Self-test: Is the "Occupational health and safety specialist" (BP) course right for me?
Would you like to find out whether the ASGS specialist training course is right for you?
Then our self-test is the right place for you. Here you can find out everything you need to know about the course or professional examination and also receive further information and tips for each answer.
The result at the end of the self-test will show you whether you are on the right track by training to become an occupational health and safety specialist (ASGS) with a federal certificate.
What does the day-to-day work of occupational health and safety specialists (OHSS) with a federal certificate look like?
ASGS specialists work in companies in all sectors or for implementing bodies such as SUVA, SECO or the cantonal labor inspectorates. In companies, they use recognized methods to ensure that the legal provisions on occupational safety and health protection are implemented and consistently complied with. To this end, they take appropriate measures and monitor their implementation. For example, they inspect the various workplaces, identify the dangers in the company and draw up plans for safety and health protection systems in the event of an emergency. Naturally, they involve the relevant stakeholders.
ASGS specialists also clarify, monitor and document occupational accidents, health problems and other incidents. To do this, they access, analyze and evaluate the relevant data.
Specialists in occupational health and safety persistently advocate ASGS topics with management and staff and carry out awareness-raising work. This includes, for example, the design and implementation of prevention campaigns as well as training and instruction.
Finally, networking, i.e. establishing and maintaining professional contacts, is also part of the everyday work of ASGS specialists. Sharing experiences with ASGS specialists from similar companies can lead to better risk identification and more effective prevention measures.
Specific activities are added depending on the chosen specialization:
- Specialization "Representatives and external advisors":Here, ASGS specialists advise the management on various ASGS topics and do persuasive work. They also ensure that the legal requirements relating to ASGS are integrated into the company's processes and that these are continuously monitored and adapted.
- In-depth study "Implementing bodies"Here, ASGS specialists inspect the businesses and play an important role in prevention and persuasion work. They can also impose measures for this purpose.
Specialists in occupational health and safety are of great necessity and importance for companies and the economy. With their work, they reduce occupational accidents and illnesses and thus ensure the health of employees and at the same time lower social security costs, which in turn has a positive impact on productivity and thus the Swiss economy.
Question 1:
Do the activities described meet your expectations? Would you like to work as an ASGS specialist?
Great! Then you've come to the right place with this "Occupational health and safety specialist" 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 offered by 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. You will thus receive an initial overview based on the information you provide. This can support you in your search for or decision on the right education or further training.
If you don't like all the activities, but are interested in further training in the field of ASGS, you will findherean overview of the ASGS educational pathways.
You can find corresponding further training offershere. You may come across courses here that are better suited to your requirements in terms of activities.
If you don't like the activities of occupational health and safety specialists, 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 occupational health and safety specialist examination suitable for? What qualities and skills are required?
The ASGS specialist training course and the professional examination to become a "Specialist in Occupational Safety and Health Protection" are aimed at the following target group:
- Professionals in the field of ASGS (e.g. safety officers from all sectors) who wish to acquire in-depth knowledge and skills and document these with a federal qualification.
- Professionals with professional experience in the ASGS sector (e.g. operations manager, janitor) who would like to expand their career opportunities and prospects with the federal certificate.
- ASGS professionals who wish to take on responsible management tasks and assume a management role and/or venture into self-employment.
ASGS specialists should have the following personal qualities and skills:
- Sociability
- Communication skills
- Sense of responsibility
- Organizational talent
- Effective, efficient and independent way of working
- Empathy
- Ability to work in a team
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 target groups mentioned, you may be better off in a less in-depth ASGS course. For example, take a look at theTraining to become a safety officer (certified)to.
Please also take a look at the following pagehere. You may find offers there that are aimed precisely at people like you. - If you do not have the necessary personal qualities and skills for ASGS Specialist, you will not be happy with this job. Look for further training opportunities that offer a technical specialization that better suits your skills.
- If you are unsure whether you are well suited to such a role, it is best to discuss this with your line manager or career advisor. You can find suitable providers of career advice and career coaching here:
Requirements for admission to the professional examination for occupational health and safety specialists:
The professional examination "Occupational Health and Safety Specialist" can be taken by persons who meet the following admission requirements by the time they register for the examination (or the first day of the examination):
- Federal certificate of proficiency (EFZ) or equivalent qualification and at least three years of professional experience, including at least one year in the field of occupational health and safety
Or
- High school diploma, technical diploma, technical college certificate or equivalent qualification and at least five years of professional experience, including at least one year in the field of occupational health and safety
And
- The required 5 module qualifications or certificates of equivalence*
Do you have a federal certificate as a security specialist?
You will then benefit from direct access to the federal professional examination. However, it is advisable to study intensively for the exam or to attend a passerelles course offered by a training provider.
At least three months before the start of the final examination, you will receive written notification as to whether you have been admitted to the professional examination for occupational health and safety specialists. In the event of a negative decision, you will receive a statement of reasons and instructions on how to appeal.
You do not yet meet all the admission requirements?
Some schools are prepared to admit you to a preparatory course for the professional examination for occupational health and safety specialists if you do not (yet) meet the admission criteria for the federal examination. In this case, it is your responsibility to ensure that you meet the necessary requirements by the time of the examination/registration for the examination.
Would you like to complete the preparation course without taking an exam?
If you would like to complete the Occupational Health and Safety Specialist preparatory course, but are not yet sure whether you really want to take the federal examination, this is possible at some schools. In this case, the admission requirements may vary from provider to provider. Even without the federal certificate, you will not end up empty-handed. As a rule, you will receive a course confirmation or a certificate from the school after completing the course. We recommend that you contact the school of your choice directly if you have any questions about specific courses.
* The following module qualifications are required for admission to the professional examination for occupational health and safety specialists:
Main modules (HM; all must be completed):
- HM 1: Applying the basics of ASGS
- HM 2: Creating and implementing health and safety systems
- HM 3: Conducting training and prevention
Specialization module (VM, one of the modules must be selected)
- VM 1: Acting as an occupational health and safety representative / external consultant
- VM 2: Acting as a representative of the implementing bodies
Elective module (WM, one of the modules must be chosen):
- WM 1: Implementing ASGS in a specific context: construction
- WM 2: Implementing ASGS in a specific context: industry / commerce
- WM 3: Implementing ASGS in a specific context: service
Question 3:
Do you meet the requirements for admission?
Great! Then nothing stands in the way of you taking the preparatory course and the professional examination for occupational health and safety specialists.
If you are not sure whether your professional experience will be recognized as professional experience for ASGS specialists, please clarify this directly with the sponsoring body or the examination secretariat of the professional examination:the office of the ASGS Association. Here you will receive a binding preliminary clarification.
If you have too little or no (relevant) professional experience, you have the following options:
- Use professional job boards to search for suitable jobs in order to gain the required (relevant) work experience.Hereyou will find helpful information.
- If you know someone from your private or professional environment who is already working in the field of occupational health and safety, 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 previous qualifications and certificates will be accepted for the professional examination, please contact theExamination secretariat. It can give you a binding statement on the equivalence assessment or carry out such an assessment.
If you hold a foreign qualification, please contact the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI). SERI is responsible for assessing the equivalence of foreign qualifications for admission to the federal examinations (BP and HFP).Herefor 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 ourGuide "The Swiss education system at a glance".
If you are not sure whether your professional experience will be recognized as professional experience for ASGS specialists, please clarify this directly with the sponsoring body or the examination secretariat of the professional examination:the office of the ASGS Association. Here you will receive a binding preliminary clarification.
If you have too little or no (relevant) professional experience, you have the following options:
- Use professional job boards to search for suitable jobs in order to gain the required (relevant) work experience.Hereyou will find helpful information.
- If you know someone from your private or professional environment who is already working in the field of occupational health and safety, 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 previous qualifications and certificates will be accepted for the professional examination, please contact theExamination secretariat. It can give you a binding statement on the equivalence assessment or carry out such an assessment.
If you hold a foreign qualification, please contact the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI). SERI is responsible for assessing the equivalence of foreign qualifications for admission to the federal examinations (BP and HFP).Herefor 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 ourGuide "The Swiss education system at a glance".
Subject matter and content of the training
The learning material in preparatory courses for the professional examination for occupational health and safety specialists (ASGS) is divided into modules, which in turn are divided into main modules, in-depth modules and elective modules. Here, candidates are taught the knowledge and skills that are then tested in the professional examination.
The following topics are covered in the individual specialist ASGS modules:
Main modules (HM):
- HM 1: Applying the basics of ASGSNetworking, communicating with stakeholders, developing your own skills, applying work techniques, managing projects, acting in difficult situations, applying legal principles.
- HM 2: Creating and implementing health and safety systemsExamination of applications in terms of ASGS compatibility, creation and updating of safety and health protection systems, carrying out risk assessments, creating an emergency concept, keeping statistics, planning and implementing measures, carrying out damage and incident investigations.
- HM 3: Conducting training and preventionDesign of prevention campaigns, implementation of training courses and instructions, processing of inquiries, development of information materials, provision of work instructions and checklists, sensitization of employees.
Specialization module (VM)
- VM 1: Acting as an occupational health and safety representative / external consultantAmong other things, anchoring ASGS topics in the corporate mission statement, providing strategic advice to the management, helping to shape the process organization, establishing contact with various authorities, participating in official inspections, inspecting machinery and equipment, monitoring third-party companies, ensuring infrastructure management, supporting the development of quality management.
- VM 2: Acting as a representative of the implementing bodiesPlanning, preparing and carrying out inspections, post-processing inspections, ensuring case management, drafting reports and rulings, processing objections, carrying out claims investigations.
Elective modules for specialist ASGS (WM):
- WM 1: Implementing ASGS in a specific contextConstruction: including risk assessment in the area of construction and mobile workplaces (occupational accidents, health problems, occupational illnesses in the construction sector), selection, implementation and monitoring of suitable measures to reduce hazards, organizing and monitoring construction sites and mobile workplaces in accordance with legal requirements to ensure operational safety, ensuring implementation of the Construction Work Ordinance (BauAV).
- WM 2: Implementing ASGS in a specific context: industry / commerce:including hazard identification in the industrial/commercial sector, selection, implementation and monitoring of suitable state-of-the-art measures to eliminate or reduce hazards, supporting the procurement process for machines, systems and installations from start to finish, organizing and monitoring workplaces for operational safety.
- WM 3: Implementing ASGS in a specific context: serviceAmongst other things, conducting risk assessments in the service sector, recognizing hazards and stresses with regard to the activities carried out, the work equipment used and the working materials used and/or produced, selecting, implementing and monitoring measures to eliminate or reduce hazards, recognizing the consequences of accidents and health problems along business management lines.
Did you know...
That the schools follow the guidelines of the BP sponsors when compiling the learning content for the preparatory course for the BP for occupational health and safety specialists?
The sponsoring body is responsible for periodically reviewing the professional examination and the requirements for occupational health and safety specialists. This ensures that the knowledge and skills imparted continue to be up to date, i.e. that they meet the requirements of the job market. This is one of several success factors for the good establishment and recognition of the professional examination and higher professional examination qualifications on the Swiss job market and among employers.
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. For example:
Perhaps training at a lower level is more suited to your interests and needs? For example:
Obviously the typical subject areas of Occupational Health and Safety 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, salary during further training
The costs of the preparatory courses for the professional examination for occupational health and safety specialists are determined independently by the educational institutions. There may therefore be differences.
The examination fee for the professional examination is set by the competent body for the federal examination.
In general, the following costs must be expected for the ASGS specialist training:
- Course feesYou will receive up to 50% of this amount back from the federal government after the examination upon application (regardless of the result).* In addition: If you pass the examination, you will receive a success bonus from the EKAS (25% of the course fees), which must be requested by the participants. You will find the relevant link with more information in the answers.
- Fee for the professional examinationCHF 2,000 (as of July 2023). Candidates must pay the examination fee as soon as they have received notification of admission.
- With some providers you have to payadditional costscalculate. For example for
- the enrollment
- the teaching materials and training documents
- the internal tests or simulation tests
We recommend that you contact the provider of your choice directly and ask what extra costs you can expect.
- Wages during further trainingThe Occupational Health and Safety Specialist training itself is not remunerated. Thanks to its part-time structure, you can also pursue a (slightly reduced) professional activity during the training and thus continue to have a secure income. This means that you do not have to fear any major loss of salary.
*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 13,500 - CHF 15,900 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.
You can find more information on EKAS subject financing and the success bonus for passing the exam herehere.
Information on federal contributions to courses that prepare students for federal examinations can be found athere.
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".
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 of the specialist ASGS training.
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.
You can find more information on EKAS subject financing and the success bonus for passing the exam herehere.
Information on federal contributions to courses that prepare students for federal examinations can be found athere.
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 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 of the specialist ASGS training.
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.
You can find more information on EKAS subject financing and the success bonus for passing the exam herehere.
Information on federal contributions to courses that prepare students for federal examinations can be found athere.
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 athere.
