Self-test "Sales specialist with federal certificate (BP)": Is this course the right one for me?
Test here whether a job as a sales specialist with a federal certificate is right for you and whether a preparatory course for the federal professional examination "Sales specialist with a federal certificate" is the right path for you. (formerly Sales Coordinator (BP), discontinued as of 2009).
Analysis of the functions/activities of a sales specialist
What does the day-to-day work of a sales specialist look like? Which activities are carried out and how often?
Sales specialists work both in the office and in the field. There they take on a wide range of management tasks as well as key account management. For example, they are entrusted with the planning and coordination of various projects and activities, design sales management and sales planning concepts, develop suitable marketing tools and work to ensure that sales targets are successfully achieved. Thanks to their knowledge of business management and economics, they can make well-founded decisions that lead to an increase in sales volume. Sales specialists, who primarily work in field sales, mainly drive active sales, conclude sales negotiations, look after key customers and develop customer and market development strategies. A sales specialist specializing in internal sales is able to plan and implement all internal sales tasks. They are also qualified to manage an internal sales department.
Question 1:
Do the activities described meet your expectations? Would you like to work as a sales specialist with a federal certificate?
Great!
If you don't like all the jobs, think about which ones interest you the most. Take a look at comparable job advertisements. Perhaps you will find some that only require the activities that suit you better, in which case you are in the right place with this further training course. You may also find a course in a related field that suits you.
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 sales specialists with a federal certificate suitable for? What qualities and skills are required?
The "Sales Specialist (BP)" course and professional examination are suitable for
- Professionals in the fields of sales, marketing, PR, communication* who would like to deepen their knowledge and obtain a federal certificate and thus give their career a boost.
- Professionals in the fields of marketing, sales, communication, PR, who see their vocation or future activity in sales and would like to prove their knowledge accordingly.
- Experienced and ambitious sales people who would like to take on more responsible tasks and/or the management of a sub-area or team.
Sales professionals should have the following personal qualities and skills:
- Analytical skills
- Good manners
- Communication skills
- Sociability
- Flexibility
- Independence
- Liability
- Personal initiative
- Negotiating skills
- Organizational talent
- Load capacity
* for example:
- Assistants to the sales management or marketing management
- Marketing and sales clerk
- Employees in the field sales force
- Employees in telephone, trade fair and store sales
- Assistants to the PR or advertising management
- Customer service employees
- Public Relations or Advertising Officer
Question 2:
Do you belong to the target group for this training and do you have the necessary personal qualities?
Great!
- If you do not belong to any of the above-mentioned groups, you cannot aim directly for the federal certificate. However, there are many different routes into sales. Take a look at thefollowing pagewith various courses from suitable providers. You may come across further training courses here that are aimed precisely at people like you.
- If you don't have the necessary professional experience in sales, use professional job boards to search for suitable jobs.
- If you know someone from your private or professional environment who is already working in this 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 don't have the necessary personal qualities and skills, you probably won't be happy in this role. Look out for other further training opportunities that offer in-depth knowledge or specialization.
- If you are unsure whether you are well suited to such a role with a lot of responsibility, it is best to talk to experienced people such as career advisors. You can find suitable providers of career advice and career coaching here:
Requirements for admission to the professional examination for sales specialists with a federal certificate:
In order to be able to take the professional examination for sales specialists, you must, by the time of the examination or examination registration
- have proof of a federal certificate of proficiency (EFZ, three-year apprenticeship), a diploma from a state-recognized commercial secondary school/diploma middle school/technical middle school or a high school diploma
And
- Have at least 2 years of relevant professional experience
Or
- Have a federal vocational certificate (EBA) in a profession with at least two years of basic vocational training
And
- Have at least 3 years of relevant professional experience.
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 and information on legal remedies in the event of rejection.
Note: Some schools may be prepared to admit you to a preparatory course for the professional examination for sales specialists with a federal certificate if you do not (yet) meet the criteria for admission to the federal examination. You are then responsible for ensuring that you meet the necessary requirements at the time of the examination/application for the examination.
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 sales specialists, clarify your chances directly with the sponsor of the examination regulations, the Swiss Association for Management Training
If you have little or no professional experience, you have the following options:
- Search for suitable jobs with the help of professional job boards.
- If you know someone from your private or professional environment who is already working in sales, 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.You can find more information here.
If you do not have a federal certificate of proficiency (EFZ) or equivalent basic vocational training, you still have the opportunity to catch up on this now. You can find out more about catch-up training for adults in our guide "The Swiss education system at a glance".
If you are not sure whether your professional experience will be recognized as professional experience for sales specialists, clarify your chances directly with the sponsor of the examination regulations, the Swiss Association for Management Training
If you have little or no professional experience, you have the following options:
- Search for suitable jobs with the help of professional job boards.
- If you know someone from your private or professional environment who is already working in sales, 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.You can find more information here.
If you do not have a federal certificate of proficiency (EFZ) or equivalent basic vocational training, you still have the opportunity to catch up on this now. You can find out more about catch-up training for adults in our guide "The Swiss education system at a glance".
Subject matter and content of the training
The subject matter and content of the preparatory courses for the federal vocational examination for sales specialists with a federal certificate are based on the specifications of the sponsoring body for the vocational examination, the Swiss Association for the Vocational Examination for Sales Specialists (VFL) with a federal certificate.
