What does the curriculum for the HR Assistant training program with HRSE certification (formerly Personnel Assistant) entail? What skills do HR assistants have?

Learning content

The part-time certificate programs for HR Assistants (formerly known as personnel assistants) provide you with the ideal preparation for the wide range of administrative and support tasks in human resources. Schools that offer the certificate program with their own certificate can determine the course content themselves. As a result, there may be (significant) differences from one provider to another.

Schools generally offer the HR Assistant certificate program as preparation for the (external) HRSE certification exam. The course content is therefore based on the examination regulations and guidelines issued by the responsible body. These documents specify the topics that will be covered on the exam. The topics include the following areas:

  • Fundamentals of Human Resource Management (HRM) (including a general overview, health, safety, and psychosocial risks in the workplace, digitalization, human resources and corporate policies, mission statement, internal communication, project management, etc.)
  • Human Resources Administration (including sub-processes such as recruitment, onboarding, employee training and development, termination of employment, work time management, personnel files, and residence and work permits in Switzerland)
  • Payroll Administration and Social Security (including social security, payroll processing, and compensation)
  • Fundamentals of Labor Law (Employee and Employer Obligations, Employment Contracts, Working Hours and Rest Periods, Holidays and Vacation, Termination of Employment, Employment References)

The course content is taught with a strong emphasis on practical application, so that what is learned can be put into practice right away.

Skills and competencies

HR assistants (formerly known as personnel assistants) are distinguished by their broad foundational knowledge in the field of human resources. This enables them to handle HR administration independently and on their own initiative, as well as to support their supervisors. With their generalist knowledge of HR, they can be deployed in a variety of administrative and assistant roles and know how to carry out their assigned tasks (or areas of responsibility) and work assignments competently, professionally, reliably, and responsibly.
As the first point of contact for employees on all kinds of HR issues, you play a key role in building and maintaining strong, lasting relationships with employees—one of the most critical factors for a company’s success today.

Providers of HR Assistant Training Programs