What does the day-to-day work of social insurance specialists with a federal certificate look like?

Social insurance specialists work for social insurance companies, pension funds, SUVA, accident insurance companies, social institutions, advice centers or in human resources, fiduciary services and salary administration. They are confronted with all questions relating to AHV and IV, accident insurance, pension fund benefits, maternity compensation, family allowances, unemployment insurance and supplementary benefits. Thanks to their specialist knowledge, they are able to provide competent information and advise the people concerned.

When an event occurs, social insurance women and men clarify the situation, obtain reports and expert opinions, check what benefit entitlements exist and communicate this to those affected. In doing so, they ensure that all deadlines are met and that the legal regulations are applied correctly and fairly. Depending on the area of work, they work together with other experts, employers, recruitment agencies or social workers to further clarify open questions or define measures.

(Note: The distribution of tasks (weighting and frequency) may vary depending on the task profile/job profile or function and company).

Target group and skills: Who is the professional examination for social insurance specialists with a federal certificate suitable for? What qualities and skills are required?

The course and the professional examination to become a "Social Insurance Specialist" are suitable for

• Persons with basic vocational training (EFZ) and at least 3 years of professional experience in the social insurance sector who wish to continue their professional training
• Professionals with at least 3 years of professional experience in the social insurance sector of private companies, public administrations, insurance companies or pension funds who would like to improve their career and salary prospects with a federal certificate.
• Career changers with several years of practical experience in the insurance sector of human resources, payroll and fiduciary services, in legal advice or in the social sector who would like to demonstrate their skills and knowledge accordingly

Social insurance specialists should have the following personal qualities and skills:

• Good written and spoken German (level B2)
• Sensitivity for dealing with people in difficult life situations
• Interest in medical contexts and legal issues
• Analytical thinking, accuracy and commitment

Requirements for admission to the professional examination for social insurance specialists with a federal certificate:

In order to be able to take the professional examination for social insurance specialists, you must, in accordance with the examination regulations, register for the examination by the examination date:

• Have a federal certificate of proficiency (EFZ), federal vocational certificate (EBA) or a school-leaving certificate

And

• After completing basic training with an EFZ or Matura certificate, be able to demonstrate at least 3 years of professional experience in the social insurance sector
• After completing basic training with EBA, have at least 5 years of professional experience in the social insurance sector

You will find out whether you have been admitted to the professional examination at least three months before the start of the examination with a written notification including reasons in the event of rejection.

Note: Some schools are prepared to admit you to a preparatory course for the professional examination for social insurance specialists even if you do not 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 intending to take the exam (in this case, you will still receive a certificate from the school). The admission requirements vary depending on the provider.

Subject matter and content of the training

The learning content in the preparatory courses for the professional examination for social insurance specialists with a federal certificate is based on the specifications of the sponsor of the federal examination, the Swiss Association of Social Insurance Specialists SVS.

The following topics are part of the learning material:

• Old-age and survivors' insurance (AHV)
• Disability insurance (IV)
• Accident insurance (UV) (compulsory / supplementary insurance)
• Health insurance (KV) (compulsory / supplementary insurance)
• Compulsory and non-compulsory occupational benefits insurance (BV)
• Social security
• Unemployment insurance and insolvency compensation (ALV)
• Income compensation for service personnel and maternity (EO), family allowances (FZ), military insurance (MV)
• Law and coordination
• Supplementary benefits (EL)
• Social assistance (SH)

Costs and financing of further training

The costs are defined by the schools (apart from the external examination fee, which is determined by the sponsoring organization) and can therefore vary. In general, the following costs must be expected for the part-time social insurance specialist training, continuing education, which lasts 2-4 semesters depending on the provider:

• Course feesCHF 7,000 - CHF 9,600, of which you will receive up to 50% back from the federal government after the examination (regardless of the result).* Note: Members of the Kaufmännischer Verband receive a member discount of up to 10% on the course costs. For more information please contacthere.
• Examination feeCHF 2,000 (as of March 2023). The sponsor of the BP, i.e. this course, determines the amount of the examination fee. It is paid by the candidate after admission has been confirmed.
• Some providers requireExtra costsfor
  • Enrollment
  • Teaching materials and (software) licenses
  • Training documents
  • Internal examinations and examination training
  • Simulation test

Find out directly from the provider of your choice 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.

Duration of study, number of lessons and learning effort

• The continuing education program for social insurance specialists has a modular structure and lasts 2-4 semesters, depending on the provider.
• The course comprises between 280 - 315 lessons, which can be attended in different time variants (day courses and evening courses) (e.g. one full day per week or 1-2 evenings per week or 1 evening plus half a Saturday or Saturday all day).
• Many schools offer a mix of face-to-face and online events (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.
• 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.

Degree, diploma and title

The professional examination for social insurance specialists with a federal certificate takes place annually, provided that at least 15 candidates meet the admission requirements, otherwise every two years. It can be held in German, French or Italian.

Candidates are notified at least 3 weeks before the start of the examination. The invitation includes the examination program (with details of the place and time of the examination as well as permitted aids) and the list of experts.

The federal examination consists of ten parts or two sections, which proceed as follows:

1 Section:

1) Old-age and survivors' insurance (written, 80 minutes)

2) Disability insurance (written, 80 minutes)

3) Accident insurance (written, 80 minutes)

4) Health insurance (written, 80 minutes)

5) Occupational pension provision (written, 80 minutes)

2 Section:

6) Social security (written, 60 minutes and oral, 20 minutes)

7) Unemployment insurance and insolvency compensation (written, 80 minutes)

8) Income compensation regulations, maternity compensation, family allowances (written, 40 minutes), military insurance (written, 40 minutes)

9) Law (written, 40 minutes), Coordination (written, 40 minutes)

10) Supplementary benefits (written, 60 minutes), social assistance (oral, 20 minutes)

The written examinations aim to test candidates' basic skills and knowledge (by means of knowledge and comprehension questions). The basics, including their application to specific practical issues, are tested using small case studies.

In oral examination part 6, a discussion of various aspects of social security and current issues takes place in the form of a technical discussion. In oral part 10 of the social welfare examination, the focus is on providing professionally correct and competent information to people seeking help.

Diploma and title

Graduates of the professional examination receive a federal certificate and are entitled to use the federally recognized and protected title "Social insurance specialist with federal certificate".

In French "Spécialiste en assurances sociales avec brevet fédéral"

In Italian "Specialista in materia die assicurazione sociale con attestato professionale federale"

In English (note: only a recommendation, not a protected title) "Social Insurance Specialist, Federal Diploma of Higher Education"