can offer specializations within the scope of a maximum of 10% of the total learning hours, such as in civil engineering.
But be careful. The protected title "Certified Technician HF Construction Planning" remains unchanged!
* The framework curriculum is drawn up by a sponsoring body, which also periodically checks that it is up to date and of high quality. The sponsoring body of the framework curriculum is made up of the organization of the working world (OdA): the Swiss Association of Engineers and Architects (SIA), the Association of Swiss Architects (BSA), the Association of Independent Swiss Architects (FSAI), theSwissEngineering STVthe Swiss Association of Consulting Engineers (usic) and the Association of Swiss Interior Designers / Architects (VSI.ASAI) and the representative of the training providers: the Conference of Colleges of Technology KHF-T.
Question 4:
Are you interested in this content, would you like to acquire knowledge in these subject areas?
Great! An interest in the subject is the best prerequisite for successfully completing a civil engineering apprenticeship (Techniker HF Bauplanung mit Schwerpunkt Ingenieurbau).
You can look forward to exciting and informative 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.
Are there just a few subjects or topics that you don't find so exciting and could do without? That's not so tragic and is the case for most people. If necessary, you could also form a study group with other people from your class. It is usually easier to learn together in a group, as you can motivate each other and master more boring and/or difficult subjects.
However, if you cannot identify with many topics or even an entire learning area, you should attend an information event on construction planning training at an HF and clarify your questions with the school management. Find out exactly what is taught and how deeply you need to familiarize yourself with the subject matter.
You may also want to take a look at other HF technician courses.Hereyou will find a selection.
If you struggle with a lot of these subjects, this is not the right course for you. Take a look at other further training courses or attend an information event on the engineering construction course and clarify whether you really think these subjects are right for you.
Costs and financing of further training
You can expect the following costs for the two to four-year HF construction planning technician course with a focus on civil engineering at a university of applied sciences:
- Tuition fees*Between CHF 18'900 and CHF 24'600.
- Fees for additional certificatesSome schools offer further training in a specific area, for example in project management, where you can obtain a globally recognized certificate. You can find more information in the answers.
- Other extra costsSome schools charge additional fees, for example for enrolment, the student ID card, any preliminary courses, teaching materials, school documents, etc. Ask the school of your choice what additional costs you can expect.
* The amount of the tuition fees or semester fees for the civil engineering course at a higher technical college depends on the school and your canton of residence. The fees stated here apply to students resident in the canton of training. Students from outside the canton must expect to pay higher tuition fees.
Please note the following:
Courses at universities of applied sciences (HF) are financially supported (subsidized) by the cantons. Students from outside the canton pay higher tuition fees. The following requirements apply in order to receive cantonal subsidies:
- at least two years of residence in the canton
- The course is listed on the EDK (Swiss Conference of Cantonal Ministers of Education) list of eligible courses (you will find the link to the list in the answer texts).
The cantonal subsidies are usually regulated by the school; these subsidies are usually already included in the tuition fees stated by the schools.
Question 5:
Are you able to finance between CHF 18,900 and CHF 24,600 for your studies?
Great! Here's another tip: If you are able to pay the full amount for the Techniker HF Bauplanung-Ausbildung mit Fokus Ingenieurbau 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 if you book very early.
- 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.
- Aboutthis linkto access the EDK list of HF courses eligible for funding.
- Hereyou will find an overview of project management training with IPMA certificate and suitable providers.
- Ask the schools first about the actual costs (including extra costs) and the possibility of paying in installments. The schools usually charge a small surcharge for payment in installments.
- Ask your employer whether they will contribute to the costs of the HF construction planning technician course with a focus on civil engineering at a university of applied sciences (HF).
- 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 be able to support you with an educational loan.
- 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.
- Information on financial support for temporary workers through "temptraining", the further training fund of the temporary employment sector, is available athere
- Aboutthis linkto access the EDK list of HF courses eligible for funding.
- Hereyou will find an overview of project management training with IPMA certificate and suitable providers.
- First ask the schools about the actual costs for the civil engineering course and the possibility of paying in installments. The schools usually 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 be able to support you with an educational loan.
- 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.
- Information on financial support for temporary workers through "temptraining", the further training fund of the temporary employment sector, is available athere.
- Aboutthis linkto access the EDK list of HF courses eligible for funding.
- Hereyou will find an overview of project management training with IPMA certificate and suitable providers.
Duration of study, number of learning hours, forms of learning, teaching times, teaching format and learning effort
Duration of study:four semesters (full-time with integrated internships) or six semesters (part-time alongside at least 50% employment).
Number of learning hoursBetween 3600 learning hours (with relevant EFZ) and 5400 learning hours (without relevant EFZ).
Forms of learningThe learning hours of the HF construction planning technician training with a focus on civil engineering are divided into academic and practical training components. This means the following:
- Contact studies: e.g. traditional classroom teaching
- Guided self-study: e.g. exercises, reading assignments, research tasks
- Individual self-study: e.g. preparation and follow-up work, independent learning
- Practical experience: Practical experience in relevant fields of activity with a workload of 50% (for the part-time course)
- Internships: e.g. internship in a real field of work (for full-time studies)
- Qualification procedures: e.g. intermediate examinations, graded term papers
Lesson times:When the lessons for the engineering construction course are offered or held varies from school to school. They create their own timetables, and it also matters whether the course is part-time or full-time. In part-time studies, lessons often take place on a full working day or two evenings a week, sometimes even on Saturdays. On full-time courses, lessons usually take place every day.
Teaching format:Schools now offer a wide range of different teaching formats. In addition to traditional face-to-face lessons, you can usually also choose between hybrid and online lessons.
Have you lost track of all these different teaching formats?Following pageclearly shows you the advantages and disadvantages as well as the opportunities/special features of the respective format.
Learning effort: You should allow sufficient time to prepare for and follow up the lessons and for self-study - how much depends on your prior knowledge, working style, learning speed and chosen training model. We recommend that you allow at least 4-6 hours per week for the part-time model.
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.
If you do not have that much time for the civil engineering course at a higher technical college, contact the providers and clarify whether you can possibly complete the course over more than six 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
During the HF Construction Planning Technician course with a focus on civil engineering, you must pass various learning objective assessments. These assessments may consist of semester or intermediate examinations and/or graded semester or project work. The design of the learning objective assessments is determined independently by the schools. It is therefore possible that these may differ from school to school.
The grades you achieve in the learning objectives assessments are included in your final grades.
If you meet all the qualification requirements, you will be admitted to the final qualification procedure. This is made up as follows:
- Practice-oriented diploma thesisIt should have a practical or economic benefit and is written on one of the competencies specific to the professional field.
- Oral and/or written examinations:The diploma thesis is presented by the candidates to a panel of experts, after which it is defended by the candidates in an expert discussion.
The schools decide what the (final) qualification procedure looks like in detail. It is set out in the study regulations.
Diploma and title
If the candidates have passed the final qualification procedure, they will be awarded the HF diploma. They are then entitled to use the federally recognized and protected professional title "Certified Technician HF Construction Planning".
In French: "Technicienne diplômée ES en planification des travaux / Technicien diplômé ES en planification des travaux"
In Italian: "Tecnica dipl. SSS progettazione edile / Tecnico dipl. SSS progettazione edile"
The recommended translation in English is: "Advanced Federal Diploma of Higher Education in Construction planning". This is not a protected title.
Question 7:
Do you have the confidence to pass the HF construction planning technician course with a focus on civil engineering?
Great!
Here are some general success factors on the way to a new training qualification as a technician HF construction planning with a focus on civil engineering:
- 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 contact aInformation eventfor this construction planning course with a focus on civil engineering.
Arrange apersonal consultation appointmentwith the school of your choice. Explain your interest and your concerns and see how your counterpart reacts to which points and what they recommend.
Ask the school management aboutSupport options. Also consider whether you would like other support, for example from learning therapists or coaches, autogenic or mental training.
You can find suitable offers here:
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 that you can pass the final exam, but would like to study civil engineering at an HF (Höhere Fachschule), it is best to arrange a personal consultation appointment with a school. 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.
You should also consider whether you would like other support, for example from learning therapists or coaches, autogenic or mental training or by learning appropriate mindfulness and relaxation techniques, which can be helpful if you have exam anxiety, for example. You can find suitable offers here:
No, training to become an HF construction planning technician with a focus on civil engineering and an HF diploma 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.
Technikerin HF Bauplanung / Techniker HF Bauplanung mit Fokus Ingenieurbau 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 technician in construction planning with a focus on civil engineering 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.
The civil engineering course (HF construction planning technician specializing in civil engineering) at a university of applied sciences (HF) 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:
"Schools with technician HF construction planning training with a focus on civil engineering"
How do I find the right school for me?
To help you decide on a specific civil engineering training program, 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 be clarified, which will help you to keep an overview.
Also take a look at ourRating tool with numerous ratingsfrom former participants of various courses. 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 HF technician course with a focus on civil engineering at a university of applied sciences 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:
"Schools with technician HF construction planning training with a focus on civil engineering"
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 be clarified, which will help you to keep an overview.
Also take a look at ourRating tool with numerous ratingsfrom former participants of various courses. 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:
"Schools with technician HF construction planning training with a focus on civil engineering"
How do I find the right school for me?
To help you decide on the right provider for your HF technician 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 be clarified. This will help you to keep an overview.
Also take a look at ourRating tool with numerous ratingsfrom former participants of various courses. Thanks to the numerous filter options, including the number of stars, region, year or school, you can display exactly the reviews that interest you.
Linda, deine Weiterbildungsfinderin