Self-test: Is the "Solar Installation Project Manager (BP)" course the right one for me?
Find out whether the job of solar installation project manager with a federal certificate matches your expectations and opportunities.
Take the test!
The result at the end of the self-test shows you whether you are on the right track with this further training.
What does the day-to-day work of solar installation project managers with a federal certificate look like?
Solar installation project managers with a federal certificate are specialists with a professional background in building technology planning or in the professional field of building envelopes who specialize in the installation and maintenance of standardized solar systems for hot water, heat and electricity generation. They supervise solar projects from planning to installation and beyond.
For smaller buildings (single or multi-family homes and commercial buildings), solar installation project managers handle the entire project from start to finish; for more complex installations, they usually take care of the professional execution of the solar installations, while the planning is in the hands of planning specialists.
Solar installation project managers advise their customers, inform them about standardized solar installations and systems and assess the suitability of the buildings concerned. When planning the systems, they determine the position and alignment of the system components as well as the routing and penetration of cables and define mounting points and substructures. They install the systems independently.
As specialists, they take the applicable standards and protective measures into account in all their activities. By installing solar systems, they make a significant contribution to the promotion of renewable energies and thus to the realization of the 2000-watt society. It goes without saying that they keep up to date with technical developments and innovations as well as energy policy discussions.
Question 1:
Do the activities described meet your expectations? Would you like to work as a solar installation project manager (BP)?
Great! Then you've come to the right place for this training course.
By the way: If you are looking for further suitable training opportunities after successfully completing the federal certificate, take a look at theEducational counseling service from Ausbildung-Weiterbildung.ch.
Based on the information you provide in the questionnaire, our education advisors will make suitable suggestions for courses, seminars or training programs, provide an overview of the various levels and types of education and assist you with questions about the Swiss education system and support you in your search for or decision on the right education or training.
If you like the specialist/technical tasks but are less interested in the advisory tasks, a degree inSolar technicianperhaps better suited to you. The path to becoming a solar technician corresponds to a large part of the further training for solar installation project management. You will receive more information on this in the course of this self-test.
If you are more interested in a brief introduction to solar technology and installation than comprehensive further training, a solar installer course would be a suitable option, seewww.solarteure.ch/solarmonteur/and course offers under/solarmontage-info.aspx.
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: Who is the solar installation project manager professional examination with a federal certificate suitable for? What qualities and skills are required?
The solar installation training and vocational examination project management is aimed at the following target group:
- Professionals - especially (but not only) from the fields of building technology and building envelopes - who want to continue their professional training, specialize in the promising field of solar systems and work in a responsible position in this field.
Solar installation project managers should have the following personal qualities and skills:
- Sociability and good communication skills
- Ability to work in a structured and goal-oriented manner
- Independence
- Organizational talent
- Interest in energy technology developments and energy policy
- Stable health and a head for heights
- Weather resistance
Question 2:
Do you belong to the target group for this training and do you have the necessary personal qualities?
Great!
If you do not have the necessary personal qualities and skills, you will not be happy with this job. Look around for other training opportunities.
If you have doubts about your organizational and/or communication skills, further training as a solar technician might be an alternative. The work of solar technicians is technically identical, but without project management tasks. You can find informationhere.
If you have any doubts about your suitability, you may be able to discuss them with your line manager or with career advisors. You can find providers of career counseling and career coaching here:
If you do not have the necessary personal qualities and skills, you will not be happy with this job. Look around for other training opportunities.
If you have doubts about your organizational and/or communication skills, further training as a solar technician might be an alternative for you. The work of solar technicians is technically identical, but without project management tasks. You can find informationhere.
If you have any doubts about your suitability, you may be able to discuss them with your line manager or with career advisors. You can find providers of career counseling and career coaching here:
Requirements for admission to the professional examination "Solar installation project manager" with federal certificate
The prerequisites for admission to the professional examination for solar installation project manager are
Federal certificate of proficiency(EFZ) in a building services engineering profession (building services engineering planner for heating, ventilation, sanitation) or building envelope (waterproofing, roofer, façade builder, scaffolder, blind fitter) or an equivalent qualification
AND
within the last 10 years at least3 years of professional experiencein a building services engineering or building envelope profession
AND
Solarteur certificate(requires 7 module qualifications, which may be completed as part of the preparatory courses for the professional examination)
AND
2 Project management modules"Project management basics" and "Solar installation project management" (also completed as part of the preparatory courses for the professional examination)
Question 3:
Do you meet the requirements for admission?
