Self-test "MarKom certificate exam": Is this course the right one for me?
Test now in our free and non-binding self-test whether the MarKom training for the MarKom certificate is the right path for you.
What is the purpose of MarKom training / the MarKom certificate?
Markom certificate test = former Markom approval test
The preparatory course for the Markom certificate examination has multiple benefits for all those who wish to pursue a career in the Markom sector:
- The Markom courses provide the basic knowledge required for successful further training in the areas of marketing, sales and communication
- And the Markom certificate enables young professionals to start their first job or career changers to switch to the Markom area. This enables them to gain two years of professional experience in the relevant area, which is the second admission requirement for the federal professional examination.
As of 2019, the MarKom certificate examination is no longer an admission requirement for the following further training courses and qualifications, but the relevant knowledge will be tested in the professional examination:
- Marketing specialist with a federal certificate of proficiency
- Sales specialist with a federal certificate of proficiency
- Communication specialist with a federal certificate (formerly communication planner)
- PR specialist with a federal certificate of proficiency
- Copywriter with a federal certificate of proficiency
Where do people who have completed MarKom training or passed the MarKom exam work?
Those who have passed the Markom certificate examination have the specialist knowledge and skills to take on administrative tasks or an assistant function in the areas of marketing, communication, PR, sales or copywriting. For example, in the marketing, advertising or PR department of a company, an institution or a non-profit organization. Or in an advertising agency, in a media publishing house, in market research or in product management.
Question 1:
Do the activities and functions described meet your expectations?
Great! Then you are in the right place with this course.
The next step is to find out how you can acquire the relevant skills. The actual specialization in one of the five possible areas only takes place in the subsequent further training for the federal professional examination.
By the way: If you are looking for further suitable training opportunities after successfully completing your MarKom training, take a look at theEducational counseling offerfrom Ausbildung-Weiterbildung.ch.
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.
Examples of further training opportunities in related fields:
- Marketing assistant, clerk (certificate)
- Marketing courses (cert.)
- Marketing Communication (Cert.)
- Communication Assistant (Cert.)
- Online Marketing (Cert.)
- Sales assistant or sales clerk (certified)
However, if you would fit into a higher function level due to your previous education and only need the certificate examination in order to be admitted to a preparatory course for a professional examination, please refer to the job descriptions of the professional examinations in marketing, PR, communication, copywriting or sales. You can find them here:
- Marketing specialist with a federal certificate of proficiency
- Sales specialist with a federal certificate of proficiency
- Communication specialist with a federal certificate (formerly communication planner)
- PR specialist with a federal certificate of proficiency
- Copywriter with a federal certificate of proficiency
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 MarKom training course for the MarKom certificate suitable for? What qualities and skills are required?
The MarKom course addresses the following target groups:
- People with or without previous knowledge of marketing who want to enter this professional field
Persons interested in taking the MarKom exam should meet the following personal requirements:
- Sociability and communication skills
- Organizational talent
- Very good command of the German language
- Creativity
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 don't have the necessary personal qualities and skills, you won't be happy in this clerical role. 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:
Prerequisites for admission to the MarKom training course and participation in the certificate examination:
In order to take the MarKom certificate exam, you must fulfill the following conditions by the time of the exam:
- Minimum age of 18 years
- Payment of the examination fee (CHF 450.-, as of June 2023)
Question 3:
Do you meet the requirements for admission?
Great!
If you have not yet reached the minimum age of 18, you can usually start the preparatory course for the MarKom certificate examination. Please note: The admission criteria for a MarKom course are set by the schools themselves. In such cases, we therefore recommend that you contact the school of your choice directly.
If you have not yet reached the minimum age of 18, you can usually start the preparatory course for the MarKom certificate examination. Please note: The admission criteria for a MarKom course are set by the schools themselves. In such cases, we therefore recommend that you contact the school of your choice directly.
Subject matter and content of the training
The following topics are usually covered in a preparatory course for the MarKom certificate examination:
Basic knowledge:
- Business administration and economics (BWL, VWL):including the economic cycle, sectoral structure of the economy, basic functions, organization, purposes and goals of companies, etc.
- CalculationCost calculations, price calculations, calculation, budget
- LawStructure of the legal system, sources of law, types of contract, legal basis of communication
MarCom theory:
- MarketingAmong other things: marketing tasks, market definition, marketing target groups, marketing objectives, marketing instruments, market research, online marketing, e-commerce, etc.
