What does the day-to-day work of ICT platform development specialists (formerly ICT system and network technicians) with a federal certificate (EFA) look like?

ICT platform development specialists (formerly system and network technicians) with an EFA are hardware experts: they analyze, plan, build and maintain ICT systems and networks in companies in all sectors. They are qualified to manage small teams in operations and can lead projects or sub-projects, depending on the size of the company or project.

Your main tasks are:

• Evaluation of existing ICT system and network infrastructures
• Planning, development and expansion of ICT system and network infrastructures, including budgeting
• Ensuring data security and data availability
• Identification, analysis and targeted rectification of faults
• Organization of user/employee support

Target group: Who is the professional examination for ICT Platform Development Specialist (formerly ICT System and Network Technician) with a federal certificate suitable for?

The "ICT Platform Development Specialist (BP)" course (formerly ICT System and Network Technician (BP)) is suitable:

• for computer scientists EFZ and electronics technicians EFZ with experience in ICT system and network technology who would like to advance in a software company or the ICT department of a company and take on management tasks;
• for ICT employees with several years of experience in system and network technology who have come to IT via another profession and would like to have their skills confirmed with a federally recognized qualification.

It is aimed at people with

• analytical skills
• Good system and process thinking
• technical skills
• the ability to develop, implement and evaluate projects
• good knowledge of English

Requirements for admission to the professional examination "ICT Platform Development Specialist" (formerly ICT System and Network Technician)

To be admitted to the professional examination "ICT Platform Development Specialist with Federal Certificate" (formerly ICT System and Network Technician with Federal Certificate), you must meet one of the following requirements:

• EFZ as a computer scientist or electronics technician and at least 2 years of professional experience in the field of system or network technology
• EFZ in another profession (not computer science/electronics), graduation from a secondary school (Gymnasium) or equivalent qualification and at least 4 years of professional experience in the ICT field, of which at least 2 years in system or network technology
• (other previous education) at least 6 years of professional experience in the ICT field, of which at least 2 years in system or network technology

The cut-off date for proof of the required professional experience is the day on which the examination begins.

Please note: Some schools may be prepared to admit you to a course in preparation for the professional examination if you do not (yet) meet the criteria for admission to the federal examination. It is then up to you to ensure that you meet the necessary requirements at the time of the examination/examination registration.

Subject matter and content of the training

The content of the courses offered by the various providers in preparation for the "ICT Platform Development Specialist" professional examination (formerly ICT system and network technician) is based on the specifications of ICT-Berufsbildung Schweiz, the sponsor of the professional examination. The course material is divided into 8 subject areas and a total of 16 modules:

• Network ManagementOperate location-based communication services, integrate mobile communication services, optimize networks
• Business EngineeringPerform evaluation of IT resources, define systems and specify requirements
• IT securityEnsure basic ICT protection, guarantee information security, implement network and system-specific security measures
• Service managementEnsure problem management in operations, organize service desk
• System managementDevelop archiving, backup and recovery concepts, design and implement visualization solutions
• IT Business Administration: Calculate and budget the cost of ICT services
• IT project management: Plan and monitor projects
• IT quality managementImplement release and update management, test and monitor operation of ICT infrastructure components

Costs and financing of further training

The costs and the scope of services included vary slightly depending on the provider. On average, the following costs can be expected for the 2-4 semester courses:

• Course fees: approx. CHF 13,500-15,100; you will receive half of this back from the federal government on application after passing the federal examination.
• Fee for the professional examination: CHF 2,900 (as of 2021)
• Some providers charge additional costs for enrollment, simulation tests, etc.

Duration of study, number of lessons and learning effort

The courses to prepare for the professional examination "ICT Platform Development Specialist (formerly ICT System and Network Technician) with federal certificate" are modular in structure and designed to be taken alongside work. Depending on the intensity, they last 2-4 semesters, but mostly 3 semesters.

There are various forms of teaching to choose from

• Classroom-only teaching with (for 3-semester courses) usually one teaching day (daytime, 1 afternoon + 1 evening, Saturdays) per week
• Combined classroom and online teaching (blended learning) with self-study units and regular teaching meetings in virtual and real rooms.

Depending on the duration of the course, the type of teaching and your learning habits, you should allow an additional 6-12 hours per week for preparation and follow-up work.

Degree, diploma and title

How does the professional examination for "ICT Platform Development Specialist (formerly ICT System and Network Technician) with federal certificate" work?

The professional examination consists of four parts:

1. General professional skills ICT (weighting 20%): written, 3 hours
2. Planning the operation of ICT systems and networks (weighting 20%): written, 2 hours
3. Setting up ICT systems and networks (weighting 40%): written, 4 hours
4. Operating ICT systems and networks (weighting 20%): written, 3 hours

Here are some general success factors on the way to a new training qualification:

• Interest in the topic and active participation in class
• Bring in your questions, don't leave anything half-understood in the room
• Regular preparation and follow-up of the lesson material
• Committed cooperation in group work, case studies etc.
• Participation in learning groups for regular exchange
• Practicing exam situations, e.g. in simulation exams

Diploma and title

Those who pass the professional examination receive a federal certificate and may use the following recognized and protected title:

"ICT Platform Development Specialist with federal certificate"

The recommended English translation is "ICT-Platform Development Specialist, Federal Diploma of Higher Education".