Self-test: Is the degree course in HF Systems Engineering to become a "HF Systems Technician" the right one for me?
Test here whether a job as a systems technician HF (formerly technician HF systems engineering) suits you and whether a systems engineering course at a university of applied sciences (HF) is right for you.
Note: Since fall 2022, the HF technician courses (formerly "Techniker HF Fachrichtung") have been given a separate framework curriculum and a new title for each specialization. For example, the course "Techniker HF Systemtechnik" is now called "Systemtechniker HF". In addition, the specializations in automation, mechatronics, environmental technology and pharmaceutical and chemical technology have been abolished. (You can find out more about the specializations here in the self-test)
What does the day-to-day work of systems engineers with an HF diploma look like?
HF system technicians (formerly HF system technology technicians) are specialists in complex networked systems and work in areas such as automation, drive technology, medical technology, mechanical engineering and measurement technology. To develop new products, they analyze customer needs and technical requirements and look for solutions that can be implemented with the current technological possibilities. They evaluate assemblies and components and link them with control systems to create functioning systems. To do this, they design the data interfaces and connections between electronics and mechanics.
HF system technology technicians (new: HF system technicians) lead work or project groups that build and commission automated systems. They monitor and maintain existing systems and, if necessary, optimize processes or make adjustments to components. To this end, they work together with engineers or production managers to ensure the exchange of information within the team. To maintain their expertise, they undergo continuous further training and are constantly familiarizing themselves with new technologies.
Please note: In individual cases and depending on the job profile/function and company, the tasks may differ slightly (frequency, weighting, distribution, etc.).
Question 1:
Do the activities described meet your expectations? Would you like to work as a systems engineer HF (formerly technician HF systems engineering)?
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.
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 different 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 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.
Perhaps another, related training program would suit you better? For example:
- Automation specialist (BP)
- ICT system and network technician (BP)
- Maintenance specialist (BP)
- Logistician (BP)
- Production specialist (BP)
- Process specialist (BP)
- Operating technology HF
If the job profile of an HF systems technician does not appeal to you enough, take a look at the following HF technician courses for comparison:
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: For whom is the systems engineering degree course to become a systems engineer HF suitable?
The systems engineering course at a university of applied sciences to become a systems engineer HF (formerly technician HF systems engineering) is suitable for
- Young professionals in systems engineering who are looking for a professional career
- People who want to further their education in the field of systems engineering
System technicians HF should have the following personal qualities and skills:
- Technical understanding
- Sense of responsibility
- Communication skills
- Independent and reliable way of working
- analytical and conceptual skills
- 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 above-mentioned groups, you cannot apply directly for the HF diploma for HF system technicians. In this case, take a look atfollowing page.You may come across further training courses here that are aimed precisely at people like you. You can also find helpful information on training and further education in the field of electrical engineering and electrical installations in our guide.Hereto download free of charge.
- If you do not have the necessary previous education*, then look for a suitable training opportunity. Even as an adult, it is possible, for example, to obtain the Federal Certificate of Competence (EFZ) or a general qualification at upper secondary level. You can find out more about catch-up training for adults in ourAdvisor"The Swiss education system at a glance".
- If you do not have the necessary professional experience in the systems engineering field, 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:
*A list of the relevant EFZ can be found in theFramework curriculumfor system technicians HF (formerly technicians HF system technology).
Requirements for admission to the HF Systems Engineering degree program:
Each university of applied sciences decides independently on the admission procedure for systems engineering studies. There may therefore be differences between the universities of applied sciences (HF).* The admission procedure of the HFs is based on the relevant legal principles and is regulated in their respective study regulations.
In order to be able to start an HF systems engineering course to become an HF systems engineer (formerly HF systems engineering technician) at a university of applied sciences (HF), you must generally meet the following admission requirements.
- Completion of relevant basic vocational training with a federal certificate of proficiency (EFZ) **
Or
- Completion of a 3-year basic vocational training course (EFZ) in another field or Matura and relevant professional experience (usually at least 1 year) in the technical field
Further conditions:
- Many schools require at least 50% employment in the technical field during the part-time HF Systems Engineering course.
- In addition, depending on the school, an entrance examination or aptitude test is carried out and/or attendance of a preliminary course, for example in mathematics, is required.
Note: In some cases, it is possible to have educational achievements already completed credited. Please contact the provider of your choice directly.
* The courses offered by the universities of applied sciences (HF) are based on framework curricula developed jointly by education providers and industry associations and approved by the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI). If the PET colleges adhere to existing framework curricula in the detailed design of their courses, their PET courses are federally recognized and lead to a protected title.
** A list of the relevant EFZs can be found in theFramework curriculumfor system technicians HF / system technicians HF.
Question 3:
Do you meet the requirements for admission?
Great!
- If you do not have the necessary basic vocational training, then look for a suitable training opportunity. It is also possible to obtain a federal certificate of proficiency (EFZ) or an equivalent qualification as an adult. 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 you have a relevant EFZ, please contact theSponsorshipAssociation sponsorship RLP HF Systemtechnik c/o ORTEC Management AG".
- If you are not sure whether your professional experience will be recognized as professional experience for System Technicians HF (formerly Technicians HF System Technology), clarify your chances directly with the school of your choice.
- If you have too little or no (relevant) 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 someone in your private or professional environment is already working in the field of systems engineering, ask them for tips and whether they would support you in your job search. He/she will certainly have the relevant contacts and connections.
- If you do not have the necessary basic vocational training, then look for a suitable training opportunity. It is also possible to obtain a federal certificate of proficiency (EFZ) or an equivalent qualification as an adult. 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 you have a relevant EFZ, please contact theSponsorshipAssociation sponsorship RLP HF Systemtechnik c/o ORTEC Management AG".
- If you are not sure whether your professional experience will be recognized as professional experience for System Technicians HF (formerly Technicians HF System Technology), clarify your chances directly with the school of your choice.
- If you have too little or no (relevant) 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 someone in your private or professional environment is already working in the field of systems engineering, ask them for tips and whether they would support you in your job search. He/she will certainly have the relevant contacts and connections.
Subject matter and content of the training
In principle, the content of the HF systems engineering course for HF systems engineers is based on the "HF systems engineering" framework curriculum. The sponsors are Swissmem, Swissmechanic, SVFB Schweizerischer Verband Flugtechnischer Betriebe and Swiss Medtech as organizations of the working world (OdA) and the Konferenz der Höheren Fachschulen Technik KHF-T as a representative of the training providers. They are responsible for drawing up the framework curriculum and periodically checking that it is up to date and of high quality.
Nevertheless, the universities of applied sciences have a certain amount of leeway in the design of their courses for future systems engineers HF (formerly technicians HF systems engineering). Which course content is ultimately covered and how it is structured or deepened can therefore vary from college to college. The PET colleges can also offer specializations, for example.*
The following topics are generally covered in a systems engineering degree course:
- Mathematics, Statistics
- Physics
- Electrical engineering
- Computer science
- System technology
- Electronics
- Materials
- Project management
- Programming
- Digital technology
- Automation
- Control engineering
- Law
- Business administration
- Finance and accounting
- Leadership
*Such a specialization may focus on a maximum of 10% of the total learning hours. The protected title of "qualified systems engineer HF" remains unchanged.
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 HF course, take a look at other training and further education courses. You may find a course that suits you better. The following could be suitable alternatives, for example:
Obviously the typical subject areas of System Technician HF 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, training location and training model. In general, the following costs can be expected for the 6-semester HF systems engineering course:
- Tuition feesThe semester fee depends on the school and your canton of residence. You can expect to pay between CHF 20,700 and CHF 25,800 for students resident in the canton of training*. The costs for the examinations and diploma thesis are usually included in the course fees.
- Additional costsSome providers charge extra costs for the enrolment fee and student card, preliminary courses (optional), teaching materials, special software, licenses, laboratory exercises, practicals, training documents, examination/diploma thesis and examination retakes. Find out about the additional costs directly from the HF of your choice.
* Courses at universities of applied sciences are financially supported by the cantons. Students from outside the canton pay higher tuition fees. The following conditions apply in order to receive cantonal funding:
- at least two years of residence in the canton
- The course is listed on the EDK (Swiss Conference of Cantonal Ministers of Education) list of eligible courses (you will find the link to the list in the answer texts).
Question 5:
Are you able to pre-finance around CHF 20,700 - CHF 25,800 for your studies and exam/diploma thesis?
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 if you pay in full in advance. Some schools also offer a special price if you book very early.
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"
About thisLinkto access the EDK list of HF courses eligible for funding.
Most schools allow you to pay the course costs in installments. The schools usually 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 be able to support you with an educational loan.
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 through "temptraining", the further training fund of the temporary employment sector, is available athere.
About thisLinkto access the EDK list of HF courses eligible for funding.
Most schools allow you to pay the course costs in installments. The schools usually 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 be able to support you with an educational loan.
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 through "temptraining", the further training fund of the temporary employment sector, is available athere.
About thisLinkto access the EDK list of HF courses eligible for funding.
Duration of study, number of lessons and learning effort
- Duration of study:The HF systems engineering degree course to become a qualified HF systems engineer (formerly HF systems engineering technician) has a modular structure. It is offered full-time (4 semesters) and part-time (6 semesters)*.
- Number of lessons:With a relevant EFZ, the course comprises 3600 learning hours. For courses without a relevant EFZ, the number of learning hours generally increases to 5400 learning hours, please contact the school of your choice. The professional activity (practical experience in a relevant occupation) during the part-time HF Systems Engineering course is credited with a maximum of 720 hours (with a relevant EFZ) or a maximum of 1800 hours (without a relevant EFZ) towards the training period. The practical training (internships in a practice-oriented or real field of work accompanied by specialists) in full-time studies amounts to at least 720 hours (with relevant EFZ) or at least 1800 hours (without relevant EFZ). Learning hours also include contact studies (with qualified supervision), guided self-study, individual self-study and qualification procedures (e.g. semester examinations, intermediate examinations, diploma examinations, diploma theses or assessed semester theses). How these learning hours are divided up in terms of time is defined in the framework curriculum.
- Training models:The course is offered part-time and full-time. The teaching times (day school or evening school) are determined by the respective HF school. For example, lessons take place on two working days per week, two half days per week or one evening and one full day per week.
- Teaching format:Many schools offer a mix of face-to-face and online courses (online, hybrid teaching, blended learning).
- Learning effort:You should allow sufficient time to prepare for and follow up on the lessons and for self-study - how much depends on your prior knowledge, working style, learning speed and chosen training model. We recommend that you allow at least 4-6 hours per week for the part-time model.
* At some schools, professionals with a technical vocational baccalaureate can benefit from a shortened course of study. Please contact the school of your choice directly.
Note: Some schools offer so-called "taster lessons"/"trial 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. Take the opportunity and contact the school of your choice directly.
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 six 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 degree course in Systems Engineering HF (formerly Technician HF Systems Engineering) generally concludes with a practice-oriented diploma thesis and oral or written examinations. The details of the implementation are regulated by the respective HF in its study regulations. The final qualification procedure is often as follows:
- The results of the previousSemester examsand/or evaluatedTerm papers(so-called experience grades)
- Diploma thesisThe thesis is practice-oriented; candidates have the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and networked thinking. The thesis is written individually on a topic relevant to systems engineering. It is written at the end of the course (can also be integrated into the 5th or 6th semester). Here too, the time frame is determined by the respective HF in its study regulations.
- The thesis is also presented to a group of experts (expert panel).presentsand then defended in a discussion.
Diploma and title
Graduates of the course receive an HF diploma and are entitled to use the federally recognized and protected professional title "Dipl. Systemtechnikerin / dipl. Systemtechniker HF".
In French: "Technicienne diplômée ES en systèmes industriels / Technicien diplômé ES en systèmes industriels"
In Italian: "Tecnica dipl. SSS in tecninca dei sistemi / Technico dipl. SSS in tecninca dei sistemi"
In English: "Advanced Federal Diploma of Higher Education in Systems Engineering" (Note: This is merely a translation or recommendation and not a protected title).
Question 7:
Do you have the confidence to pass the higher technical college for the HF diploma?
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. 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.
You can find suitable offers here:
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 about passing the final exam but would like to complete the training, it is best to arrange a personal consultation appointment with a school. 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 systems engineering HF course leading to a federal HF diploma does not suit you. What a pity? - Maybe 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.
Systemtechniker HF / Systemtechnikerin HF (formerly Techniker HF Systemtechnik) is probably not the right further education 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 systems engineer HF (formerly technician HF systems engineering) 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.
Studying systems engineering at a university of applied sciences (HF) 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:
"System technician HF studies (formerly technician HF system technology)"
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:
"System technician HF studies (formerly technician HF system technology)"
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:
"System technician HF studies (formerly technician HF system technology)"
Linda, deine Weiterbildungsfinderin