- Commercial communicationAmong other things: Objectives, planning and procedures of commercial communication, communication instruments and their implementation options, planning and handling communication tasks, possible uses of analog, digital and electronic media, etc.
- Public Relations / Corporate CommunicationsAmong other things, the function of PR, elements of CI (corporate identity), internal and external PR resources and measures, etc.
- Sales and distributionObjectives of sales and distribution, sales forms and functions, turnover and sales planning, basic principles of quotations and complaints
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 the MarKom training course, take a look at other training and further education courses in related areas. You may find a course that suits you better.
Obviously the typical topics of a MarKom course are not your cup of tea. Take a look at other training courses instead. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a wide range of options.
Costs and financing of further training
The costs for a preparatory course for the MarKom exam are determined by the schools. There may therefore be differences. Here you will find a list of the costs you can generally expect:
- Course fees: Between CHF 2'250.- and CHF 3'800.-
- Exam fee for the MarKom certificate exam: CHF 450 (as of June 2023)
- Some providers charge extra for
- Enrollment
- Teaching aids
- Training documents
- Internal examinations and examination training
It is best to contact the provider of your choice directly regarding the possible extra costs.
* Since 1.1.2018, preparatory courses for federal professional examinations have been financially supported by the federal government. Depending on this, the MarKom certificate course is accepted as a preparatory course for the professional examination. This means that if, after completing the MarKom certificate, you go on to obtain the federal certificate for marketing specialists, for example, within seven years and have not yet received any cantonal contributions for your training, 50% of the course costs paid (max. CHF 9,500) will be reimbursed by the federal government.Here you can find out morer.
Question 5:
Are you able to pay for the course and the 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 financial support options from the employer, federal government, canton, foundations or through loans from the Education Promotion FoundationEducaSwisscan be found in our guide "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 financial support options from the employer, federal government, canton, foundations or through loans from the Education Promotion FoundationEducaSwisscan be found in our guide "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.
- 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 financial support options from the employer, federal government, canton, foundations or through loans from the Education Promotion FoundationEducaSwisscan be found in our guide "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.
Duration of study, number of lessons, time models and teaching formats
- The MarKom training course lasts approx. 4 months.
- The MarKom course comprises between 87 and 110 lessons.
- When the MarKom courses are offered varies depending on the school. As a rule, it takes place two evenings a week (sometimes also on Saturdays).
- Many schools offer a mix of face-to-face and online courses (online, hybrid teaching, blended learning) as well as self-study. You can therefore choose the format that allows you to combine further education with your family, career and free time in the best possible way.
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.
If you do not have that much time, contact the providers and clarify whether you can possibly complete the training over more than four months.
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
Towards the end of the MarKom training, many schools hold internal (simulation) examinations. This promises optimal preparation for the certificate examination. After successfully completing the internal exam, you will receive a so-called "school certificate".
The MarKom certificate exam is conducted online (from home or the office)
The certificate examination is structured as follows:
1. basics incl. sales (multiple choice, 40 minutes, without documents)
- Business administration and economics
- Law
2. MarKom theory (multiple choice, 60 minutes, without documents)
- Marketing
- Sales / Distribution
- Marketing communication
- PR
3. case study block 1 (text input, 40 minutes, open books)
- Analysis
- Planning
- Calculation
4. case study block 2 (text input, 40 minutes, open books)
- Marketing measures
- Communication measures
- PR measures
5. case study view 3 (text input, 40 minutes, open books)
- Sales / Distribution
Diploma and title
Successful graduates receive the MarKom certificate, which is recognized throughout Switzerland. Holders of such a certificate are entitled to use the following title "Markom Assistant / MarKom Assistant"
In French: "Assistant MarKom / Assistante MarKom"
In Italian: "Assistente MarKom"
In English: "MarKom Assistant"
Question 7:
Do you have the confidence to pass the MarKom certificate exam?
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. 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 about passing the final exam but would like to complete the training, 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.
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 MarKom certificate course does not suit you. What a pity? - Perhaps not, because there are so many other opportunities 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.
MarKom training is probably not the right further training 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.
That's a half-hearted result: the MarKom course doesn't seem ideal for you. Or is it perhaps the form of training that doesn't suit you or doesn't fit well in terms of organization?
See which other further training courses are suitable for you. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
The MarKom course 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:
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:
Linda, deine Weiterbildungsfinderin