Self-test: Is the "Automotive Workshop Coordinator with Federal Certificate" course the right one for me?
Find out here whether the job description "Automotive workshop coordinator with a federal certificate" is right for you and whether a part-time preparatory course for the professional examination is the right path for you.
What is everyday working life like in automotive jobs as a workshop coordinator with a federal certificate?
An automotive workshop coordinator is the central point of contact for repairs to cars or commercial vehicles. These automotive jobs involve supervising the team, ensuring budgets and deadlines are met and carrying out final inspections. In addition to carrying a lot of responsibility, the focus is also on advising customers and negotiating with suppliers and insurance experts as an automotive workshop coordinator. In this role, coordinators also act as a link between staff and management. Automotive jobs in workshop management are possible in garages and body shops. After further training, automotive jobs can also be accepted at material or vehicle suppliers, insurance companies or a cantonal road traffic office.
The following areas of work are typical in automotive jobs as a workshop coordinator:
- In the areas of organization, management and communication:
- Advice and maintenance of customer relationships
- Planning and coordination of work in the workshop
- Ensuring compliance with deadlines and budgets
- Preparation of cost estimates and quotations, preparation of invoices and business correspondence
- Negotiations with insurance companies and suppliers
- Recruitment of workshop personnel and supervision of trainees
- Guidance and supervision of employees in the technical area
- Ensuring smooth collaboration within the teams
- Improvement and further development of workshop processes
- Ensure compliance with occupational health and safety regulations
- In the field of technology:
- Analyze and understand documents on the technical data of the vehicles
- Carrying out technical analyses, e.g. in the areas of electrics, electronics, safety or comfort, but also driver assistance and infotainment (enables central control of radio, navigation, multimedia and internet applications)
- Search for malfunctions in the electrical vehicle systems
- Delegation of maintenance and repair work
- Ensure compliance with the technical regulations
Question 1:
Do the activities meet your expectations? Can you imagine working in automotive jobs as a workshop coordinator?
If you like the actual work in automotive jobs as a workshop coordinator, you are on the right track. The next question is what type of training (level of education, learning content, duration, examinations, etc.) is the right one for you to acquire the relevant skills. In this self-test, you will find out whether this could be a professional examination in the field of automotive workshop coordination, for example.
Even if you don't like all the activities in automotive jobs as a workshop coordinator, it could still be the right job for you. In almost every job, there are also tasks that are less interesting. However, the tasks should arouse your interest and appeal to you.
Alternatively, you can look at descriptions of similar job profiles, as another degree may suit you better:
If you don't like the work, you should find out which parts of the tasks in automotive jobs as a workshop coordinator you don't like so much. Is it the talking to customers? Or the troubleshooting and repairs in automotive jobs as a workshop coordinator?
Depending on your answer, you could look in job advertisements to see if there are jobs with a different distribution of tasks. Or you can take inspiration from other similar jobs. If you are generally unsure about your desired job, we can help you with ourAdvisorhelp you find your own calling.
Target group and skills: Who is the automotive workshop coordinator training course with professional examination suitable for? What qualities and skills are required?
The automotive workshop coordinator training course is aimed at professionals from the automotive industry who wish to expand their personal knowledge and take on a management role in a garage business. These are those with a certificate of competence (EFZ) as:
- Automotive mechatronics technician
- Car mechanic
- Vehicle electrician/electronics technician
- Agricultural/construction machinery mechanic
- Motorcycle mechanic
- Automotive specialist
- Car mechanic
- or an equivalent certificate
To be successful in automotive jobs as a workshop coordinator, the following skills and qualities are required:
- Solution-oriented and analytical thinking
- Leadership qualities
- Interest in vehicles, interest in planning work
- Organizational talent
- Customer-oriented behavior and perseverance
- Precise working method
- Sociability, communication skills, assertiveness
- Risk awareness
- Efficient way of working
- Sense of responsibility
Question 2:
Do you belong to one of the target groups of the automotive training program for workshop coordinators?
If you belong to the target group and you have the necessary skills and characteristics, then the automotive training course for workshop coordinators is still an option for you. The federal certificate still seems to meet your expectations.
- If you do not belong to any of the above-mentioned groups, you cannot directly apply for the federal certificate as an automotive workshop coordinator. The further development opportunities in the area ofAutomotive engineeringare numerous and may offer alternative educational opportunities that may interest you even more or suit you better.
- If you do not have the necessary skills and qualities for the job description of automotive workshop coordinator, you will probably not be the best and most satisfied in such a role. Look for alternative training in theAutomotive technology sector.
