What training programs are available to become an HR assistant (formerly known as a personnel assistant)? What are the admission requirements, and what degree is awarded?

Anyone who wants to work in human resources as an HR assistant (formerly known as a personnel assistant) can choose from various continuing education paths. Depending on the provider, the program concludes with a certificate issued by the school, an external certification exam, or a combination of both.

It is important to distinguish between admission to a course and eligibility to take the HRSE certification exam. These two requirements are not automatically the same.

What training programs lead to a degree as an HR assistant?

There are various educational programs available in the field of HR assistance. Depending on the program and provider, the following degrees are available, for example:

• HR Assistant with a school-issued certificate:The course concludes with an internal exam and a certificate from the respective educational provider.
• HR Assistant with HRSE Certification:The course prepares participants for the external HRSE certification exam. The HRSE certificate is awarded upon successful completion of the corresponding exam.
• HR Assistant at VSH Management with HRSE equivalency:This degree is offered by the VSH and may be recognized as equivalent to the HRSE, subject to the applicable requirements.
• Human Resources Administrator at edupool.ch:This degree offers a broader introduction to human resources and, under certain conditions, may also qualify as an HRSE equivalent.

Which path is right for you depends, among other things, on your educational background, your work experience, and your career goals.

Admission to the program: What are the school's requirements?

The admission requirements for a training program to become an HR assistant that leads to a school-specific certificate are generally determined by the respective educational institution. Therefore, the requirements may vary from school to school.

The following requirements, for example, are often cited:

• Federal VET Diploma, Federal VET Certificate, Maturität, or an equivalent degree
• General work and/or internship experience
• Basic business knowledge or some office experience
• Interest in human resources issues, labor law, and administrative tasks
• Good to very good written and spoken German skills

Depending on the program, additional requirements may apply. In some cases, initial practical experience in areas such as human resources administration, social security, payroll, or labor law is also recommended.

Therefore, check with the respective educational provider to find out what requirements apply to the course you are interested in.

Eligibility for the HRSE Certification Exam

In contrast, the HRSE-specified admission requirements apply to the HRSE certification exam for HR Assistants.

According to the current examination regulations, a distinction is generally made between the following requirements:

• With vocational education and training or a high school diploma:
  • Federal VET Diploma, Federal VET Certificate, high school diploma, or an equivalent qualification
  • At least 2 years of general professional and/or internship experience after completing initial training
• Without having completed vocational education and training or earned a high school diploma:
  • At least 4 years of general work experience

For part-time positions, work experience is credited in proportion to the level of employment.

The course and the exam are two different things

A preparatory course can provide you with the necessary knowledge for the HRSE exam. However, enrolling in such a course does not automatically mean that you will be admitted to the HRSE exam.

This distinction is particularly important when choosing a training program.

What degree will I receive?

Depending on the educational path chosen, the degree may have different names.

• School certificate
  For a course that leads to a school-administered certificate, the title is, for example:
• HR Assistant [Name of Educational Provider]
  The certificate is issued by the respective educational provider.
• HRSE certificate
  Upon successful completion of the corresponding external exam, the degree awarded is:
• HR Assistant with a certificate from HRSE Human Resources Swiss Exams
  This is a certificate issued by HRSE.
  
  

HRSE Equivalence

For certain alternative educational pathways, an HRSE equivalency may be accepted in lieu of the direct HRSE certificate. These include, for example, the “HR Assistant (VSH Management)” certification or—provided the relevant requirements are met—the “Human Resources Administrator (edupool.ch)” certification.

Providers of HR Assistant Training Programs