Logistics Clerk: What does your day-to-day work look like?

Logistics clerks are responsible for the efficient processing of customer orders in production or trading companies. They take orders by phone, fax or online, check and record the details and ask questions if anything is unclear. Once the goods are in stock and available, they pick and pack the order, organize and schedule the transport and issue the invoice as well as transport and customs documents.

They record outgoing goods in the electronic system, regularly check stocks and trigger repeat orders if necessary. Logistics clerks are an important interface between customers, freight forwarders, suppliers, customs authorities and other parties involved. They maintain the flow of information and coordinate the optimal interaction of processes.

Target group and skills: Who is the logistics clerk training course suitable for? What qualities and skills are required?

The logistics clerk training course is aimed at the following target groups:

• Career changers or people re-entering the logistics sector
• People with basic training in logistics (EBA / EFZ) who would like to gain further qualifications
• Employees who would like to prepare for further training as a logistician with a federal certificate (BP) (as an intermediate step, especially if the requirements for the examination are not yet met)

Important personal skills for this profession are

• Technical affinity
• Independence
• Organizational skills
• Communication skills
• Sense of responsibility
• Team and conflict management skills

Prerequisites for admission to further training as a logistics clerk:

As a rule, the following conditions are required for admission to further training in logistics:

• Basic training EBA / EFZ (advantageous in logistics)
• Professional experience in logistics
• Age of majority
• Sufficient knowledge of German (at least level B1)

The requirements are determined independently by the schools; there may therefore be (slight) differences depending on the provider.

Subject matter and content of the training

The course content of a logistics clerk training course is determined independently by the schools; it can therefore vary from school to school.

For example, the logistics clerk course with ASFL SVBL certificate (association certificate) is a combined course with the preparatory course for the professional examination for logistics specialists with a federal certificate. This means that you will simultaneously acquire several modules for the federal examination with the clerk course.

As a rule, the following topics are covered in a logistics clerk training course:

• Logistics management
• General management
• Organization and processes
• Business administration (BWL) and economics (VWL)
• Finance and accounting
• Project and process management
• Quality management
• Self-management
• Occupational safety
• Team leadership

Costs and financing of further training

The costs are determined independently by the schools; they can therefore vary from provider to provider. In general, the following costs must be expected for the approx. 6-month in-service training course for logistics clerks:

• Course feesbetween CHF 3'500.- and CHF 4'300.-
• Examination feeThe examination fees are usually already included in the course costs.
• Some providers requireExtra costsfor
  • Enrollment
  • Teaching aids
  • Training documents
  • Internal examinations and examination training
  • Simulation test

It is best to contact the provider of your choice directly regarding the possible extra costs.

Duration of study, number of teaching hours, training options, teaching format and learning effort

• DurationThe Logistics Clerk further training course is modular and designed to be completed alongside work. It usually lasts six months (depending on the provider and course offered).
• Number of lessonsThe training comprises between 128 and 148 lessons.
• Variants:The schools decide independently when the lessons take place. As a rule, the lessons are offered on two evenings per week and/or on Saturdays.
• Teaching formatsThe course can be completed in classroom teaching, in an online format or in a mixture of online and classroom teaching. Please contact the school of your choice directly to find out which teaching formats are offered. Here you will find a good overview of the advantages and disadvantages of the different teaching formats: https://www.edugames.ch/unterrichtsformen/
• Learning effortThanks to the in-service training concept, 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 previous knowledge, working style and learning speed. We recommend that you allow at least 4-6 hours per week as a precaution.

Degree, diploma and title

The modules of the "Logistics Clerk" course are examined and completed separately during the course. As a rule, the module examinations are completed in writing at the school.

Those who have successfully completed all modules receive the certificate.

Diploma and title

Successful graduates receive either the school's own certificate or the ASFL SVBL association certificate. They are entitled to use the following title: "Logistics clerk / Logistics clerk [name of school / association]"