- If you are still unsure about your professional development, contact experienced people such as career advisors for targeted advice or coaching:
Requirements for admission to the professional examination in automotive workshop coordination:
For admission to the final examination "Federal Professional Examination for Automotive Workshop Coordinator", the following prerequisites are required at the start of the examination:
- Federal certificate of proficiency (EFZ) from a 4-year basic training course in the automotive sector or equivalent qualification
- and at least 5 years of professional experience in automotive engineering after basic training
or
- Federal certificate of proficiency (EFZ) from a 3-year basic training course in the automotive sector or equivalent qualification
- and at least 6 years of professional experience in automotive engineering after basic training
or
- Federal diploma (BP) as an automotive diagnostician
- and at least 5 years of professional experience in automotive engineering after basic training
In addition to the above-mentioned conditions, the following is required for the professional examination Automotive Workshop Coordinator:
- Necessary qualifications in the relevant areas of competence or confirmation of equivalence
- Vocational trainer certificate
- Specialist license for handling refrigerants
The following module qualifications must be demonstrated for admission to the examination and the award of the specialist certificate as an automotive workshop coordinator:
- Marketing + Acquisition 1
- Calculation 1
- Materials Technology & Process Engineering 1
- Building physics 1
- Construct 1
- Personnel management 1
- Project management 1
- Management 1
The individual modules are completed as compulsory modules in the preparatory courses for the professional examination. The module certificates are valid for five years. You will be informed in writing at least three months before the start of the examination whether you meet the requirements for the professional examination for Automotive Workshop Coordinator - in the event of rejection, including reasons and information on legal remedies.
Question 3:
Do you have the required previous education and the necessary professional experience for the professional examination in automotive workshop coordination?
If you meet the requirements, you can start the automotive training course to become a workshop coordinator at the earliest possible date. You will then be admitted to the professional examination.
If you are not sure whether your professional experience is sufficient, clarify your chances directly with the sponsor of the professional examination, theAGVS.
If you have too little or no professional experience for the automotive workshop coordinator training with professional examination, you have the following options:
- Search with the help of professional job boardsas followsfor suitable jobs.
- If you have someone with employment in theAutomotive engineering-industry, ask this person for help with your job search.
If you are not sure whether you are eligible for admission to the professional examination for workshop coordinators after completing the automotive workshop coordinator training course, please contact theExamination secretariator theSERIfor foreign degrees.
If you have not completed your basic vocational training, you can make up for it. How can you do this in ourAdvisor"The Swiss education system at a glance".
If you are unsure whether your qualifications and professional experience are sufficient, clarify your chances directly with the sponsor of the professional examination, theAGVS.
If you have too little or no professional experience for the workshop coordinator professional examination, you have the following options:
- Search with the help of professional job boardsas followsfor suitable jobs.
- If you have someone with employment in theAutomotive engineering-industry, ask this person for help with your job search.
If you are not sure whether you are eligible for admission to the professional examination for workshop coordinators after completing the automotive workshop coordinator training course, please contact theExamination secretariator theSERIfor foreign degrees.
If you have not completed your basic vocational training, you can make up for it. How can you do this in ourAdvisor"The Swiss education system at a glance".
Learning material and contents of the workshop coordinator training:
The subject matter of the preparatory courses for the professional examination for the specialist certificate as an automotive workshop coordinator is based on the specifications of the sponsor of the federal examination, the AGVS (Swiss Automobile Industry Association).
The learning content of the automotive workshop coordinator training is divided into the following topics and areas of competence:
- Deepening and expanding basic knowledge
- Diagnosis of systems and components
- Theory - getting to know new technologies in subject areas:
- Competence area Z1: Vehicle electrics/electronics
- Competence area Z2: Comfort and safety electronics
- Competence area Z3: Driving assistance and infotainment system
- Competence area Z4: Alternative drive systems
- Practice - Acquiring the skills of a management function in a garage business:
- Competence area W1: Workshop processes
- Competence area W2: Personnel management
- Competence area W3: Legal responsibilities
- Competence area W4: Customer contacts and administration
Automotive diagnosticians with a federal certificate are exempt from providing proof of the Z1 - Z4 competence area qualifications. The examinations for the Z modules are carried out under the supervision of the Quality Assurance Commission and AGVS in written, oral and practical form. The examinations for the W modules take place at the respective training centers.
Question 4:
Are you interested in the contents of the workshop coordinator training and would you like to acquire knowledge in this subject area?
Perfect, the content of the automotive training course to become a workshop coordinator suits you perfectly. With the skills you have learned, you can score points on the job market and increase your salary opportunities. You can now find out more about the structure and concept of further training from the training institutes.
If you are only partially interested in the content of the automotive workshop coordinator training course, then this is probably not the right course for you. Then take a look at other training and further education opportunities in the field ofAutomotive engineeringthat suit you better due to the content taught.
Obviously, the typical course content for automotive workshop coordinator training is not for you. Take a look at other training courses instead. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a wide range of options.
Automotive workshop coordinator training - costs and financing:
Depending on the provider and duration, the costs for the automotive workshop coordinator training vary. On average, the following amounts are to be expected for the training costs:
- Course fees:about CHF 13'860.- to CHF 21'450.-
After taking the exam, you will receive around 50% of this back from the federal government on application (regardless of the result)*. - Examination fees:CHF 800.- and CHF 100.- organizational services (as of 2023, additional costs for module examinations totalling CHF 2,880.- and approx. CHF 600.- for vocational training course)
The examination fee is set by the body responsible for the professional examination. It is paid by the candidate after confirmation of admission to the examination for Automotive Workshop Coordinator Training. - Extra costs:At some schools, the costs for enrolment fees, teaching materials, training documents, books, intensive exam training, simulation exams, school diplomas and interim qualifications, for example, are not included in the course fees. Please contact the provider of your choice directly to find out what additional costs you can expect for the course.
*Since January 1, 2018, preparatory courses for federal professional examinations such as the Automotive Workshop Coordinator course have been financially supported by the federal government. Graduates of these courses can therefore be reimbursed up to 50% (max. CHF 9,500) of the course costs paid after taking the federal examination. In cases of hardship, the federal contributions are also pre-financed in exceptional cases.
Question 5:
Are you able to pre-finance around CHF 14,760 to CHF 22,350 in costs for the automotive workshop coordinator training and the federal examination?
Best. Here's another tip: If you would be able to pay the entire cost of the Automotive Workshop Coordinator course upfront, many schools will give you a discount.
- 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", theFurther training fundthe temporary sector.
- Information and help onBudget planningor budget preparation.
First ask the schools about the actual costs you would have to expect for the automotive workshop coordinator training course. Then ask your employer whether they will contribute to the cost of the automotive workshop coordinator training. Or ask your school about the possibility of paying in installments. Perhaps there is someone in your private circle who will support your further training project with a loan. There are also banks and credit institutions that grant educational loans.
- 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", theFurther training fundthe temporary sector.
- Information and help onBudget planningor budget preparation.
First ask the schools about the actual costs you would have to expect for the automotive workshop coordinator training course. Then ask your employer whether they will contribute to the costs. Ask your school about the possibility of paying the costs of your automotive workshop coordinator training in installments. Perhaps there is someone in your private circle who will support your further training project with a loan. There are also banks and credit institutions that grant educational loans.
- 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", theFurther training fundthe temporary sector.
- Information and help onBudget planningor budget preparation.
Duration of study, teaching times and learning effort for the vocational examination for automotive workshop coordinators:
- The automotive workshop coordinator training and further education course is modular in structure (i.e. some of the skills are assessed in module examinations prior to the professional examination and are only tested across modules in the final examination) and takes two years to complete while working. The training for the professional examination Automotive Workshop Coordinator comprises around 680 lessons.
- The teaching times vary depending on the provider of the Automotive Workshop Coordinator course. Classroom teaching usually takes place one day a week and during additional block weeks.
- Thanks to the part-time concept of the Automotive Workshop Coordinator course, you can apply and consolidate the learning material in practice straight away. Nevertheless, sufficient time should be allowed for lesson preparation and follow-up as well as for self-study. Depending on your previous knowledge, working style and learning speed, we recommend that you allow the same amount of time for the additional workload as the regular course duration.
Note: Some schools offer so-called "taster lessons", which provide an insight into the lessons and the learning atmosphere. A suitable learning environment is important on the way to successful completion of the Automotive Workshop Coordinator course.
Question 6:
Are you able to cope with the time and effort required for classroom teaching and homework for the workshop coordinator vocational examination?
If you are confident that you can cope with the teaching time and the learning effort, you should start an automotive workshop coordinator apprenticeship. At the very most, you can consider whether you can achieve even better results, such as faster learning or better final grades, with suitable learning and working methods and a personal learning plan. Efficient learning methods pay off in any case.
If you don't have that much time for the Automotive Workshop Coordinator course, check with the providers whether you can complete the course over more than two years. Or can you find another way to free up time? Perhaps you can hand over certain tasks during the training period?
Degree, diploma and title:
The professional examination "Automotive Workshop Coordinator with Federal Certificate of Competence" is held annually in German, French and Italian, provided that the minimum number of 12 candidates meet the admission requirements.
Candidates for the professional examination Automotive Workshop Coordinator will be notified at least 3 weeks before the start of the examination. The invitation includes the examination program (with details of the place and time of the examination as well as permitted aids) and the list of experts.
The professional examination for automotive workshop coordinators comprises the following three parts:
- Practical work as project work (12 to 15 hours, double weighting) to complete a project in writing on a competence area. The following aspects are assessed:
- Recognize and solve problems in a networked way
- Ability to justify and argue
- Expertise and creativity
- Methodological, social and personal skills
- Technique based on a case study (oral, approx. 2 hours, 1x weighting) on the topic:
- Organize workshop
- Market / People / Company based on role plays (oral, approx. 1 hour, 1-fold weighting) on the topics:
- Managing staff
- Maintaining customer relationships
Diploma and title
Graduates of the professional examination receive a federal certificate and are entitled to use the federally recognized and protected title "Automotive Workshop Coordinator with Federal Certificate" or "Automotive Workshop Coordinator with Federal Certificate".
- In French: "Coordinatrice / Coordinateur d'atelier automobile avec brevet fédéral"
- In Italian: "Coordinatrice / Coordinatore d'officina nel ramo dell'automobile con attestato professionale federale"
- In English: "Automotive Workshop Coordinator, Federal Diploma of Higher Education" (Attention: This is only a recommendation/translation and not a protected title)
Question 7:
Do you have the confidence to pass the professional examination for automotive workshop coordinators?
Good, you are confident that you will successfully complete the professional examination following the Automotive Workshop Coordinator training course. Think about where you can best ensure the transfer of practical experience. Which learning and working methods are most efficient for you?
If you are unsure about successfully completing the Automotive Workshop Coordinator course, we recommend the following:
- oneInformation eventof the favored educational institute
- onepersonal consultation appointmentwith the school of your choice for the Automotive Workshop Coordinator course
- at theSchool managementAsk about support options
- oneInformationby the sponsor of the professional examination, theAGVSto dispel your concerns
- itselfSupportfromLearning therapistorCoachthroughautogenicormental trainingGet
You are very unsure whether you will be able to graduate after completing the Automotive Workshop Coordinator course. You could check which subjects may have caused you problems in the past. If these are subjects that will appear again in the final examination after the Automotive Workshop Coordinator training course, you should find out about possible preparatory courses, fill in existing gaps in your knowledge with the help of tutors or discuss with the school whether there is the possibility of internal test examinations or preparatory courses.
If you have intense exam anxiety, you could look for a different type of course that works more with learning achievements, mid-term exams or semester work. External help from learning therapists, kinesiologists, autogenic training providers or mental training providers can also be considered:
No, the Automotive Workshop Coordinator apprenticeship does not suit you. What a pity? Maybe 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.
Automotive workshop coordinator with a federal certificate is probably not the right further training goal for you.
Are you surprised or disappointed? Perhaps take the automotive workshop coordinator training 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.
The Automotive Workshop Coordinator course is not ideal for you - or is it?
If you are unsure, it is best to attend the providers' information events. You will find out a lot more about further education there. You can also discuss your personal options and questions directly with the specialist representatives present.
Directly to the schools:
"Automotive workshop coordinator with federal certificate of competence"
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 and check the financing.
Directly to the schools:
"Automotive workshop coordinator with federal certificate of competence"
Which school is right for me?
Our guide will help you decide which school to choose for your further training as an automotive workshop coordinator:
At the back of the guide you will find a helpful checklist with the most important points to clarify, which will help you to keep an overview.
Please also take a look at our evaluation tool with numerousReviewsfrom former course participants.
Thanks to the numerous filter options, including the number of stars, region, year or school, you can display exactly the ratings that interest you.
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:
"Automotive workshop coordinator with federal certificate of competence"
Which school is right for me?
Our guide will help you decide which school to choose for your further training as an automotive workshop coordinator:
At the back of the guide you will find a helpful checklist with the most important points to clarify, which will help you to keep an overview.
Please also take a look at our evaluation tool with numerousReviewsfrom former course participants.
Thanks to the numerous filter options, including the number of stars, region, year or school, you can display exactly the ratings that interest you.
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:
"Automotive workshop coordinator with federal certificate of competence"
Which school is right for me?
Our guide will help you decide which school to choose when training to become an automotive workshop coordinator:
At the back of the guide you will find a helpful checklist with the most important points to clarify, which will help you to keep an overview.
Please also take a look at our evaluation tool with numerousReviewsfrom former course participants.
Thanks to the numerous filter options, including the number of stars, region, year or school, you can display exactly the ratings that interest you.