Self-test: Is the course "Social Insurance Specialist with Federal Certificate of Proficiency (BP)" the right one for me?
Test here whether a job as a specialist in social insurance with a federal certificate is right for you and whether a preparatory course for the federal professional examination "Social Insurance Specialist" is the right path for you.
What does the day-to-day work of social insurance specialists with a federal certificate look like?
Social insurance specialists work for social insurance companies, pension funds, SUVA, accident insurance companies, social institutions, advice centers or in human resources, fiduciary services and salary administration. They are confronted with all questions relating to AHV and IV, accident insurance, pension fund benefits, maternity compensation, family allowances, unemployment insurance and supplementary benefits. Thanks to their specialist knowledge, they are able to provide competent information and advise the people concerned.
When an event occurs, social insurance women and men clarify the situation, obtain reports and expert opinions, check what benefit entitlements exist and communicate this to those affected. In doing so, they ensure that all deadlines are met and that the legal regulations are applied correctly and fairly. Depending on the area of work, they work together with other experts, employers, recruitment agencies or social workers to further clarify open questions or define measures.
(Note: The distribution of tasks (weighting and frequency) may vary depending on the task profile/job profile or function and company).
Question 1:
Do the activities described meet your expectations? Would you like to work as a social insurance specialist?
Great!
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.
If you like the job to some extent, or individual parts of it, you could think about what interests you most. And then look at subsequent training courses to see if there is one that appeals to you even more:
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 social insurance specialists with a federal certificate suitable for? What qualities and skills are required?
The course and the professional examination to become a "Social Insurance Specialist" are suitable for
- Persons with basic vocational training (EFZ) and at least 3 years of professional experience in the social insurance sector who wish to continue their professional training
- Professionals with at least 3 years of professional experience in the social insurance sector of private companies, public administrations, insurance companies or pension funds who would like to improve their career and salary prospects with a federal certificate.
- Career changers with several years of practical experience in the insurance sector of human resources, payroll and fiduciary services, in legal advice or in the social sector who would like to demonstrate their skills and knowledge accordingly
Social insurance specialists should have the following personal qualities and skills:
- Good written and spoken German (level B2)
- Sensitivity for dealing with people in difficult life situations
- Interest in medical contexts and legal issues
- Analytical thinking, accuracy and commitment
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. An entry-level course may also be more suitable for you:Social security clerk (certified) Social security clerk (certified)
- If you do not have the necessary professional experience in the social insurance sector, use professional job boards to search for suitable jobs.Hereyou will find helpful information.
- 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 social insurance specialists with a federal certificate:
In order to be able to take the professional examination for social insurance specialists, you must, in accordance with the examination regulations, register for the examination by the examination date:
- Have a federal certificate of proficiency (EFZ), federal vocational certificate (EBA) or a school-leaving certificate
And
- After completing basic training with an EFZ or Matura certificate, be able to demonstrate at least 3 years of professional experience in the social insurance sector
- After completing basic training with EBA, have at least 5 years of professional experience in the social insurance sector
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 rejection.
Note: Some schools are prepared to admit you to a preparatory course for the professional examination for social insurance specialists even 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/application for the examination. At some schools, it is also possible to attend the course without intending to take the exam (in this case, you will still receive a certificate from the school). The admission requirements vary depending on the provider.
Question 3:
Do you meet the requirements for admission?
Great!
- If you are not sure whether your professional experience will be counted as professional experience for social insurance specialists, clarify your chances directly with theSponsorshipof the examination regulations, the Swiss Association of Social Insurance Professionals SVS.
- If you have little or no professional experience, you have the following options:
- Use professional job boards to search for suitable jobs where you can gain experience.Hereyou will find helpful information.
- If you know someone from your private or professional environment who is already working in the field of social insurance, 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.
- It is often helpful to first complete further training at processing level in order to find a job in this field. You can find course providers here:Social security clerk (certified) Social security clerk (certified)
- 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 counted as professional experience for social insurance specialists, clarify your chances directly with theSponsorshipof the examination regulations, the Swiss Association of Social Insurance Professionals SVS.
- If you have little or no professional experience, you have the following options:
- Use professional job boards to search for suitable jobs where you can gain experience.Hereyou will find helpful information.
- If you know someone from your private or professional environment who is already working in the field of social insurance, 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.
- It is often helpful to first complete further training at processing level in order to find a job in this field. You can find course providers here:Social security clerk (certified) Social security clerk (certified)
- 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 in the preparatory courses for the professional examination for social insurance specialists with a federal certificate is based on the specifications of the sponsor of the federal examination, the Swiss Association of Social Insurance Specialists SVS.