Great! Further in the test ...
The Quality Assurance Commission (QSK) of the sponsoring organization decides on the admission of candidates to this professional examination. The sponsors of the professional examination for solar installation project managers are made up of the following seven organizations: Gebäudeklima Schweiz, Holzbau Schweiz, Polybau, Schweizerisch-Liechtensteinischer Gebäudetechnikverband (suissetec), Schweizerische Metallunion, Swissolar, Verein Solarteurschulen Schweiz).
For questions regarding admission, recognition of module qualifications, professional experience, etc., please contact the QSK secretariat at the Polybau training center in Uzwil viahttps://polybau.ch/Projektleiter_Solarmontage.
If you don't have enough work experience, use professional job boards to search for suitable jobs in order to gain the required work experience.Hereyou will find helpful information.
Do you have a foreign qualification? SERI is responsible for assessing the equivalence of foreign qualifications for admission to the BP. You can find more information here:www.sbfi.admin.ch/sbfi/de/home/bildung/diploma.html
If you do not have a federal certificate of proficiency (EFZ) or equivalent basic vocational training, you still have the opportunity to catch up now. You can find out more about catch-up training for adults in ourGuide "The Swiss education system at a glance".
The Quality Assurance Commission (QSK) of the sponsoring organization decides on the admission of candidates to this professional examination. The sponsors of the professional examination for solar installation project managers are made up of the following seven organizations: Gebäudeklima Schweiz, Holzbau Schweiz, Polybau, Schweizerisch-Liechtensteinischer Gebäudetechnikverband (suissetec), Schweizerische Metallunion, Swissolar, Verein Solarteurschulen Schweiz).
For questions regarding admission, recognition of module qualifications, professional experience, etc., please contact the QSK secretariat at the Polybau training center in Uzwil viahttps://polybau.ch/Projektleiter_Solarmontage.
If you don't have enough work experience, use professional job boards to search for suitable jobs in order to gain the required work experience.Hereyou will find helpful information.
Do you have a foreign qualification? SERI is responsible for assessing the equivalence of foreign qualifications for admission to the BP. You can find more information here:www.sbfi.admin.ch/sbfi/de/home/bildung/diploma.html.
If you do not have a federal certificate of proficiency (EFZ) or equivalent basic vocational training, you still have the opportunity to catch up now. You can find out more about catch-up training for adults in ourGuide "The Swiss education system at a glance".
Subject matter and content of the training
The preparatory courses to become a solar installation project manager with a federal certificate are practical, solution-oriented and perfectly aligned with the requirements of the professional examination. The further training comprises two subject areas: Specialist courses (7 modules), successful completion of which leads to the European-recognized certificate "Solarteur", and project management (2 modules).
Specialist modules:
- DWA- Roof, wall, occupational safety: basic knowledge of the building envelope, assembly systems, occupational safety
- EUM- Energy, environment, market: energy theory, energy situation and environmental consequences, energy/climate/environmental policy, solar energy, support measures, laws and building standards
- GET- Fundamentals of electrical engineering: physical principles of ET, electrical energy supply, energy and power, protective measures in domestic installations, safety when working on electrical systems, legal principles
- GWT- Basics of heating technology: physical basics of heating technology, heating installations, sanitary installations, pipe connection techniques
- WP- Heat pump: basics of heat pumps, heat pump systems, realization of heat pump systems
- PV- Photovoltaics: PV systems, components of PV systems, realization of PV systems
- ST- Solar thermal energy: ST basics, ST systems, realization of ST systems
Project management modules:
- Project management basicsBasic concepts of project management, procedure methodology, initialization process, project goals, organization, work breakdown structure, planning of deadlines, resources and costs, project controlling
- Solar installation project managementBasics of solar energy, permits, subsidies, conception, construction management
The sponsors of the professional examination (consisting of 7 construction industry associations) and their quality assurance committee regularly review and revise the requirements. This ensures that the knowledge and skills imparted are always up to date, take into account the latest technological developments and comply with legal requirements.
