Self-test Job Coach course with federal certificate (BP): Is this course suitable for me?
Test here whether a job as a job coaching specialist with a federal certificate is right for you and whether a preparatory course for the federal professional examination "Job Coach for Work Integration" is the right path for you.
What does the day-to-day work of job coaches with a federal certificate in work integration look like?
Job coaches support and accompany people who find it difficult to enter or remain in the general labor market for various reasons. Their clients include people with physical and psychological problems, addictions, people with a migration background, people in prison or on social welfare. Job coaches offer their services as employees in organizations and companies or as self-employed persons on a contract basis.
Job coaches act as "bridge builders" between the people concerned and employers throughout the entire process before, during and after entering the labor market. This pursues the goal of sustainable professional integration and creates or maintains the basis for those affected to lead as independent a life as possible.
At the beginning, job coaches clarify the assignment and use tests and personal interviews to determine their clients' interests, strengths, weaknesses and wishes with regard to the job market. With their constantly updated knowledge of trends and requirements in the job market, job coaches support their clients in developing an application strategy, searching for jobs, writing applications and preparing for job interviews. In doing so, they not only provide advice, but also motivation.
On the employer side, job coaches create an understanding of their clients' situation and negotiate possible adjustments to performance requirements and working hours. Finally, job coaches continue to support both their clients and the new employers after they have been hired, for example in the event of initial difficulties or conflicts in the workplace.
Job coaches maintain intensive networks and have broad relationships with employers and other important stakeholder groups.
Question 1:
Do the activities described meet your expectations? Would you like to work as a job coach for work integration?
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.
If you don't like the activities, take a look at the numerous other training opportunities. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection.
Target group and skills: For whom is the professional examination to become a job coach for work integration with a federal certificate suitable? What qualities and skills are required?
The "Job Coach for Work Integration" course and professional examination are suitable for
- for professionals who are already working as job coaches and would like to give their career a boost with the federal certificate.
- for interested individuals and career changers with relevant professional experience in coaching and work integration as well as supervision hours who see their professional future in job coaching and would like to demonstrate their knowledge.
- for employees in the field of work integration who want to expand their practical knowledge in order to provide their clients with the best possible advice.
Job coaches should have the following personal qualities and skills:
- Empathy
- Sociability and communication skills
- Ability to self-reflect
- Flexibility and resilience
- Stress resistance
- Ability to deal with conflict
- Organizational talent
Question 2:
Do you belong to one of the target groups of this training program and do you have the necessary personal qualities?
- If you do not belong to any of the above-mentioned groups, you cannot apply directly for the federal certificate. The coaching profession is booming. Accordingly, there are numerous entry opportunities. Take a look at the page "Coaching" with various courses from suitable providers. You may come across further training courses here that are aimed precisely at people like you.
- If you do not have the necessary professional experience in the field of coaching and work integration, search for suitable jobs using professional job boards. If you know someone in your private or professional environment who is already working in this field, ask them for tips and whether they would support you in your job search. He/she will certainly have the relevant contacts and connections.
- If you do not have the required minimum of twelve hours of supervision, then take a look at the website of theProfessional Association for Coaching, Supervision and Organizational Consulting (BSO)or theAssociation Romande des Superviseurs (ARS)to. Here you will find a list of recognized supervisors.
- If you do not have the necessary personal qualities and skills, you will probably not be happy with this demanding coaching role in work integration. Look out for further training opportunities that offer a different professional specialization and focus less on work integration.
- If you are unsure whether you are well suited to such a role with a lot of responsibility, it is best to talk to experienced people such as career advisors. You can find suitable providers of career advice and career coaching here:
Requirements for admission to the federal professional examination Job Coach / Job Coach Arbeitsintegration:
Admission to the federal professional examination for job coaches for work integration is granted to those who:
- Has a federal certificate of proficiency, a baccalaureate, a specialized baccalaureate or equivalent qualification
And
- have at least four years of professional experience, two of which must be relevant, with an average 80% workload. (Part-time workloads of less than 80% are counted pro rata)
And
- A total of twelve hours of supervision by a recognized supervisor are available
And
- Have the necessary module qualifications or certificates of equivalence. These include
- Module 1: Planning and clarification of mandates
- Module 2: Supporting and advising clients
- Module 3: Acting with stakeholders
The supervision sessions, module completions and the corresponding professional experience must be reported by August 31 of the respective examination year.
