How long do training programs for HR assistants (formerly known as personnel assistants) take? How much do they cost?

Duration, Times, Class Formats

Depending on the program format, the training to become an HR assistant takes between one and two semesters and is completed on a part-time basis. At some schools, it is also possible to take a compact or intensive course, which usually lasts only a few weeks.

Class times vary depending on the provider. Half-day classes are offered in the morning or evening, as well as full-day classes once a week (including Saturday).

Many schools now offer a variety of delivery options, so you can choose the one that works best for you. Often, these different formats are combined: in-person classes, online classes, hybrid classes, blended learning, self-study, etc.

Costs

The cost of further training to become an HR assistant varies depending on the provider, teaching model, and certification. For the HR assistant training program leading to an HRSE certificate, you can expect the following costs:

  • Course fees: Between CHF 1,000 and CHF 4,500
  • HRSE Exam Fee (external exam): The exam fee is charged directly by HRSE and is currently CHF 540 (as of September 2026)
  • Members of the Kaufmännischer Verband or Swissmem are eligible for a 5%–10% discount on course fees
  • With some providers, you can expect additional costs for the registration fee, course materials, licenses, the eligibility assessment for the HRSE certification exam, internal mock exams, and internal exam fees.

For each course offering, check whether the external HRSE exam fee is already included in the course fee.

Federal contributions:For courses that prepare students for a federal examination, federal grants may be applied for under certain conditions. Courses leading to an admission certificate may also be eligible for grants if that certificate is specified as an admission requirement in the examination regulations. One of the requirements is that the course in question must be on the federal government’s list of approved courses in the year the course begins. The federal government reimburses 50 percent of the eligible course fees, up to a maximum of CHF 9,500 for the Federal Professional Examination. The examination fee itself is not covered by these federal grants.Find out more here.

Providers of HR Assistant Training Programs