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, take a look at training and further education courses in related areas. You may find a course that suits you better, for example:
Obviously the central topics of project managers for solar installation with a federal certificate are not your thing. 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 following costs must be expected for further training (as of July 2023)
- TheSchool fees for the preparation coursesfor the 7 specialist modules is CHF 7,300 and for the 2 project management modules CHF 2,800, i.e. a total of CHF 10,100, of which you will receive up to 50% back from the federal government on application (regardless of the result) after passing the professional examination*.
- Fee for the professional examinationCHF 1,500 (as of July 2023). Candidates must pay the examination fee as soon as they receive notification of admission.
- The costs for enrolment, teaching materials and training documents and module examinations are usually included in the tuition fee. We recommend that you contact the provider of your choice directly and ask whether you can work withExtra costshave to reckon with.
*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 will therefore be reimbursed up to 50% (max. CHF 9,500 for BP, max. CHF 10,500 for HFP) of the course costs paid upon application after taking the federal examination. In exceptional cases of hardship, the federal contributions will also be paid out in advance.
Question 5:
Are you able to pre-finance CHF 11,600 for the course and exam?
Great! Nevertheless, here are a few tips:
The costs for modules that do not have to be attended due to basic vocational training or equivalent prior knowledge/achievements are generally waived by the schools.
Some schools grant discounts for course participants whose employer is a member of one of the sponsoring associations (Gebäudeklima Schweiz, Holzbau Schweiz, Polybau, Schweizerisch-Liechtensteinischer Gebäudetechnikverband (suissetec), Schweizerische Metallunion, Swissolar, Verein Solarteurschulen Schweiz).
Information on federal contributions to courses that prepare students for federal examinations can be found here:www.sbfi.admin.ch/sbfi/de/home/bildung/bwb/hbb/bundesbeitraege.html
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 full payment in advance.
The costs for modules that do not have to be attended due to basic vocational training or equivalent prior knowledge/achievements are generally waived by the schools.
Some schools grant discounts for course participants whose employer is a member of one of the sponsoring associations (Gebäudeklima Schweiz, Holzbau Schweiz, Polybau, Schweizerisch-Liechtensteinischer Gebäudetechnikverband (suissetec), Schweizerische Metallunion, Swissolar, Verein Solarteurschulen Schweiz).
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 federal contributions to courses that prepare students for federal examinations can be found here:www.sbfi.admin.ch/sbfi/de/home/bildung/bwb/hbb/bundesbeitraege.html
You can find information on financial support options from your employer, the federal government, the canton, foundations or loans from the EducaSwiss Foundation in ourGuide "How to finance your further training properly".
Information on financial support for temporary workers through "temptraining", the further training fund of the temporary employment sector, is available here:/www.tempservice.ch/de/temptraining/anspruch-pruefen/index.php
The costs for modules that do not have to be attended due to basic vocational training or equivalent prior knowledge/achievements are generally waived by the schools.
Some schools grant discounts for course participants whose employer is a member of one of the sponsoring associations (Gebäudeklima Schweiz, Holzbau Schweiz, Polybau, Schweizerisch-Liechtensteinischer Gebäudetechnikverband (suissetec), Schweizerische Metallunion, Swissolar, Verein Solarteurschulen Schweiz).
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 federal contributions to courses that prepare students for federal examinations can be found here:www.sbfi.admin.ch/sbfi/de/home/bildung/bwb/hbb/bundesbeitraege.html
You can find information on financial support options from your employer, the federal government, the canton, foundations or loans from the EducaSwiss Foundation in ourGuide "How to finance your further training properly".
Information on financial support for temporary workers through "temptraining", the further training fund of the temporary employment sector, is available here:www.tempservice.ch/de/temptraining/anspruch-pruefen/index.php
Duration of study, teaching times and learning effort
The further training to become a solar installation project manager is designed to be completed alongside work and lasts at least two semesters.
The course comprises 9 modules. Each module is completed with an examination. The module qualifications are valid for five years.
Lessons take place on individual weekdays (often Thurs/Fri) plus half Saturdays and comprise around 350 lessons of 45 minutes each (curriculum and number of lessons may vary in detail depending on the school). The number of teaching units of the individual modules is approx:
- DWA - Roof, wall, occupational safety: 40 lessons
- EUM - Energy, Environment, Market: 20 lessons.
- GET - Fundamentals of Electrical Engineering: 30 lessons
- GWT - Fundamentals of thermal engineering: 30 lessons
- WP - Heat pump: 45 lessons.
- PV - Photovoltaics: 45 lessons
- ST - Solar thermal energy: 45 lessons
- Project management basics: 24 lessons
- Solar installation project management: 72 lessons
Those who have successfully completed the specialist modules DWA, EUM, GET, GWT, WP, PV and ST receive the European-recognized "Solarteur" certificate; those who have successfully completed all 9 modules can register for the professional examination. - This also means that anyone who holds the solar technician certificate and has also successfully completed the two modules on project management (basics and PL solar installation) can register for the professional examination.
You should allow sufficient time to prepare for and follow up on the lessons and for self-study - how much depends on your previous 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 good study strategy not only motivates you, but also protects you from chaotic, stressful study days and nights shortly before the exam.
If you cannot complete the course in two semesters, take a look at the course dates for the individual modules. You can adapt the course to your time constraints and extend it over a period of up to five years - the module qualifications remain valid for five years for admission to the professional examination.
Depending on your previous education, you may be exempt from attending individual modules, for example:
- Course participants who are listed as "FWS specialist partners with certificate" by the Swiss Heat Pump Association (FWS) can be exempted from the "Heat pump" specialist module. The certificate must not be older than 5 years;
- Course participants who are listed in the "Solarprofis®" directory of the Swissolar trade association under solar power can be exempted from the "Photovoltaics" specialist module.
If necessary, contact the secretariat of the Quality Assurance Commission (viahttps://polybau.ch/Projektleiter_Solarmontage) whether your previous knowledge will be recognized and you do not have to complete all modules.
If you cannot complete the course in two semesters, take a look at the course dates for the individual modules. You can adapt the course to your time constraints and extend it over a period of up to five years - the module qualifications remain valid for five years for admission to the professional examination.
Depending on your previous education, you may be exempt from attending individual modules, for example:
- Course participants who are listed as "FWS specialist partners with certificate" by the Swiss Heat Pump Association (FWS) can be exempted from the "Heat pump" specialist module. The certificate must not be older than 5 years;
- Course participants who are listed in the "Solarprofis®" directory of the Swissolar trade association under solar power can be exempted from the "Photovoltaics" specialist module.
If necessary, contact the secretariat of the Quality Assurance Commission (viahttps://polybau.ch/Projektleiter_Solarmontage) whether your previous knowledge will be recognized and you do not have to complete all modules.
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?
Professional examination: degree, diploma and title
TheProfessional examinationis organized by the Polybau training center.
The professional examination is an individual project and can be started at any time (if the admission requirements are met). Candidates have the choice of taking the examination in German, French or Italian.
The professional examination for solar installation project manager consists of two parts. The tasks in both parts can be divided into different positions:
1) Networking(written, prepared in advance)
Candidates document a specific solar installation in all project phases (planning, implementation, evaluation) in a written paper.
2) Presentation(oral, approx. 20 min.)and oral questioning(approx. 30 min.)
The presentation takes the form of a role play: the examination experts take on the role of the client, the candidate the role of the solar installation project manager. They explain to the clients how the solar installation works and why which techniques were used. In the oral interview, the candidates must demonstrate that they have the required specialist knowledge and can explain facts in a technically correct and comprehensible manner.
Diploma and title
Successful graduates of the professional examination receive a federal certificate in addition to the already acquired European-recognized Solarteur® certificate, are entered in the SERI* register and are entitled to use the following federally protected titles.
- German: Solar installation project manager with federal certificate
- French: Cheffe de projet en montage solaire / Chef de projet en montage solaire
- Italian: Capoprogetto montaggio solare con attestato professionale federale
English: Solar Installation Project Manager with Federal Diploma of Professional Education and Training (this is not a protected title, but the recommended translation)
* The State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation keeps a register of all holders of federal certificates and diplomas.
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 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 or with the secretariat of the Quality Assurance Commission (viahttps://polybau.ch/Projektleiter_Solarmontage). 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 of passing the final examination but would like to complete the course, arrange a personal consultation appointment with the school of your choice or with the secretariat of the Quality Assurance Commission (viahttps://polybau.ch/Projektleiter_Solarmontage). 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 course for the federal certificate as a solar installation project manager (BP) does not suit you. What a pity? - Perhaps not, because there are so many other opportunities 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.
Project Manager Solar Installation (BP) 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.
This is a half-hearted result: The job of Project Manager Solar Installation (BP) 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.
Further training to become a solar installation project manager with a federal certificate (BP) 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 well.
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