The following topics are part of the learning material:
- Old-age and survivors' insurance (AHV)
- Disability insurance (IV)
- Accident insurance (UV) (compulsory / supplementary insurance)
- Health insurance (KV) (compulsory / supplementary insurance)
- Compulsory and non-compulsory occupational benefits insurance (BV)
- Social security
- Unemployment insurance and insolvency compensation (ALV)
- Income compensation for service personnel and maternity (EO), family allowances (FZ), military insurance (MV)
- Law and coordination
- Supplementary benefits (EL)
- Social assistance (SH)
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 this area. You may find a course that suits you better. You will find inspirationhere.
Obviously the typical subject areas of social insurance with a federal certificate are not your thing. You would be better off looking at other further training courses. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a wide range of options.
Costs and financing of further training
The costs are defined by the schools (apart from the external examination fee, which is determined by the sponsoring organization) and can therefore vary. In general, the following costs must be expected for the part-time social insurance specialist training, continuing education, which lasts 2-4 semesters depending on the provider:
- Course feesCHF 7,000 - CHF 9,600, of which you will receive up to 50% back from the federal government after the examination (regardless of the result).* Note: Members of the Kaufmännischer Verband receive a member discount of up to 10% on the course costs. For more information please contacthere.
- Examination feeCHF 2,000 (as of March 2023). The sponsor of the BP, i.e. this course, determines the amount of the examination fee. It is paid by the candidate after admission has been confirmed.
- Some providers requireExtra costsfor
- Enrollment
- Teaching materials and (software) licenses
- Training documents
- Internal examinations and examination training
- Simulation test
Find out directly from the provider of your choice what additional costs you can expect.
*Since 1.1.2018, preparatory courses for federal professional examinations (BP) and higher professional examinations (HFP) have been financially supported by the federal government. Graduates of these courses 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 around CHF 9,000 - CHF 11,600 for the course and 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 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 continuing education program for social insurance specialists has a modular structure and lasts 2-4 semesters, depending on the provider.
- The course comprises between 280 - 315 lessons, which can be attended in different time variants (day courses and evening courses) (e.g. one full day per week or 1-2 evenings per week or 1 evening plus half a Saturday or Saturday all day).
- Many schools offer a mix of face-to-face and online events (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 social insurance specialists with a federal certificate takes place annually, provided that at least 15 candidates meet the admission requirements, otherwise every two years. It can be held in German, French or Italian.
Candidates are notified at least 3 weeks 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 examination consists of ten parts or two sections, which proceed as follows:
1 Section:
1) Old-age and survivors' insurance (written, 80 minutes)
2) Disability insurance (written, 80 minutes)
3) Accident insurance (written, 80 minutes)
4) Health insurance (written, 80 minutes)
5) Occupational pension provision (written, 80 minutes)
2 Section:
6) Social security (written, 60 minutes and oral, 20 minutes)
7) Unemployment insurance and insolvency compensation (written, 80 minutes)
8) Income compensation regulations, maternity compensation, family allowances (written, 40 minutes), military insurance (written, 40 minutes)
9) Law (written, 40 minutes), Coordination (written, 40 minutes)
10) Supplementary benefits (written, 60 minutes), social assistance (oral, 20 minutes)
The written examinations aim to test candidates' basic skills and knowledge (by means of knowledge and comprehension questions). The basics, including their application to specific practical issues, are tested using small case studies.
In oral examination part 6, a discussion of various aspects of social security and current issues takes place in the form of a technical discussion. In oral part 10 of the social welfare examination, the focus is on providing professionally correct and competent information to people seeking help.
Diploma and title
Graduates of the professional examination receive a federal certificate and are entitled to use the federally recognized and protected title "Social insurance specialist with federal certificate".
In French "Spécialiste en assurances sociales avec brevet fédéral"
In Italian "Specialista in materia die assicurazione sociale con attestato professionale federale"
In English (note: only a recommendation, not a protected title) "Social Insurance 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 (here you can find exam series, for theDownload.)
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 theSponsorshipExplain your interest and 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 exam series here,to download.)
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 Swiss Association of Social Insurance Professionals (SVS). 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 social insurance 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 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.
Social insurance specialist with a federal certificate 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 social insurance 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. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
Social insurance specialist training, further training 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:
"Social insurance specialist training / further training (BP)"
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:
"Social insurance specialist training / further training (BP)"
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:
"Social insurance specialist training / further training (BP)"
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