You will find out whether you have been admitted to the professional examination at least five months before the start of the examination with a written notification including reasons and information on legal remedies in the event of rejection.
Note: Some schools may be prepared to admit you to a preparatory course for the professional examination to become a job coach for work integration 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/application for the examination.
Question 3:
Do you meet the requirements for admission?
If you are not sure whether your professional experience will be recognized as work experience for Job Coaches Work Integration, clarify your chances directly with the body responsible for the examination regulations, theSwiss Association for Work Education and Job Coaching.Please note that the preliminary clarification is subject to a fee (CHF 100) and takes approximately 2 to 3 weeks.
If you have little or no professional experience, you have the following options:
- Search for suitable jobs with the help of professional job boards.
- If you know someone from your private or professional environment who is already working in the field of coaching work integration, 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 do not have the required minimum of twelve hours of supervision, then take a look at the website of theProfessional Association for Coaching, Supervision and Organizational Consulting (BSO)or theAssociation Romande des Superviseurs (ARS)to. Here you will find a list of recognized supervisors.
- If you do not have a federal certificate of proficiency (EFZ) or equivalent basic vocational training, you still have the opportunity to catch up on this now. You can find out more about catch-up training for adults in our guide "The Swiss education system at a glance".
If you are not sure whether your professional experience will be recognized as work experience for Job Coaches Work Integration, clarify your chances directly with the body responsible for the examination regulations, theSwiss Association for Work Education and Job Coaching. Please note that the preliminary clarification is subject to a fee (CHF 100) and takes approximately 2 to 3 weeks.
If you have little or no professional experience, you have the following options:
- Search for suitable jobs with the help of professional job boards.
- If you know someone from your private or professional environment who is already working in the field of coaching work integration, 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 do not have a federal certificate of proficiency (EFZ) or equivalent basic vocational training, you still have the opportunity to catch up on this now. You can find out more about catch-up training for adults in our guide "The Swiss education system at a glance".
Subject matter and content of the training
The subject matter of the preparatory courses for the federal vocational examination to become a job coach for work integration is based on the specifications of the sponsoring body of the vocational examination, the Swiss Association for Work Education and Job Coaching.
The subject matter is covered in three modules and covers the basic skills required for the professional examination:
- Module 1: Planning and clarifying mandates (clarifying the mandate with all parties involved, carrying out preliminary clarification regarding the client's work activity and accompanying him/her when entering the labor market, writing reports on the progress of measures, defining accompanying measures with the client)
- Module 2: Accompanying and advising clients (creating a skills profile with the client and supporting him/her in the search for training, further training, a job and in job interviews, accompanying the client after starting a job, mediating in conflict situations, assessing the client's current situation)
- Module 3: Acting with stakeholders (working with different stakeholders, discussing next steps for (re)integration with clients, participating in process development projects, building and maintaining networks with potential employers)
In addition, twelve hours of supervision are part of the training. This takes place with a supervisor recognized by the Professional Association for Coaching, Supervision and Organizational Consulting (BSO) or the Association Romande des Superviseurs (ARS).
Question 4:
Are you interested in this content, would you like to acquire this knowledge?
If you are only partially interested in the contents of this federal certificate, take a look at otherTraining and further education in coachingon. You may find a course that suits you better due to the content taught.
Obviously the typical areas of responsibility of job coaches with a federal certificate are 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 vary depending on the provider. In general, the following costs must be expected for the 2-3 semester in-service training course to become a job coach:
- Course fees: between CHF 7,000 and CHF 8,000. After the examination, you will receive around 50% of this back from the federal government on application (regardless of the result).
- Examination fee: Candidates pay the examination fee once admission has been confirmed. This fee is set by the examination organizer and published on its website examen-sopro.ch. It currently amounts to CHF 2,900.
- Some providers charge extra for teaching materials and training documents. Please contact the provider of your choice directly to find out what additional 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 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 around CHF 9,900 - CHF 10,900 for course and examination fees?
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.
For information on financial support from the federal government, please contactthis linkto the Swiss Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI).
Information on financial support for temporary workers from "temptraining", the further training fund of the temporary employment sector, can be found 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.
For information on financial support from the federal government, please contactthis linkto the Swiss Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI).
Information on financial support for temporary workers from "temptraining", the further training fund of the temporary employment sector, can be found 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.
For information on financial support from the federal government, please contactthis linkto the Swiss Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation.
Information on financial support for temporary workers from "temptraining", the further training fund of the temporary employment sector, can be found athere.
Duration of study, number of lessons and learning effort
- The modular training program to become a job coach can be completed while working.
- It lasts around 30 weeks, spread over 2-3 semesters depending on the provider.
- The course comprises between 144 and 162 lessons, which often take place on one full day per week. Many schools now offer a mix of face-to-face and online courses (online, hybrid teaching, blended learning) as well as self-study.
- 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.
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 well-organized study strategy not only motivates you, but also protects you from chaotic, stressful study days and nights shortly before the exam.
If you do not have that much time, contact the providers and clarify whether you can possibly complete the course over more than two or three semesters.
If you still don't have enough time, check whether you can create space for yourself elsewhere. Perhaps someone close to you can take on certain tasks for you for the duration of your training?
Degree, diploma and title
The professional examination to become a job coach for work integration is held annually, provided that at least 16 candidates meet the admission requirements (otherwise every two years). It can be taken in German, French or Italian.
The professional examination consists of three parts, which proceed as follows:
1) Reflection on personal working methods
-
- Reflection report: prepared in advance, in writing:
Candidates write a reflection report on their dealings with clients and their interaction with employers. They are provided with two sets of questions from which they choose a given topic and document their experiences. The reflection report must be approx. 8 A4 pages long and meet the formal requirements regarding structure and content.
-
- Presentation of the reflection report and expert discussion: 40 minutes, oral:
Here, the candidates present the relevant content and key findings of their reflection report. They then answer the experts' in-depth questions.
2) Central professional processes: 60 minutes, written examination
Candidates work on complex situations in three case studies. They must analyze these and formulate suitable questions, challenges, problems and solutions.
3) Analyze discussions with client, authority or employer
-
- Video analysis of a conversation situation: 20 minutes, written:
Here, candidates are asked to analyze a video-recorded interview situation in writing.
-
- Expert discussion: 20 minutes, oral:
In the expert discussion, the candidates present the most important points of their analysis. In addition, they present situation-specific solutions for the practical situation observed on the video and answer in-depth questions from the experts.
Diploma and title
Graduates of the professional examination receive a federal certificate and are entitled to use the federally recognized and protected title "Job Coach Work Integration".
In French: "Spécialiste en insertion professionnelle avec brevet fédéral"
In Italian: "Job Coach per l`inserimento lavorativo con attestator professionale federale"
In English: "Job Coach Integrated Employment, Federal Diploma of Higher Education"
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 important exam experience, e.g. in simulation exams.
If you are unsure, we recommend that you contact aInformation eventto attend this course.
Arrange a personal consultation appointment with the school of your choice or the sponsor of the professional examination, theSwiss Association for Work Education and Job Coaching. 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.
If you are not confident about taking the federal professional examination, you may not be left empty-handed after successfully completing the preparatory course: if you have successfully completed all the modules, some schools will give you aschool certificate.
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 important exam experience, e.g. in simulation exams.
If you are not at all confident that you will pass the final exam, it is best to arrange apersonal consultation appointmentwith a school or the sponsoring body of the professional examination, theSwiss Association for Work Education and Job Coaching. Explain your interest and your concerns and see how your counterpart reacts to which points and what they recommend.
Ask at the school of your choice whether there areSupport optionsfor 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 as a job coach for work integration (BP) does not suit you. What a pity? - Perhaps not, because there are so many other options for further training. One or the other would certainly suit you much better.
Check which other further training courses are suitable for you. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
Job Coach Arbeitsintegration (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 a job coach for work integration (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 as a job coach for work integration (BP) 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:
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:
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: