Self-test: Is the course "Process specialist with federal certificate (BP)" suitable for me?
Test here whether a job as a specialist for operational processes in small to large companies with a federal certificate suits you and whether a preparatory course for the federal professional examination "Process Specialist" is the right path for you.
What does the day-to-day work of process specialists with a federal certificate look like?
Process specialists are specialists in operational processes. They work in work preparation, production, logistics or business organization. They can be deployed wherever operational processes are used for the procurement, production, development or maintenance of products.
They look for opportunities to improve existing processes and define new ones so that existing resources can be used optimally and operational tasks can be performed as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible. To this end, they systematically collect data on material and information flows, create productivity, cost or material consumption calculations and use these to develop proposals for change.
Remember: The distribution/weighting/frequency of tasks can vary depending on the job profile and function as well as the company (size, sector, etc.).
Question 1:
Do the activities described meet your expectations? Would you like to work as a process specialist (BP)?
Great! Then you've come to the right place with this course. We wish you lots of fun and success.
By the way: If you are looking for further suitable training opportunities after successfully completing your HF degree, 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.
Take a look at the further training opportunities in related fields, perhaps there is something that suits you better:
- Automation technician with a federal certificate (BP)
- Management specialist with federal certificate (BP)
- Maintenance specialist with a federal certificate (BP)
- Logistics specialist with a federal certificate (BP)
- Production specialist with a federal certificate (BP)
- Specialist in business organization with a federal certificate (BP)
- Technical business management assistant with a federal certificate (BP)
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 professional examination for process specialists with a federal certificate suitable for? What qualities and skills are required?
The course and the professional examination for "Process Specialist" are suitable for the following target group:
- Professionals with a technical or skilled trade and at least 2 years of professional experience in industrial production who would like to take on management tasks in the future
- Professionals with several years of professional experience, including at least 2 years in industrial production, who wish to expand their business management and organizational knowledge and obtain a federal certificate of proficiency
- Professionals with several years of professional experience in industrial production who want to expand their skills and knowledge and thus increase their career opportunities
- Employees in process design who want to take on more responsible tasks and thus also increase their salary opportunities
Process specialists (BP) should have the following personal qualities and skills:
- High quality awareness and a healthy assertiveness
- Independent, communicative and results-oriented personality with a good eye for what is feasible
- High affinity for numbers and data
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 do not belong to any of the above-mentioned groups, you cannot apply directly for the Federal PET Diploma. In this case, take a look atfollowing page. 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 industrial production, use professional job boards to search for suitable jobs.
- If you don't have the necessary personal qualities and skills, you won't be happy in this role. Look out for 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:
Requirements for admission to the professional examination for process specialists:
In order to be able to take the professional examination for process specialists, you must, in accordance with the examination regulations, register for the examination by the examination date:
- Have a federal certificate of proficiency (EFZ) or equivalent qualification and six years of professional experience (including apprenticeship), two years of which must be in industrial production
Or
- Be in possession of a federal vocational certificate (EBA) or equivalent qualification and have eight years of professional experience, of which two years in industrial production
Or
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent qualification and five years of professional experience, two of which must be in industrial production
And
- Have the required module qualifications* or certificates of equivalence
You will find out whether you have been admitted to the professional examination at least three months before the start of the examination with a written notification including reasons in the event of a negative decision.
Note:
- Some schools are prepared to admit you to a preparatory course for the professional examination for process specialists if you do not meet the criteria for admission to the federal examination. It is your responsibility to ensure that you meet the necessary requirements at the time of the examination/examination registration. At some schools, it is also possible to attend the course without the intention of taking an examination. Admission requirements vary depending on the provider.
- Many schools offer preparatory courses to brush up on math skills. These courses can be attended voluntarily. For details, please contact the school of your choice directly.
*The following module qualifications are required for admission to the professional examination:
Module A: Planning new processes
Module B: Introducing new processes
Module C: Controlling processes
Module D: Optimizing existing processes
Module E: Communicating with internal functionaries
Question 3:
Do you meet the requirements for admission?
Great!
If you are not sure whether your professional experience will be recognized as professional experience for process specialists, clarify your chances directly with theSponsorshipor the examination secretariat of the professional examination, the Association for Professional Examinations for Process Specialists in the Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Industry.
If you have little or no professional experience, you have the following options:
- Search for suitable jobs with the help of professional job boards.Hereyou will find helpful information.
- If you know someone from your private or professional environment who is already working in the desired field, 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 are not sure whether your qualifications will be accepted for the professional examination (equivalence test), please contact theExamination secretariat.
SERI is responsible for assessing the equivalence of foreign qualifications for admission to the BP.Hereyou will find more information.
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 ourAdvisor"The Swiss education system at a glance".
If you are not sure whether your professional experience will be recognized as professional experience for process specialists, clarify your chances directly with theSponsorshipor the examination secretariat of the professional examination, the Association for Professional Examinations for Process Specialists in the Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Industry.
If you have little or no professional experience, you have the following options:
- Search for suitable jobs with the help of professional job boards.Hereyou will find helpful information.
- If you know someone from your private or professional environment who is already working in the desired field, 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 are not sure whether your qualifications will be accepted for the professional examination (equivalence test), please contact theExamination secretariat.
SERI is responsible for assessing the equivalence of foreign qualifications for admission to the BP.Hereyou will find more information.
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 ourAdvisor"The Swiss education system at a glance".
Subject matter and content of the training
The learning content taught in the preparatory courses for the professional examination for process specialists is based on the specifications of the sponsor of the federal examination, the Association for Professional Examinations for Process Specialists in the Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Industry.
The course material is made up of the following modules/topics:
- Module A:Planning new processes (recording process requirements, checking the technical feasibility of new products, developing process concepts, evaluating alternative concepts, formulating target process conditions, recognizing potential sources of error, defining work processes)
- Module B:Introducing new processes (implementing process concepts, setting up workstations, creating technical documents, preparing training courses, reviewing new processes)
- Module C:Managing processes (creating orders, planning resources, monitoring orders, dealing with disruptions in the planned process)
- Module D:Optimizing existing processes (documenting the current status of processes, evaluating processes, carrying out calculations, processing product changes, checking process times, optimizing the process environment, adapting production master data)
- Module E:Communicating with internal functionaries (presenting process concepts to decision-makers, conducting training courses, communicating with employees in production development and sales, instructing employees)
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 this federal certificate, take a look at other training and further education courses in related areas. You may find a course that suits you better. You can find inspiration here:
Obviously, the typical subject areas of Process Specialist 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 costs vary depending on the provider. In general, the following costs must be expected for the 3- to 4-semester in-service training course to become a process specialist:
- Course fees: Between CHF 10,800 and CHF 20,000, of which up to 50% will be reimbursed by the federal government upon application after the examination (regardless of the result)*.
- External examination fee: CHF 1,100 (as of March 2023). The amount of the examination fee is determined by the organizing body of this professional examination. It is paid by the candidate after admission has been confirmed.
- Some providers charge extra for
- Enrollment
- Teaching materials and (software) licenses
- Training documents
- Internal examinations and examination training
- Simulation test
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 (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 approx. CHF 10,800 - CHF 20,000 for the course (plus examination fee)?
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 FoundationEducaSwissyou will receive in ourAdvisor"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 FoundationEducaSwissyou will receive in ourAdvisor"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 FoundationEducaSwissyou will receive in ourAdvisor"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 and learning effort
- The Process Specialist course has a modular structure and lasts 3-4 semesters (depending on the provider)
- The course comprises between 280 and 650 lessons, which can be attended in different time variants (day and/or evening courses): for example, one evening per week and Saturday all day or two evenings per week or on a weekday from midday (1 p.m.) to evening (9 p.m.).
- 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.
- 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.
Note: Some schools offer so-called "taster lessons". This gives you the opportunity to gain an insight into the lessons and the learning atmosphere. Important aspects on the way to a successful graduation. It is best to contact the school of your choice directly for a taster lesson.
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 course over more than four 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 for process specialists with a federal certificate can be taken in German, French or Italian. It is held annually if at least 25 candidates meet the admission requirements for the examination in German, otherwise every two years. (in French at least 8 candidates and in Italian at least 3 candidates)
Candidates are notified at least 60 days before the start of the examination. The invitation includes the examination program (with details of the place and time of the examination as well as permitted aids) and the list of experts.
The federal professional examination is divided into two parts:
1) Case Study 1 (written, 3.5 hours) and Mini Cases 1 (written, 1.5 hours)
For the case study, candidates are given a realistic case which they must complete in writing. In the first part of the case study, the competencies* from areas A, B and E are tested. In the mini cases, candidates have to work on several realistic cases. Here, the competencies from areas A and B are tested.
2) Case Study 2 (written, 3.5 hours) and Mini Cases 2 (written, 1.5 hours)
In the case study 2, the candidates are tested on the practical skills from areas C, D and E in the realistic case they have to work on. In the Mini Cases 2, the competencies from areas C and D are tested in several realistic cases, which the candidates must complete in writing.
Note: In all parts of the examination, the tasks to be solved refer to examples from production.
The competencies are described in detail in the guidelines. You will find the link to this in the answers.
Diploma and title
Successful graduates of the professional examination receive a federal certificate and are entitled to use the federally recognized and protected title "Process specialist with a federal certificate".
In French: "Agente de processus avec brevet fédéral / Agent de processus avec brevet fédéral"
In Italian: "Specialista aziendale in processi con attestato professionale federale"
In English (note: only a recommendation, not a protected title): "Process Specialist, 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 exam experience, e.g. in simulation exams. You can find sample examshere.
Hereto the guidelines for process specialists.
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 theSponsorshipthe professional examination, the association for professional examinations for process specialists in the mechanical and electrical engineering industry. 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. You can find sample examshere.
Hereto the guidelines for process specialists.
If you are not at all confident of passing the final examination but would like to complete the training, it is best to arrange a personal consultation appointment with a school or theSponsorshipthe professional examination, the association for professional examinations for process specialists in the mechanical and electrical engineering industry. 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 process 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. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
Process specialist (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: working as a process specialist (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 to become a process specialist (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.
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: