Self-test PR specialist course with federal certificate (BP): Is this course suitable for me?
Test here whether a job as a public relations specialist with a federal certificate is right for you and whether a preparatory course for the federal professional examination "PR specialist" is the right path for you.
Important note in advance: With the new 2019 examination regulations, a MarKom certificate examination is no longer required for admission.
What does the day-to-day work of a PR specialist with a federal certificate look like?
Public relations specialists are operational communications all-rounders. They typically work in PR agencies or communications departments in companies, institutions, public authorities or non-profit organizations (NGOs).
PR professionals are specialists in institutional communication, i.e. public relations. Their tasks are varied and depend on their workplace and employer. However, they always aim to present current and appropriate information to a specific target group, such as the general public, shareholders or members, but also their own employees, in an understandable and appealing way in order to maintain or specifically improve the image of a company or organization.
Among other things, PR specialists plan communication projects and sub-concepts, which they implement technically and editorially, such as media releases, annual reports, image brochures, customer information, articles for customer and staff newspapers or texts for digital channels such as social media. To this end, they are in close contact with internal and external specialists from design and production, as well as relevant dialog groups such as the media, employees and customers.
In addition, public relations specialists are actively involved in PR campaigns and also take on the planning and implementation of smaller events, such as media conferences or company events (open days).
The most important activities at a glance:
- (Co-)development of overarching communication strategy
- Participation in the development of overall communication concepts
- Development of sub-concepts in the areas of crisis management, corporate and marketing communications, social media, sponsoring, internal communications
- (Co-)development and monitoring of guidelines on corporate identity, corporate wording and corporate behavior
- Planning and implementation of communication media and communication measures
- Writing and/or editing various online and print articles in accordance with communication guidelines (e.g. media releases, annual reports, company brochures, content for social media, etc.)
- Creation and management of various company profiles, such as websites, pages and blogs
- Creation of event concepts and implementation of events based on overarching strategy and objectives
- Maintaining media contacts and organizing and coordinating them, for example for media conferences.
Question 1:
Do the activities described meet your expectations? Would you like to work as a PR specialist?
If you don't like all the jobs, think about which ones interest you the most. Also take a look at job advertisements. Perhaps you will find some that only require the activities that suit you better.
Perhaps another, related training program would suit you better? For example:
- Communications Specialist (BP)(formerly Communication Planner (BP))
- Marketing Specialist (BP)(formerly Marketing Planner (BP))
- Copywriter (BP)
- Typographer for visual communication (BP)
- Sales Specialist (BP)
If you don't necessarily have to take a professional examination with a federal certificate, there is also the option of completing a course with the school's own certificate. Perhaps that would be something for you?
If you don't like the activities, take a look at the numerous other further training opportunities.
Target group - Who is the professional examination for PR specialists with a federal certificate suitable for?
The "PR Specialist (BP)" courses are suitable for:
- Administrators and project managers in PR, marketing, communication or advertising
- Media professionals and journalists with a focus on corporate communications or those who would like to continue their education in this field.
- Professionals and interested persons who would like to acquire in-depth knowledge in the field of corporate communications/public relations
Public relations specialists should have the following personal qualities and skills:
- Sociability
- Communication and organizational skills
- Oral and written fluency
- Inventiveness and innovation
- Creativity
- Analytical skills
- Structured and conceptual way of working and thinking
- Load capacity
- Openness
- Trustworthiness
- Ability to work in a team
- Discipline, personal responsibility and independence
- Good general education and knowledge of the Swiss media landscape
Question 2:
Do you belong to the target group for this training and do you have the necessary personal qualities?
- If you do not belong to any of the above-mentioned groups, you cannot aim for the federal certificate directly. However, there are many options open to you for entering the field of (corporate) communication. Take a look at our free guide 1.3"Training and further education in the areas of marketing, communication and sales". You may come across further training courses that are aimed precisely at people like you.
- If you don't have the necessary personal qualities and skills, you probably won't be successful or happy in the field of communication. Take a look at our guide"Finding the right training"on. It offers helpful tips and information on how to find the right training.
Requirements for admission to the Federal Professional Examination for PR Specialists (BP)
You must meet the following requirements for admission to the federal professional examination "PR Specialist":
- At least two years of professional experience in PR, corporate communications, direct marketing, journalism, marketing communications or sales
And one of the following degrees or an equivalent qualification:
- Management assistant with federal certificate of proficiency (EFZ)
- Commercial high school diploma or diploma from a diploma middle school lasting at least 3 years
- Matura (all types, incl. vocational baccalaureate)
- Diploma from a state-recognized higher technical college (HF), university of applied sciences (FH) or university
- Federal Marketing Specialist, Communications Specialist, Direct Marketing Specialist or Sales Specialist.
Professional experience in the field of corporate communications, PR, direct marketing, marketing communications, journalism or sales:
- Clerk with specific specialist tasks in the above-mentioned areas
- Assistant for the corresponding area management
- Journalistic activity as an employee or freelancer, i.e. freelance employment in a medium or news agency, etc.
Attending a public relations day school with an internship is also recognized as professional experience.
You will be informed in writing at least three months before the start of the examination whether you have been admitted to the federal examination. The cut-off date for proof of the required professional experience is the day of the examination. If you are not admitted, you will receive a rejection letter with reasons and instructions on how to appeal.
Note: Individual schools may also be prepared to admit you to a preparatory course for the professional examination for communication specialists if you do not (yet) meet the criteria for admission to the federal examination. It is then your responsibility to ensure that you meet the necessary requirements at the time of the examination/examination registration.
Question 3:
Do you meet the requirements for admission?
If you are not sure whether your professional experience will be recognized as professional experience for PR specialists, please contact the sponsor of the examination regulations, the Swiss Public Relations Association SPRV (pr suisse), directly. On theirWebsiteyou have the option of submitting an application for a preliminary decision on admission to the federal professional examination. This application is subject to a fee of CHF 100 (as of spring 2021).
If you have little or no professional experience, you have the following options:
- Search for suitable jobs with the help of professional job boards.
- Look for voluntary work in the areas mentioned to gain valuable practical experience.
- If you know someone from your private or professional environment who is already working in the fields of corporate communications, PR, direct marketing, marketing communications, journalism or sales, 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 have already designed, supervised and/or implemented projects in marketing communications, PR, corporate communications, journalism or sales in your spare time, then it is worthwhile demonstrating your skills in a professional setting, for example with a school or internationally recognized certificate. You can find suitable offershereon Ausbildung-Weiterbildung.ch
If you do not have the necessary school-leaving qualifications, then look out for suitable training, further education, workshops, seminars or courses.HereOn Ausbildung-Weiterbildung.ch you will find a large selection of suitable offers from competent providers.
If you are not sure whether your professional experience will be recognized as professional experience for PR specialists, please contact the sponsor of the examination regulations, the Swiss Public Relations Association SPRV (pr suisse), directly. On theirWebsiteyou have the option of submitting an application for a preliminary decision on admission to the federal professional examination. This application is subject to a fee of CHF 100 (as of spring 2021).
If you have little or no professional experience, you have the following options:
- Search for suitable jobs with the help of professional job boards.
- Look for voluntary work in the areas mentioned to gain valuable practical experience.
- If you know someone from your private or professional environment who is already working in the fields of corporate communications, PR, direct marketing, marketing communications, journalism or sales, 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 have already designed, supervised and/or implemented projects in marketing communications, PR, corporate communications, journalism or sales in your spare time, then it is worthwhile demonstrating your skills in a professional setting, for example with a school or internationally recognized certificate. You can find suitable offershereon Ausbildung-Weiterbildung.ch
If you do not have the necessary school-leaving qualifications, then look out for suitable training, further education, workshops, seminars or courses.HereOn Ausbildung-Weiterbildung.ch you will find a large selection of suitable offers from competent providers.
Subject matter and content of the training
The content of the preparatory courses for the federal professional examination "PR Specialist" is based on the specifications of the sponsoring body of the professional examination, the Swiss Public Relations Association SPRV (pr suisse). The following topics are covered:
- Fundamentals of law, ethics, society, economics (VWL) and business administration (BWL):Knowledge of the points of contact with related disciplines such as marketing (communication), digital marketing, HR and sales as well as the political and economic environment. Ethical basics of public relations, basics of communication law.
- Basics of conception and strategy:Development and formulation of objectives, target groups and concept content.
- Measures and channels:Planning, organization and implementation of communication tools and measures for the realization of PR activities and concepts.
- Content:Writing and editing: Target group-specific copywriting and editing of content for various channels (online and offline).
Question 4:
Are you interested in this content, would you like to acquire this knowledge?
If you are only partially interested in this federal certificate, take a look at other training and further education courses in the fields of PR, corporate communications, direct marketing, journalism, marketing communications or sales. You may find a course that suits you better due to the content taught.
- Are you more interested in analytical, conceptual and planning tasks in communication? Then perhaps the professional examination for "Communications Specialist (BP)" (formerly communication planner (BP)).
- Would you like to focus on writing texts? Then take a look at the professional examination "Copywriter (BP)" to.
- Is personal interaction with customers important to you? Then perhaps the federal certificate as a "Sales Specialist (BP)" something for you.
- If you are more interested in design tasks, then take a look at the professional examination for "Typographer for Visual Communication (BP)".
Obviously the typical areas of responsibility of communication specialists 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 may vary depending on the provider. In general, the following costs can be expected for the approximately one-year in-service training course:
- Course fees: Between CHF 5,300 and CHF 9,900, half of which will be refunded by the federal government upon completion of the examination*.
- Examination fee: Once admission has been confirmed, the candidate pays the examination fee of CHF 1,690 (as of spring 2021).
- In general, the costs include all course materials, teaching aids, simulation exams, case and exam corrections.
The course fees for the "PR Specialist (BP)" course with a federal certificate are usually payable at the beginning of the course. Some providers also offer payment per semester or in installments.
* Since 1.1.2018, preparatory courses for federal professional examinations have been financially supported by the federal government. Students who complete preparatory courses for the federal professional examination therefore receive up to 50% of the course costs paid back after taking the federal examination (regardless of the result) and upon application.
Question 5:
Are you able to pre-finance approx. CHF 7,000-10,700 for course fees and the federal examination?
Great! Here's another tip: If you are able to pay the full amount in advance: Check with the school of your choice to see if they offer a special discount for paying in full upfront.
For information on financial support from the federal government, please contactthis linkto the Swiss Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation.
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.
For information on financial support from the federal government, please contactthis linkto the Swiss Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation.
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.
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.
For information on financial support from the federal government, please contactthis linkto the Swiss Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation.
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.
Duration of study, number of lessons and learning effort
The "PR Specialist" course with a federal certificate lasts approximately one year (approx. 8 - 12 months) and has a modular structure.
Depending on the provider, it comprises between 198 and 410 lessons. They can be completed in modules on several days a week, for example Friday and Saturday, or on a weekly basis.
In most cases, you can choose from different teaching formats: Face-to-face, online, hybrid teaching and/or accompanied e-learning.
The individual time required for homework, self-study and exam preparation averages a further 6-8 hours per week.
Question 6:
Can you find the time for lessons and self-study time?
If you don't have that much time, get in touch with the providers and clarify whether you can possibly complete the course over more than two semesters.
If you still don't have enough time, check whether you can create space for yourself elsewhere. Perhaps someone close to you can take on certain tasks for you for the duration of your training?
Degree, diploma and title
The professional examination to become a PR specialist with a federal certificate takes place annually, provided that at least 30 candidates meet the admission requirements. It can be taken in one of the three official languages German, French and Italian.
The examination comprises four parts and is conducted as follows:
Part 1 / Basics
a) Ethics, law, economics, business administration and society: 30 minutes in writing:Candidates demonstrate their knowledge by answering open questions: their knowledge of the objectives and sub-areas of public relations/corporate communications, the points of contact with neighboring disciplines, the ethical foundations, the basics of communications law and their understanding of the political and economic environment of public relations.
b) Conceptual and strategic basis: 30 minutes in writing:Based on a situation analysis, the candidates formulate objectives, target groups and concept content for PR/corporate communications.
Part 2 / Measures and channels: 3 hours in writing
Candidates work on a case study on the implementation of public relations activities and concepts: planning, organization and realization of (communication) means and measures, including the identification of project-specific target groups and contact persons.
Part 3 / Content: Writing and editing: 2.5 hours in writing
In the form of case studies, candidates write and edit content for online and offline channels and target groups.
Part 4 / Best Practice
a) Preparation of case solution for presentation: 15 minutes in writing:Candidates are given a case to work on and analyze as a task. They make their own written notes.
b) Presentation solution and expert discussion: 45 minutes oral:Using the resources available, the candidates present their previously developed solutions to the case. They are then discussed in an expert interview and their arguments are debated.
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.
Diploma and title:
Graduates of the professional examination receive a federal certificate, which is issued by the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation SERI at the request of the examination board. They may use the federally recognized and protected title "PR specialist with a federal certificate". In English: "Specialist in Public Relations, Federal Diploma of Higher Education". The names of certificate holders are entered in a register kept by SERI.
Question 7:
Do you have the confidence to pass the federal professional examination?
If you are unsure, we recommend that you contact aInformation eventto attend this course.
Arrange apersonal consultation appointmentwith the school of your choice or the sponsor of the professional examination to theSwiss Public Relations Association SPRV (pr suisse). 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, some schools will not leave you empty-handed after you have successfully completed the preparatory course: if you have successfully completed all modules, you may receive aschool certificate.
If you are not at all confident that you can pass the final examination, it is best to arrange a personal consultation with a school or the body responsible for the professional examination, theSwiss Public Relations Association SPRV (pr suisse). 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 as a PR specialist (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. You will find a large selection of offers on Ausbildung-Weiterbildung.ch.
PR specialist is probably not the right 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 what other further training courses interest you. You will find a wide range of offers on Ausbildung-Weiterbildung.ch.
This is a half-hearted result: working as a PR specialist 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. You will find a wide range of offers on Ausbildung-Weiterbildung.ch.
Further training as a PR specialist 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: