Organisation

The preparations for the examinations are not regulated. The public or private educational institutions, or the professional organisations that offer corresponding preparatory courses, define the programme, duration and training level. The courses are part-time and last between 3 and 4 semesters. Preparation can also occur by means of self-directed study. Professional organisations conduct the federally regulated examinations once or twice each year. Those who pass federal PET diploma examinations receive a federal PET diploma. The suffix "mit eidg. Fachausweis" (with fed. PET diploma) can be added to the job title. Those who pass advanced federal PET diploma examinations receive a federally recognised diploma. The suffix "diplomiert" (graduate) can be added to the corresponding job title.

The full-time course runs over a period of at least 2 years including the practical work; the part-time course (combined with practical work) takes at least 3 years. For part-time courses, an occupation in the relevant field with a workload of at least 50% is required. A minimum number of learning hours is required. The education providers pass their own promotion regulations. The Ordinance on Minimum Regulations for the Recognition of Courses and Post-Diploma Studies at Colleges of Higher Vocational Education and Training issued by the Federal Department of Economic Affairs (FDEA) regulates the qualification process for the diploma. The qualification processes at least comprise a practical assignment or project and oral or written examinations. Further demands are regulated in the framework curricula.

The titles awarded by colleges of higher vocational education and training which are recognised by the Confederation are protected by law: on the diploma, the description of the course and the corresponding title are stated, together with "dipl." (graduate) and the suffix "HF" (höherer Fachschule / college of higher vocational education and training).

European Credit System for Vocational Education and Training

In future, it should be possible to transfer the skills and qualifications achieved in vocational education and training by means of a recognised credit point system for vocational education and training (European Credit System for Vocational Education and Training; ECVET), similar to the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) for universities. In the European Union, corresponding development work has been initiated, in which the Federal Office for Professional Education and Technology (OPET) is also involved.