The following topics / areas are the focus of the preparatory courses for the professional examination for management specialists:
- Marketing basics and marketing instruments and marketing strategies
- Sales planning and distribution
- Sales processes
- Sales interaction and network maintenance
- Market research and statistics
- Finance and accounting
- Controlling
- (Internal) communication/PR, communication tools
- Economy and law
- Project management
- Presentation and sales techniques
Question 4:
Are you interested in this content, would you like to acquire this knowledge?
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 the sales sector. You may find a course that suits you better due to the content taught.
Obviously the typical areas of responsibility of sales specialists with a federal certificate are not your world. Take a look at other further training courses instead. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a wide range of options.
Perhaps the following course would also be something for you?
Marketing and Sales Officer (Certified)
Costs and financing of further training
The costs vary depending on the provider. The following costs are to be expected for the 3-semester in-service training to become a sales specialist with a federal certificate:
- Course feesBetween CHF 12,200 and CHF 14,460 Of this, you will receive a refund of around 50% 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.You can find more information here.
- Examination feesThe examination fee is set by the sponsoring body of the professional examination and currently amounts to CHF 2,500 (as of March 2023). The examination fee is paid by the candidates after admission has been confirmed.
- Extra costsSome providers charge extra costs for teaching materials, training documents and simulation exams. Please contact the provider of your choice directly to find out 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 can therefore be reimbursed up to 50% (max. CHF 9,500 for BP, max. CHF 10,500 for HFP) of the course costs paid after taking the federal examination. In exceptional cases of hardship, the federal contributions are also paid out in advance.
Question 5:
Are you able to pre-finance approx. CHF 12,200-CHF 14,460 for course fees (plus examination fee for the federal examination)?
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 FoundationEducaSwisscan be found in our guide "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 FoundationEducaSwisscan be found in our guide "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,here.
Duration of study, number of lessons and learning effort
- Duration:The sales specialist training, further training for the federal certificate takes 2-3 semesters and is completed on a part-time basis. A two-semester course is only possible with appropriate prior knowledge.
- Lesson times:The course takes place on different days and times depending on the school. There are evening courses and day courses. Usually on two evenings per week or all day on one weekday (Monday-Saturday) per week. For details, please contact the school of your choice directly.
- Teaching format:Many schools now offer a mix of face-to-face and online courses (online, hybrid teaching, blended learning) as well as self-study.
- 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 well-organized study strategy not only motivates you, but also protects you from chaotic, stressful study days and nights shortly before the exam.
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 three 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 sales specialists with a federal certificate takes place annually if at least 70 candidates meet the admission requirements, otherwise every two years. It can be taken in German, French or Italian.
Candidates are notified at least 30 days before the start of the written examination and at least 20 days before the start of the oral examination. The invitation includes the examination program (place and time of the examination as well as aids to be brought along or permitted) and the list of experts
The final examination for the federal certificate for sales specialists comprises a total of 7 parts:
1. basics (written, 120 minutes)
In this written examination, basic knowledge in the area of sales and marketing is tested.
2. guided case study Marketing & Sales (written, 180 minutes)
The guided case study is based on the central tasks and processes of sales specialists in the fields of action "Self and project management", "Carrying out analyses", "Realizing market performance", "Designing communication", "Designing distribution"
3. guided case study planning (written, 180 minutes)
In this part of the examination, the guided case study focuses on conception and planning. It focuses on the processes and tasks of sales specialists in the fields of "Planning sales activities and managing sales processes", "Ensuring sales processes administratively" and "Implementing sales interactions".
4. guided case study implementation (written, 120 minutes)
The guided case study in this part of the exam focuses on "Implementation" and the areas of action "Planning sales activities and managing sales processes", "Ensuring sales processes administratively" and "Implementing sales interactions".
5th post-basket task (written, 90 minutes)
In this part of the exam, candidates prioritize and plan various activities from a sales specialist's working day.
6. presentation and expert discussion (oral, presentation 140 minutes, expert discussion 30 minutes)
Candidates work on a case study or a practical task, which they then present to a panel of experts. They then answer questions from the experts.
7. role play (oral, 30 minutes)
In this part of the exam, a customer meeting is simulated.
Diploma and title
Graduates of the professional examination receive a federal certificate and are entitled to use the federally recognized and protected title "Sales specialist with federal certificate".
- In French: "Spécialiste de vente avec brevet fédéral"
- In Italian: "Specialiste in vendite con attestato professionale federale"
- In English: "Sales Specialist, Federal Diploma of Higher Education" (Attention: No protected title only a recommendation)
Note: Sales specialists with a federal certificate have the opportunity to acquire the Europe-wide recognized EMC certificate for "Junior Sales Manager".You can find out more here.
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 important exam experience, e.g. in simulation exams.
If you are unsure, we recommend that you attend an information event on this course.
Arrange a personal consultation appointment with the school of your choice or theSponsorship of the professional examinationthe Swiss Association for the Professional Examination for Sales Professionals (VFL) with a federal certificate. 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 important exam experience, e.g. in simulation exams.
If you are not at all confident that you can pass the final examination, it is best to arrange a personal consultation with a school or the sponsor of the professional examination, the SwissSponsoring association for the professional examinationfor sales professionals (VFL) with a federal certificate. 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.
No, the course for the federal sales specialist certificate (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.
Sales 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 sales 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.
Sales specialist training is not ideal for you - or is it?
If you are unsure, it is best to attend the providers' information events. There you will learn a lot more about further education and can 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: