Degree, diploma and title
The higher professional examination for "Supply Chain Manager" is held annually in the three official languages German, French and Italian if at least ten candidates meet the admission requirements after the call for applications, otherwise every two years.
Candidates are notified at least four weeks before the start of the examination. The invitation includes the examination program (location, time of the examination, permitted aids) and the list of experts.
The higher professional examination lasts a total of 17 hours and consists of four parts:
1) Diploma thesis (written, subsequent and oral, 1h, weighting 2)
With the diploma thesis, candidates provide proof that they are able to work on a problem from the SCM field in a practice-oriented and independent manner and develop a corresponding concept and solution. The formal requirements can be found in the guidelines.
Approximately one month after submitting their thesis, candidates present it to the experts and then answer their questions. The oral examination also includes a 10-minute reflection in the sense of "looking back to the future".
2) Case studies (weighting 2): Logistics overall process (written, 4h), Supply Chain Management (written, 4h)
In this part of the examination, candidates demonstrate their ability to analyze topics in terms of their economic efficiency, quality, safety and environmental compatibility and to derive optimization measures.
3) Questionnaire (written, 4h, weighting 1)
Candidates are able to call up and apply their specialist knowledge according to level-appropriate questions.
4) Group assessment (oral, 4h, weighting 1)
In this part of the examination, one candidate is tested on his/her leadership skills, while the other three candidates are tested on their technical skills.
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 "Certified Supply Chain Manager".
In French: "Supply Chain Manager diplômée / Supply Chain Manager diplômé"
In Italian: "Supply Chain Manager diplomata / Supply Chain Manager diplomato"
Recommended English translation (this is not a protected title): "Senior Supply Chain Manager with Advanced Federal Diploma of Professional Education and Training"
Higher professional examination for supply chain managers with a federal diploma in accordance with the revised examination regulations (valid from August 2024):
The HFP in accordance with the revised examination regulations is divided into four examination parts. The federal examination lasts a total of 10 hours and is conducted as follows:
1) Case study strategy work (written, 3h)
In the first part of the examination, candidates work on a complex and realistic practical case. They should analyze the situation, identify the main challenges and develop a supply chain strategy.
2) Case work on management processes (written, 3h)
This part of the examination consists of a guided case study. Candidates must demonstrate that they have the appropriate analytical and conceptual skills and are able to implement the provision of services in logistics processes.
3) Case work Skills in the subject area (written, 3h)
In this part of the examination, candidates are also faced with a guided case study in which they analyze a complex practical case and present appropriate solutions.
4) Status report (prepared in advance), status interview Professional role and experience (oral, 1h)
The candidates present the previously prepared status report to the experts. The central elements of the report and the presentation are Competencies and attitudes or attitude and tasks of the candidates.
The experts will ask questions about this. The candidates then have to work on case studies.
This part of the examination examines whether candidates are able to reflect realistically, critically and systemically on their own professional identity and professional experience.
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 "Certified Supply Chain Manager Specialist".
In French: "Supply Chain Manager diplômée Spécialisation / Supply Chain Manager diplômé Spécialisation"
In Italian: "Supply Chain Manager diplomata Specializzazione / Supply Chain Manager diplomato Specializzazione"
Recommended English translation: "Senior Supply Chain Manager, Advanced Federal Diploma of Higher Education Specialization". Please note: This is not a protected title.