Self-test Insurance specialist with federal certificate (BP): Is this course suitable for me?
Test here whether a job as an insurance specialist with a federal certificate is right for you and whether a preparatory course for the federal professional examination "Insurance Specialist" is the right path for you.
What does the everyday working life of insurance specialists with a federal certificate look like?
Insurance specialists work in companies of all sizes in the insurance industry as well as in public administrations, associations and organizations. With their high level of expertise and specialized knowledge, they independently take on demanding technical and consulting tasks as well as management tasks at lower to middle management level. They are very familiar with insurance processes and procedures and participate in their design and optimization.
The tasks of insurance specialists depend on their specialization:
- In the areaUnderwriting and product managementthey are involved in the design, development and implementation of insurance products. To this end, they conduct market research and observe trends. They analyze and assess contracts and draw them up.
- In theClaims and benefits processingthey are responsible for reviewing claims, compiling the facts and, if necessary, calling in the relevant specialists (including from other sectors). Finally, they determine the loss amounts and conduct the negotiations.
- In the function asBrokerthey broker insurance contracts for their customers. They plan the acquisition and carry it out. They conduct risk analyses, create coverage concepts and implement them. They also write insurance contracts and manage policies. They can also manage a brokerage firm and take on mandates.
- In theSales and supportthey are involved in the acquisition of new customers. They plan comprehensive insurance concepts based on customer needs. When advising customers, they point out the options and developments, provide information on prices and tariffs and address special conditions. If the insurance cover meets the customer's needs, they draw up the contracts and are responsible for aftercare/customer care.
Question 1:
Do the activities described meet your expectations? Would you like to work as an insurance specialist?
If you don't like all the activities in any of the specializations, think about which ones interest you the most. Also 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.
The following further training courses may meet your needs:
If you don't like the activities, take a look at the numerous other training opportunities. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection.
Target group and skills: Who is the professional examination for insurance specialists with a federal certificate suitable for? What qualities and skills are required?
The course and the professional examination (BP) "Insurance Specialist" are suitable for
- Professionals in the insurance industry who wish to study insurance in depth and confirm their specialist knowledge with a federally recognized qualification.
- Insurance employees who want to officially certify their knowledge and skills and thus boost their career.
- The modular structure of the preparatory courses for the professional examination makes it possible to complete the individual modules with an association certificate (Vocational Training Association of the Insurance Industry VBV), even before obtaining the federal certificate. The course is therefore also suitable for junior staff and lateral entrants who want to gain a foothold in the insurance industry.
Insurance specialists should have the following personal qualities and skills:
- Analytical and networked thinking
- Flair for numbers
- Flexibility and resilience
- Independent and careful way of working
- Sense of responsibility and reliability
- Trustworthiness and conscientiousness
- Empathy
- Organizational talent
- Communication and negotiation skills
- Ability to work in a team and deal with conflicts
Question 2:
Do you belong to one of the target groups for this training course and do you have the necessary personal qualities?
- If you do not belong to any of the above-mentioned groups, you cannot aim for the federal certificate directly, but must choose to enter via another training program. There are numerous options. Take a look atthe pagewith various courses from suitable providers. You may come across further training courses here that are aimed precisely at people like you.
- If you do not have the necessary professional experience in the insurance sector, use professional job boards to look for suitable jobs where you can gain experience. If people in your private or professional environment work in this field, ask them for tips and whether they would support you in your job search. They will certainly have the relevant contacts and connections.
- If you do not have the necessary personal qualities and skills, you will probably not be happy in this role in the insurance industry. Look out for further training opportunities where you can better contribute and develop your personality.
- If you are unsure whether you are well suited to such a role, 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 federal professional examination for insurance specialists:
To be able to take the federal professional examination for insurance specialists, you must, in accordance with the examination regulations:
- have a federal certificate of proficiency (EFZ) as a commercial clerk (private insurance) and at least 2 years of professional experience in the insurance sector
Or
- have completed another 3-year basic vocational training course with an EFZ, a commercial high school diploma or a high school diploma and have passed the written examination for insurance brokers VBV and can provide evidence of at least 3 years of professional experience in the insurance sector
Or
- have passed the written examination for insurance intermediaries VBV and have at least 5 years of professional experience, of which at least 3 years in the insurance sector
And
- provide proof of valid module certificates or confirmations of equivalence
You will find out whether you have been admitted to the professional examination no later than 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 insurance specialists if you do not (yet) meet the criteria for admission to the federal examination. It is then your responsibility to ensure that you meet the necessary requirements at the time of the examination/application for the examination.
The modular course can also be completed at many schools without obtaining the federal certificate with a VBV certificate (association certificate) for the respective modules. Inquire directly with the provider of your choice as to which admission requirements apply in this case.
Question 3:
Do you meet the requirements for admission?
If you are not sure whether your professional experience will be recognized as professional experience for insurance specialists, clarify your chances directly with the body responsible for the examination regulations, theVocational Training Association of the Insurance Industry VBV.
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.
- If someone in your private or professional environment is already working in the insurance sector, 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 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 insurance specialists, clarify your chances directly with the body responsible for the examination regulations, theVocational Training Association of the Insurance Industry VBV
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.
- If someone in your private or professional environment works in the ICT sector, 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 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 subject matter and content of the preparatory courses for the federal professional examination for insurance specialists are based on the specifications of the sponsoring body of the professional examination, the Vocational Training Association of the Insurance Industry (VBV).
The course material is divided into "compulsory modules", "elective modules" and "process modules", which are completed with an examination (with the exception of the "Personal Management" module). The qualifications are valid for 5 years, i.e. they are counted towards the acquisition of the federal certificate up to 5 years after completion.
In theobligatory modulesthe basic insurance knowledge and the necessary skills are expanded and deepened. These modules also serve as preparation for the elective modules.
In theElective modulesthe specialist knowledge of the various sectors is imparted. They are used for specialization. There is a whole range of optional modules to choose from, three of which must be passed for admission to the professional examination.
With theprocess modulesThere are a total of four modules to choose from, one of which must be selected (specialization). The content covered in the selected module is then also tested in the professional examination - and is also covered accordingly in the lessons of the preparation course.
Compulsory modules:
- Personal management
- Insurance industry
- Insurance law
- Insurance marketing
Elective modules:
- AHV/IV and other social insurances
- Banking and Finance
- Property insurance
- Individual life insurance
- Asset insurance
- Technical insurance
- Transport insurance
- Health insurance (mandatory / non-mandatory)
- Group life insurance (mandatory / extra-mandatory)
- Accident insurance (mandatory / non-mandatory)
- Insurance medicine
Process modules:
- Broking
- Underwriting incl. product management
- Claims and benefits processing, service management
- Sales and support
Question 4:
Are you interested in this content? Would you like to acquire this knowledge?
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 insurance sector. You may find a course that suits you better.
Would you like to focus on health insurance or social insurance? Then the following professional examinations might meet your needs:
Obviously the typical areas of responsibility of insurance 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.
Costs and financing of further training
The costs vary depending on the provider. In general, the following costs must be expected for the 3- to 4-semester in-service training course to become an insurance specialist:
- Course fees: between approx. CHF 17,000 and 18,200 (this usually includes the examination costs for the individual modules). After the examination, you will receive up to 50% of this amount back from the federal government on application (regardless of the result).* If you are a member of the Kaufmännische Verband and complete the training at a school listed by the Kaufmännische Verband, you can benefit from a 5% discount on the course costs.
- Examination fee for modules: The modules are each completed individually with an examination. The following costs are to be expected:
- Compulsory modules: CHF 550.- each
- Optional modules: CHF 550.- each
- Professional examination fee: This is set by the examination organizer and currently (2022) amounts to CHF 850.
- Some providers charge extra costs for teaching materials and school documents. 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 have been financially supported by the federal government. Graduates of these courses can therefore be reimbursed up to 50% of the course costs paid (max. CHF 9,500) 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 17,850-19,050 for course fees (incl. examination fee)?
Great! Here's another tip: If you are able to pay the full amount in advance, ask the school of your choice whether they offer a special discount for full payment in advance.
Information on thefinancial support from the federal governmentcan be obtained via this link to the Swiss Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI).
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 thefinancial support from the federal governmentcan be obtained via this link to the Swiss Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI).
Information on financial support for temporary workers through "temptraining", the further training fund of the temporary employment sector,here.
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 thefinancial support from the federal governmentcan be obtained via this link to the Swiss Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation. In exceptional cases of hardship, federal contributions are also paid out in advance.
Information on financial support for temporary workers through "temptraining", the further training fund of the temporary employment sector,can be found here.
Duration of study, number of lessons and learning effort
- The modular further training to become an insurance specialist takes 3-4 semesters.
- The course comprises 208 lessons, which take place on two half-days per week (usually on one or two evenings per week and/or Saturday mornings).
- 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 your knowledge immediately in practice. Nevertheless, you should allow sufficient time for preparing and following up the lessons and for learning - how much depends on your previous knowledge, working style and learning speed. We recommend that you allow at least 4-6 hours per week as a precaution.
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 do not have that much time, contact the providers and clarify whether you can possibly complete the course over more than three or 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 insurance specialists takes place annually, provided that at least 10 candidates meet the admission requirements, otherwise every two years. It can be taken in one of the three official languages German, French or Italian.
Candidates have already selected one of the four process modules during the preparatory course (specialization):
- Broking
- Claims and benefits processing, service management
- Underwriting incl. product management
- Sales and support.
The respective specialization is now tested at the professional examination.
The exam consists of two parts:
1) Technical questions and case studies (written, 4 hours, weighting 50%)
This part of the exam includes a series of questions and tasks, such as case studies.
2) Mastering job-specific processes in contact with internal and external customers (oral, 1.5 hours, weighting 50%)
In this part of the examination, candidates must demonstrate their specialist knowledge and ability to express themselves orally in the presence of the experts.
Diploma and title
Successful graduates of the professional examination receive a federal certificate and are entitled to use the federally recognized and protected title "Insurance specialist with federal certificate".
In French: "Spécialiste en assurance avec brevet fédéral"
In Italian: "Perito / Perita in assicurazione con attestato professionale federale"
In English: "Swiss Certified Insurer with Federal Diploma of Professional Education and Training"
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 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, theVocational Training Association of the Insurance Industry VBV. 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.
What's more, at many schools you will receive a VBV certificate for successfully completing a module; these "stage victories" may gradually dispel your current concerns - and in the worst-case scenario, you won't end up empty-handed thanks to these association certificates.
No, the course for the federal certificate as an 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. You will find a large selection of offers on Ausbildung-Weiterbildung.ch.
Insurance specialist 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 what other further training courses interest you. You will find a wide range of offers on Ausbildung-Weiterbildung.ch.
That's a half-hearted result: working as an insurance specialist doesn't seem ideal for you. Or is it perhaps the form of training that doesn't suit you or doesn't fit well in organizational terms?
See which other further training courses are suitable for you. You will find a wide range of offers on Ausbildung-Weiterbildung.ch.
Further training to become an insurance 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 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: