Self-test: Is the "Training Manager with Federal Diploma" course the right one for me?
Test here whether a job as an expert in adult education with a federal diploma is right for you and whether a preparatory course for the federal higher professional examination "Training Manager" is the right path for you.
What does the day-to-day work of a training manager with a federal diploma look like?
Training managers can perform very different tasks. As managers, they are responsible for employees and take care of the selection and employment of course instructors and lecturers.
As the head of an education department or an educational institution, they have administrative and organizational tasks. For example, they ensure that training rooms and infrastructure are available. In addition to conceptual tasks such as the development of new educational programs and the evaluation and quality assurance of existing programs, they are responsible for keeping an eye on the education market and the educational needs of their target groups. Depending on their position and function, they sometimes work as course leaders or trainers themselves and advise course participants or interested parties.
Question 1:
Do the activities described meet your expectations? Would you like to work as a training manager?
Great!
If you don't like all the jobs, think about which ones interest you the most. Also take a look at relevant job advertisements. You may find that there are only jobs that you are more suited to, in which case you are in the right place with this training.
Have a look in related areas to see if you can find something suitable for you. For example:
If you don't like the activities, take a look at the numerous other further training opportunities. You will find a large selection on Ausbildung-Weiterbildung.ch.
Target group and skills: Who is the Higher Professional Examination for Training Managers with a Federal Diploma suitable for? What qualities and skills are required?
The course and the higher professional examination to become a "training manager with a federal diploma" are suitable for
- Specialists in in-company training and further education
- Managers at training providers
- Persons with managerial responsibilities in further education institutions
Training managers should have the following personal qualities and skills:
- Interest in conceptual questions of adult education
- Open-mindedness
- Fantasy
- Management experience
- Good powers of observation
- Good communication skills
- Confident appearance
- Pedagogical skills
- Organizational talent
- Very good general education
Question 2:
Do you belong to one of the target groups for this training course and do you have the necessary personal qualities?
Great!
- If you do not belong to any of the above-mentioned groups, you cannot apply for the federal diploma directly. In this case, take a look atfollowing page. You may come across further training courses here that are aimed precisely at people like you.
- If you do not have the necessary personal qualities and skills, you will not be happy in this demanding management role. Look out for further training opportunities that offer a professional specialization that better suits your skills.
- If you are unsure whether you are well suited to such a role, it is best to discuss this with your line manager or career advisor. You can find suitable providers of career advice and career coaching here:
Requirements for admission to the higher professional examination for training managers:
In order to be admitted to the higher professional examination for training managers, the following conditions must be fulfilled by the time of the examination or registration for the examination:
- Have a federal certificate as a trainer
Or
- Be able to demonstrate or provide evidence of adult education knowledge and skills equivalent to the federal certificate for trainers in another way
And
- At least 4 years of professional experience in the field of training and further education of at least 1500 hours and 500 hours of practical experience* in a managerial position
And
- Have the required module qualifications** or certificates of equivalence or the federal diploma for company trainers or the federal diploma for adult educators HF
You will find out whether you have been admitted to the higher professional examination at least three months before the start of the examination with a written notification including reasons in the event of a negative decision.
*You can find more information on the proof of practice in the answers.
**The following is a list of the modules that must be available for admission to the final examination:
- AdA-D-M1 Evaluate and justify educational concepts
- AdA-D-M2 Coordinating and supporting educational programs
- AdA-D-M3 Developing the quality of the educational offer
- AdA-D-M4 Managing an organizational unit
- AdA-D-M5 Positioning the educational offer in the environment
- AdA-D-M6 Managing projects in the education sector
Note: Some schools are prepared to admit you to a preparatory course for the higher professional examination for training managers if you do not (yet) meet the criteria for admission to the federal examination. It is your responsibility to ensure that you meet the necessary requirements at the time of the examination/application for the examination. At some schools, it is also possible to attend the course without the intention of taking an examination. Admission requirements vary depending on the provider.
Question 3:
Do you meet the requirements for admission?
Great!
Aboutthis linkto access the information or the PDF document for the required proof of practice.
Aboutthis linkto access the information or the PDF document for the required proof of practice.
If you are not sure whether your professional experience will be recognized as professional experience for training managers, clarify your chances directly with theSponsorshipof the examination regulations, the Swiss Commission for Training of Trainers SK ADA.
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.Hereyou will find helpful information.
- If you know someone from your private or professional environment who is already working in the relevant field, ask this person for tips and whether he/she would support you in your job search. He/she will certainly have the relevant contacts and connections.
If you are not sure whether your qualifications will be accepted for the higher professional examination (equivalence test), please contact theExamination secretariat.
SERI is responsible for assessing the equivalence of foreign qualifications for admission to the HFP.Hereyou will find more information.
Aboutthis linkto access the information or the PDF document for the required proof of practice.
If you are not sure whether your professional experience will be recognized as professional experience for training managers, clarify your chances directly with theSponsorshipof the examination regulations, the Swiss Commission for Training of Trainers SK ADA.
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.Hereyou will find helpful information.
- If you know someone from your private or professional environment who is already working in the relevant field, ask this person for tips and whether he/she would support you in your job search. He/she will certainly have the relevant contacts and connections.
If you are not sure whether your qualifications will be accepted for the higher professional examination (equivalence test), please contact theExamination secretariat.
SERI is responsible for assessing the equivalence of foreign qualifications for admission to the HFP.Hereyou will find more information.
Subject matter and content of the training
The subject matter of the preparatory courses for the higher professional examination for training managers is based on the specifications of the sponsor of the federal examination, the Swiss Commission for the Training of Trainers SK ADA.
The following topics are covered in the six modules of the preparation courses:
- AdA-D-M1Evaluate and justify educational concepts(Evaluation, revision and justification of educational concepts)
- AdA-D-M2Coordinate and support educational programs(Organization, coordination and monitoring of educational offers and the associated processes)
- AdA-D-M3Developing the quality of the education on offer(Evaluation of organizational and andragogical processes in order to be able to operate long-term quality management)
- AdA-D-M4Managing an organizational unit(business, administrative and personnel management of an organizational unit in the education sector)
- AdA-D-M5Positioning the educational offer in the environment(Appropriate positioning and communication of the educational offer on the market)
- AdA-D-M6Managing projects in the education sector(Planning, management and evaluation of projects in the field of education)
Question 4:
Are you interested in this content, would you like to acquire knowledge in these subject areas?
Great! You can look forward to exciting and instructive hours in which you will broaden your knowledge horizon and skills - aspects that are in demand on the job market and increase your career and salary opportunities.
If you are only partially interested in the content of this federal diploma, take a look at other training and further education courses in the relevant field. You may find a course that suits you better. You will find inspirationhere.
Obviously the typical subject areas of training managers with a federal diploma are not your thing. 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
Apart from the examination fee, which is set by the sponsoring body of the higher professional examination, the costs vary depending on the provider.
In general, the following costs must be expected for the 2-4 semester in-service training manager course:
- Course feesAround CHF 15,000 of which you will receive around 50% back from the federal government after the examination (regardless of the result)*.
- External examination feesCHF 2,600 (as at: April 2023) The examination fee is set by the body responsible for this higher professional examination. It is paid by the candidate after admission has been confirmed.
- Extra costsSome schools do not include the costs for teaching materials, training documents and simulation exams in the course fees.
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 examinations (BP) and higher professional examinations (HFP) have been financially supported by the federal government. Graduates of these courses will therefore be reimbursed up to 50% (max. CHF 9,500 for BP, max. CHF 10,500 for HFP) of the course costs paid upon application after taking the federal examination. In exceptional cases of hardship, the federal contributions will also be paid out in advance.
Question 5:
Are you able to pre-finance around CHF 17,600 for the course and exam?
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. Some schools also offer a discount for early booking.
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 and help on budget planning and budget preparation can be foundhere.
- 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 education loan. You will be able to repay some of the borrowed funds immediately after the Advanced Federal Diploma Examination with the federal contribution.
- 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 from "temptraining", the further training fund of the temporary employment sector, can be found athere.
- Information and help on budget planning and budget preparation can be foundhere.
- 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 education loan. You will be able to repay some of the borrowed funds immediately after the Advanced Federal Diploma Examination with the federal contribution.
- 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 from "temptraining", the further training fund of the temporary employment sector, can be found athere.
- Information and help on budget planning and budget preparation can be foundhere.
Duration of study, teaching times and learning effort
- Duration:The training manager course is modular and part-time and lasts between 2-4 semesters (depending on the provider)
- Lesson times:The course is offered at different times. These time variants are determined independently by the respective schools, so there may be differences. There are often day courses and evening courses, which are offered weekly on an afternoon or Saturday as well as in the evening. The training manager further training takes place over 35 days spread over several semesters while working.
- Teaching format:Many schools offer a mix of face-to-face and online courses (online, hybrid teaching, blended learning) as well as self-study. You can therefore choose the format that allows you to combine further education with your family, career and free time in the best possible way.
- Learning effort:Thanks to the in-service training concept, you can apply and deepen the learning material in practice straight away. 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.
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 good 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 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 Higher Professional Examination for Training Managers (HFP) is held annually if at least 4 candidates meet the admission requirements after the announcement, otherwise at least every two years. Candidates can take the examination in German, French or Italian.
Candidates are notified at least four weeks before the start of the examination. The invitation includes the examination program (location, time of the oral examination, permitted aids).
The higher professional examination is divided into a written and an oral part:
1) Written examination (diploma thesis, prepared in advance)
In the diploma thesis, candidates demonstrate their ability to link their proven competencies (modules 1-6) on the basis of a specific question or topic. In the diploma thesis, candidates explain how they intend to put into practice or implement a further development, reorientation, change or innovation. The basis for this is also provided by an in-depth examination of relevant theories of education and management theory. The thesis should relate to the student's own practice and comprise 30 to 50 pages. Details on the assessment criteria such as form, structure and content are set out in the guidelines.
2) Oral examination
2.1) Technical discussion (30 minutes)
Based on the thesis, a technical discussion with experts takes place. The candidates answer questions from the panel of experts about the content and possible problems or reactions to the thesis.
2.2) Work assignment I and II (40 minutes each)
In the work assignments, the two candidates are each given a description of an initial situation (basic information). The two candidates then prepare for the interview separately, so it is not possible to reach an agreement. During the interview, he/she takes on a role assigned to him/her (e.g. client, contractor, superior, employee). During the interview, the two candidates must then solve the tasks assigned to them.
Diploma and title
Successful graduates of the higher professional examination receive a federal diploma and are entitled to use the federally recognized and protected title "Training Manager with Federal Diploma".
In French: "Responsible de formation avec diplôme fédéral"
In Italian: "Responsabile di formazione di diploma federale"
In English (This is only a recommendation/translation and not a protected title): "Specialist in Training Management and Human Resources Development with Advanced Federal Diploma of Professional Education and Training"
Question 7:
Do you have the confidence to pass the Advanced Federal Diploma Examination?
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
- Regular practice to get into the routine of solving tasks
- Regular application of what you have learned in everyday working life
- Contact and exchange with other participants, lecturers and successful former graduates of the course
- 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 exam experience, e.g. in simulation exams
If you are unsure, we recommend that you attend an information event on this course.
Arrange a personal consultation appointment with the school of your choice or theSponsorshipthe Higher Professional Examination, the Swiss Commission for the Training of Trainers SK ADA. Explain your interest and your concerns and see how your counterpart reacts to which points and what they recommend.
Ask the school management about support options. Also consider whether you would like other support, for example from learning therapists or coaches, autogenic or mental training.
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
- Regular practice to get into the routine of solving tasks
- Regular application of what you have learned in everyday working life
- Contact and exchange with other participants, lecturers and successful former graduates of the course
- 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 exam experience, e.g. in simulation exams
If you are not at all confident of passing the final examination but would like to complete the training, it is best to arrange a personal consultation appointment with a school or theSponsorshipthe Higher Professional Examination, the Swiss Commission for the Training of Trainers SK ADA. 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. You can find suitable offers here:
No, the course leading to the Federal Diploma in Training Management (HFP) does not suit you. What a pity? - Perhaps not, because there are so many other opportunities for further training. One or the other would 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.
Training manager for further training 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 which other further training courses interest you. ToEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
This is a half-hearted result: the job of training manager does not seem ideal for you. Or is it perhaps the form of training that doesn't suit you or isn't a good organizational fit?
See which other further training courses are suitable for you. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
The training manager for continuing education is not ideal for you - or is it?
If you are unsure, it is best to attend the providers' information events. There you can find out more about further training and 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: