Self-test "Management Specialist with Federal Diploma of Higher Education (FPE)": Is this course the right one for me?

What does the day-to-day work of managers with a Federal Diploma of Higher Education look like?

What does the day-to-day work of managers look like? Which activities are carried out and how often?

A management specialist takes on management tasks in lower to middle management in a wide range of industries and companies. This includes both technical and personnel management and all associated tasks. This means that management specialists act as team leaders, motivating and guiding their employees. They are responsible for the planning, implementation and supervision of projects and always carry them out with regard to the defined company objectives. To this end, they optimize work processes and resources and act in a business, results-, goal- and team-oriented manner.

Target group and skills: For whom is the Federal Diploma of Higher Education in Management suitable? What qualities and skills are required?

Target group:The "Management Specialist (FPE)" course and Federal Professional Examination are suitable for

• Professionals who already perform management tasks or will do so in the foreseeable future
• Self-employed people who want to expand their management skills and develop their business knowledge
• Managers who want to develop their leadership skills

Management experts should have the followingPersonal characteristics and skillshave:

• High operational readiness
• Precise working method
• Ability to work in a team
• Leadership skills
• Analytical understanding
• Communicative and organizational skills
• Flexibility
• Sense of responsibility
• Independence

Requirements for admission to the Federal Diploma of Higher Education:

To be able to sit the Federal Professional Examination for Management Professionals, you must

• Have at least three years of vocational education and training (VET), a high school diploma or an equivalent qualification

And

• At least 3 years of professional experience, including at least one year as a team or group leader

Or

• Have at least 6 years of professional experience, including at least one year as a team or group leader.

As well as

• Have the required module qualifications or certificates of equivalence (SVF-ASFC Management and Leadership certificate)

You will find out whether you have been admitted to the Federal 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 Federal Professional Examination for Management 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.

Subject matter and content of continuing education, further training

The subject matter and content of the preparatory courses for the Federal Professional Examination for Management Specialists with Federal Diploma of Higher Education are based on the specifications of the responsible body for the Federal Professional Examination, the Swiss Association for Management Training SVF-ASFC.

The following modules are the focus of the preparatory courses for the Federal Professional Examination for Management Professionals:

Leadership:

• Communication (oral and written)
• Presentation
• Self-management
• Self-knowledge
• Team leadership / Group leadership

Management:

• Personnel Management
• General Management
• Change management

Costs and financing of continuing education, further training

The costs vary depending on the provider. The following costs are to be expected for the 3-semester, part-time continuing education, Higher Education to become a Management Specialist with Federal Diploma of Higher Education:

• Course feesbetween CHF 9,730 and CHF 12,700, of which you will receive around 50% back from the federal government after the examination (regardless of the result)*.
• Examination feesThe examination fee is set by the responsible body of the Federal Professional Examination and currently amounts to CHF 900 (as of August 2025). The examination fee is paid by the candidates after admission has been confirmed.
• Extra costs:Some providers charge extra for teaching materials, training documents and simulation tests. 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 Examination (FPE) and Advanced Federal Professional Examination (AFPE) have been financially supported by the federal government. Graduates of these courses can therefore be reimbursed up to 50% (max. CHF 9,500 for FPE, max. CHF 10,500 for AFPE) of the course costs paid after taking the federal examinations. In exceptional cases of hardship, the federal contributions are also paid out in advance.

Duration of study, number of lessons and learning effort

• Duration:The modular continuing education, further training to become a management specialist with a Federal Diploma of Higher Education lasts 3 semesters and is completed on a part-time basis.
• Lesson times:The course takes place on different days and times depending on the school. As a rule, two evenings per week and Saturday mornings.
• 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 extra-occupational concept of continuing education, further training, you can apply and deepen your knowledge immediately in practice. 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.

Degree, diploma and title

The Federal Professional Examination for Management Specialist with Federal Diploma of Higher Education takes place annually, provided that at least 20 candidates meet the admission requirements, otherwise every two years. It can be taken in German, French or Italian.

At least 20 days before the start of the final examination, the candidates will receive an invitation with the examination program and permitted or required aids as well as a list of experts.

The final examination for the Federal Diploma of Higher Education for Management Professionals comprises the following cross-module examination parts:

1st case study (written, 4 hours)

In this part of the exam, candidates must demonstrate their skills using a practical example. Based on the initial situation, they develop a corresponding action plan or solutions.

2. leading a team meeting with reflection discussion (oral with written sequence, approx. 1.5 hours incl. preparation time)

Based on the team meeting, the candidates must draw up a plan of action. This action plan is then also part of the subsequent reflection meeting with a panel of experts.

Diploma and title

Graduates of the Federal Professional Examination receive a Federal Diploma of Higher Education and are entitled to use the federally recognized and protected title "Management Specialist with Federal Diploma of Higher Education".

• In French: "Spécialiste de la conduit d`équipe avec brevet fédéral"
• In Italian: "Specialiste nella direzione di un team con attestator professionale federale"
• In English: "Specialist in Leadership and Management with Federal Diploma of Professional Education and Training" (Attention: No protected title only a recommendation)