Duration of studies, teaching times, teaching formats and learning effort
- Duration:The modular and part-time ASGS specialist training course lasts approx. 1 year (depending on the provider).
- Times:The educational institutions draw up their own timetables. Lessons therefore take place at different times depending on the school. There are both day and evening courses. In a day course, lessons take place all day. In an evening course, the lessons take place on one or two evenings. Depending on the course, lessons may also take place on Saturdays.
Tip: Compare the courses offered by the various schools. You're sure to find one that offers lessons that can be optimally combined with your work schedule. - Teaching formats:You can now choose from a wide range of teaching formats: Face-to-face teaching, online teaching, hybrid teaching or blended learning. You are sure to find a specialist ASGS continuing education course with teaching formats that meet your expectations and needs. Tip: In the answers you will find a link to a page that provides an overview of the different teaching formats.
- Learning effort: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 - both important aspects on the way to a successful graduation. 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.
Perhaps you could also get together with other course participants from the class to form a learning group? The exchange with like-minded people and the commitment to meet at a fixed time to learn together can be very motivating.
You can find the different teaching formats and their characteristics at a glancehere.
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?
You can find the different teaching formats and their characteristics at a glancehere.
Degree, diploma and title
If you have successfully completed all the required modules and also meet the other admission requirements for prior education and professional experience, you can take the professional examination for occupational health and safety specialists.
The final examination is held annually if enough candidates have registered for the BP. This means
- at least 50 candidates for the BP in German
- at least 15 candidates for the BP in French
- at least 5 candidates for the BP in Italian
It is up to the candidate to decide in which language he/she wishes to be examined.
At least five weeks before the start of the final examination for the ASGS specialist training course, candidates will receive an invitation with the examination program (time and place of the examination) and the list of experts.
The professional examination for occupational health and safety specialists lasts a total of 6 2/3 hours and consists of the following examination parts:
1. create safety and health protection systems (written, case work 120 min. and mini cases 60 min.)
This part of the examination consists of two examination items. In the "Casework" section, candidates work on a specific initial situation. This involves analysis as well as conception and application tasks. In the second examination item, "Mini Cases", candidates receive a description of a short practical situation, including a question, which they have to work on.
2. acting professionally in the role (written, guided case work (in-depth) 120 min.)
In this part of the exam, candidates are presented with a case that they are introduced to with a specific initial situation that they then have to work on. Topics may include the following: training, moderation or project management.
3. deal with challenging situations (oral, critical incidents, 30 min.)
In this part of the exam, candidates show that they are able to act quickly and correctly in problematic situations. To this end, they are presented with a practical situation which they must use to describe their specific actions.
4. convincing performance (oral, presentation 40 min., technical discussion 30 min.)
This part of the examination consists of two examination items: the presentation and the technical discussion.
At the beginning, the candidates are given a specific task for which they have to prepare a 10-minute presentation suitable for the target group. They have 30 minutes to prepare for this. The candidates then give the presentation to the panel of experts.
The presentation is followed by a technical discussion with the experts. In this, the candidates show that they can justify their approach and also develop alternative scenarios.
Diploma and title
Successful graduates of the professional examination receive the federal certificate and are entitled to use the protected federal title "Occupational Safety and Health Protection Specialist (ASGS) with federal certificate".
In French: "Spécialiste de la sécurité au travail et de la protection de la santé (STPS) avec brevet fédéral"
In Italian: "Specialista della sicurezza sul lavoro e della protezione della salute (SLPS) con attestato professionale federale"
The English translation is recommended: "Specialist in Occupational Safety and Health (OSH), Federal Diploma of Higher Education" (this is merely a recommendation, not a protected title)
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 for ASGS specialists.
Arrange a personal consultation appointment with the school of your choice or the sponsor of the professional examination, theASGS Association office. 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 and support with exam anxiety.
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 for ASGS specialists.
Arrange a personal consultation appointment with the school of your choice or the sponsor of the professional examination, theASGS Association office. 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 and support with exam anxiety.
No, the course for the federal certificate as a specialist in occupational health and safety (OHS) is not right for 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.
Specialist in occupational health and safety with a federal certificate (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 an occupational health and safety specialist (OHS 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.
Further training to become an ASGS 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:
"Occupational safety and health protection specialist (ASGS) (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:
"Occupational safety and health protection specialist (ASGS) (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:
"Occupational safety and health protection specialist (ASGS) (BP)"