FM Academy

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Further training

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Caretaker with federal certificate of competence

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This preliminary course is a further education

Further training to become a caretaker is independent of the sector, as a caretaker is needed in all sectors. In addition, it is accessible and attractive for all previous professions and educational backgrounds. The field of activity is very broad, from administrative and school buildings to old people's homes, industrial facilities, hotels and shopping centres to residential complexes and company headquarters.

The market volume is large: even from a small building size, professional building maintenance makes economic sense and a trained caretaker is needed. For example, there are around 9,000 medium-sized companies and 1,600 large companies in Switzerland. We also have more than 5,000 schools and over 16,000 residential complexes with at least 20 flats.

 

 

What are the advantages of further training as a caretaker?

Further training to become a caretaker is independent of the sector, as a caretaker is needed in all sectors. In addition, it is accessible and attractive for all previous professions and educational backgrounds. The field of activity is very broad, from administrative and school buildings to old people's homes, industrial facilities, hotels and shopping centres to residential complexes and company headquarters.

What are the chances on the labour market?

The market volume is large, since professional building maintenance makes economic sense from an already small building size and thus a trained caretaker is needed. Experience shows that the size is reached by at least medium-sized companies. For example, in Switzerland there are about 9,000 medium-sized companies, 1,600 large companies, over 5,000 schools and over 16,000 residential complexes with more than 20 flats.

What requirements must be met?

Professionals with a completed basic vocational training (EFZ) and experience as a caretaker. Good oral and written German language skills Good to know: The prerequisite for admission to the federal examination is:

How long does the training take?

  • 3 semesters if starting in April, 4 semesters if starting in October
  • 77 teaching units, or 42 days in the attendance phase
  • 479 lessons of theoretical and practical instruction in 3 or 4 semesters

How much does the training cost?

Further information under: Announcement and information caretaker school

Will I get a course certificate HFS?

Only those who have attended 80% of the teaching time and have taken part in the assessment and the internal examination (professional examination simulation) will receive a course certificate HFS.

Can I apply for subsidies?

Yes you can. The federal government subsidises retroactive Private individuals who have taken the professional examination. You can find further information here.

Internal audit

In the two-day "internal examination", course participants prepare for the environment of the federal professional examination. We organise this exam simulation for you every June.
  • The internal examination is intended to show you your personal level of knowledge.
  • If you do not pass the Federal Vocational Examination despite having passed the "Internal Examination", you can repeat the last semester free of charge. We pay the school fees!

What happens if I don't pass the federal professional examination?

If, despite passing the internal examination (professional examination simulation), you do not pass the professional examination, you can repeat the failed subjects with us free of charge.

Dates

2022

  • 3-semester course Start on Monday 25. April 2022 in Dübendorf & Friday 29 April 2022 in Bern (professional examination in 2023)
  • 4-semester course Start on Monday 24. October 2022 in Dübendorf & Friday 28 October 2022 in Bern (professional examination in 2024)

2023

  • 3-semester course Start on Monday 23. April 2023 in Dübendorf & Friday 21. April 2023 in Bern (professional examination in 2024)
  • 4-semester course Start on Monday 23. October 2022 in Dübendorf & Friday 27. October 2022 in Bern (professional examination in 2025)
 

Teaching time

  • 07:40 - 16:45

What requirements must be met?

Professionals with a completed basic vocational training (EFZ) and experience as a caretaker. Good oral and written German language skills

Good to know: The following certificates are required for admission to the federal examination:

  • Swiss Federal Certificate of Proficiency (EFZ)
  • Professional experience of at least 2 years in a workload of 80% in the function of caretaker:in at the time of registration for the professional examination.

            Registration for the federal professional examination is the responsibility of the course participant and must be carried out by him/her.
            The registration deadline for the professional examination is around the end of January, the examination then in October. The exact date is announced by the examination secretariat on its website.

  • Vocational trainer:in caretaker in training companies 
  • ECDL Base 
  • Emergency aid for driving licence holders or first aiders level 1, IVR
  • BLS-AED SRC Complete, or Generetic Provider 
  • Specialist permit for plant protection in special areas

 

How long does the training take?

  • 3 semesters if starting in April, 4 semesters if starting in October
  • 77 teaching units, or 42 days in the attendance phase
  • 479 lessons of theoretical and practical instruction in 3 or 4 semesters

 

What does the further training cost?

The further education costs amount to Fr. 10'260.- (or payment in instalments 3x Fr. 3'500.-)
The costs include teaching materials, Open Academy, assessment, examination simulation, confirmation of further training.
Additional costs
Federal professional examination (external) Fr. 2'250.-

 

Will I get a certificate of continuing education?

To receive a course certificate, the following points must be fulfilled:

  • Attendance of at least 80% of classes by the time of the site assessment (end of September).
  • Participation in the internal examination (professional examination simulation).

 

Can I apply for subsidies?

Yes you can. The federal government subsidises retroactive Private individuals who have taken the professional examination. You can find further information here.

 

What happens if I don't pass the federal professional examination?

If, despite passing the "internal examination" (professional examination simulation), you do not pass the professional examination, you can repeat the subjects you have not passed with us free of charge.

 

Exam preparation

In the two-day "internal examination", course participants prepare for the environment of the federal professional examination. We organise this exam simulation for you every June. You will find further information here.

Classes are usually held from 7.45 a.m. to 4.45 p.m., on Mondays in Dübendorf and on Fridays in Bern. The current holiday and lesson plan can be found in the submenu for further training for caretakers.

2023

  • 3-semester course Start on Monday, 24. April 2023 in Dübendorf & Friday, 28. April 2023 in Bern (professional examination in 2024)
  • 4-semester course Start on Monday, 23October 2023 in Dübendorf & Friday, 27. October 2023 in Bern (professional examination in 2025)
 

Lesson plan Winter semester 2022/2023

Monday Zurich

  • DÜ02: 20 September 22
  • DÜ03: 20 September 22
  • DÜ04: 20 September 22
 

Friday Bern

  • BE60: 20 September 22
  • BE61: 20 September 22
  • BE62: 20 September 22
     

Holiday plans 

Holiday schedule 2022

Holiday schedule 2023

2022

  • 3-semester course Start on Monday 25. April 2022 in Dübendorf & Friday 29 April 2022 in Bern (professional examination in 2023)
  • 4-semester course Start on Monday 24. October 2022 in Dübendorf & Friday 28 October 2022 in Bern (professional examination in 2024)

2023

  • 3-semester course Start on Monday 23. April 2023 in Dübendorf & Friday 21. April 2023 in Bern (professional examination in 2024)
  • 4-semester course Start on Monday 23. October 2022 in Dübendorf & Friday 27. October 2022 in Bern (professional examination in 2025)
 

Teaching time:

  • 07:45 - 16:45

Announcement and information caretaker school

Federal vocational examination for caretakers

On the Homepage for the federal professional examination for caretakers, various documents can be downloaded, e.g. the guide and the regulations for the professional examination, the announcement and the registration for the professional examination as well as the examination reports of previous years.

Exam preparation

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Even if you attend another school, you can book the following educational offer with us:

Exam simulation caretaker

The two-day examination takes place in mid-June in Lenzburg. The exam consists of written, oral and practical exams (45-60 minutes each). After the exams, you will receive the complete sample solutions. The costs for the two days are CHF 800.00.

The two-day internal examination will take place from 8.00 - 17.00.

  • 13/14 June 2023 in Lenzburg

Vocational trainers in training companies

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Mechanics training

The course is aimed at caretakers who want to train apprentices, promote young talent and increase the "attractiveness of the profession".

VET trainers are the most important contact persons for learners in the company. According to federal law, VET trainers must hold the VET trainer course certificate for this demanding task.

Under the new examination regulations for caretakers with a federal diploma, candidates must be in possession of the course instructor certificate when registering for the examination.

Classes are held from 8.15 a.m. - 4.15 p.m. each day.

last course 2022 ONLINE:

  • 26 October 2022
  • 02 November 2022
  • 9 November 2022
  • 16 November 2022
  • 23 November 2022

Course A (2023) on site in Dübendorf: 

  • 08 March 2023
  • 15 March 2023
  • 22 March 2023
  • 29 March 2023
  • 05 April 2023

ECDL Base certificate

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Students in the classroom

The FM Academy offers a compact ECDL Base course for caretakers in cooperation with an ECDL certified test centre. The course focuses on the topics relevant to the exam and consists of 48 lessons spread over 12 evenings. The course is currently only available online.

The European Certificate of Digital Literacy is mandatory for admission to the Federal Vocational Examination for Caretaker FA.

Classes are held from 17.15 - 20.45 each day.

Course C:

  • Thu 01 December 2022
  • Thu 08 December 2022
  • Thu 15 December 2022
  • Thu 22 December 2022
  • HOLIDAYS
  • Thu, 12 January 2023
  • Thu, 19 January 2023
  • Thu 26 January 2023
  • Thu 02 February 2023
  • Thu 09 February 2023
  • HOLIDAYS
  • Thu 02 March 2023
  • Thu 09 March 2023
  • Thu 16 March 2023

Course D

  • 23 March 2023
  • 30 March 2023
  • 06 April 2023
  • 20 April 2023
  • 11 May 2023
  • 18 May 2023
  • 25 May 2023
  • 08 June 2023
  • 15 June 2023
  • 22 June 2023
  • 29 June 2023
  • 06 July 2023

Course E

  • 24 August 2023
  • 31 August 2023
  • 07 September 2023
  • 14 September 2023
  • 21 September 2023
  • 28 September 2023
  • 05 October 2023
  • 26 October 2023
  • 02 November 2023
  • 09 November 2023
  • 16 November 2023
  • 23 November 2023

Emergency aid and BLS-AED-SRC

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CPR - Cardiopulmonary resuscitation

For admission to the professional examination, both the emergency aid certificate and the BLS-AED complete certificate are required. We run the courses at our school in cooperation with the Samaritan Association Zurich Unterstrass/Oberstrass respekt. Bern on the premises of our school.

Classes are held from 8.00 a.m. - 4.30 p.m. each day.

Courses 2023 are being planned 

 

 
First Aider Level 1 IVR (2-day course)
 

www.redcross-edu.ch/de/ersthelfer-stufe-1-ivr-refresher

Registration takes place directly via the Samaritan Association or the Red Cross.

Plant protection

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The professional application of plant protection products is restricted to persons in possession of the corresponding professional permit or to persons who are instructed by a professional permit holder. The course offered here provides participants with the necessary knowledge to use chemical agents professionally and to protect people and the environment from harmful effects. After passing the examination, the Federal authorisation for the use of plant protection products in special areas attained.

This professional licence is mandatory for admission to the Federal Professional Examination for Caretakers with FA. The course is offered exclusively to caretakers who are preparing for the professional examination at our school as a supplement to the course. 

NIV Art.15 Connection permit

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NIV 15

The NIV 15 connection permit according to Art. 15 of the Ordinance on Low-Voltage Electrical Installations (NIV) authorised to connect and replace permanently connected electrical products. Now, both the caretaker with a federal diploma and any person with an EFZ with at least 3 years of professional experience are admitted to the examination. 

For the course as well as for the exam, own measuring devices are required, which cost extra and can be ordered at the beginning of the course, if not already available.

The examination fee at ESTI is CHF 1200.

Classes are held from 8.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m. each day.

Course A

  • 24 January 2023
  • 31 January 2023
  • 07 February 2023
  • 14 February 2023
  • 21 February 2023
  • HOLIDAYS
  • 14 March 2023
  • 21 March 2023
 

Course B

  • 28 August 2023
  • 04 September 2023
  • 11 September 2023
  • 18 September 2023
  • 25 September 2023
  • 02 October 2023
  • HOLIDAYS
  • 23 October 2023

Classes are held from 8.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m. each day.

  • 21 April 2023
  • 28 April 2023
  • 05 May 2023
  • 12 May 2023
  • HOLIDAYS
  • 26 May 2023
  • 02 June 2023
  • 09 June 2023

Course registration

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Consulting

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NIV Art. 9, 13, 14, 15, 15.4 Refresher

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This further training is based on the Ordinance of the Federal Inspectorate for Heavy Current Installations (ESTI) on Low-Voltage Electrical Products (NIV) 2020

This further training is aimed exclusively at licence holders NIV Art. 9, 13, 14, 15, 15.4 . 

Classes are held from 8.00 a.m. - 4.30 p.m. each day.

  • 11 November 2022
  • 17 January 2023
  • 8 March 2023
 

Classes are held from 8.00 a.m. - 4.30 p.m. each day.

  • in planning
 
 

NIV Art.15 Preparation intensive

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This continuing education is based on the Ordinance of the Federal Inspectorate for Heavy Current Installations (ESTI) on Low-Voltage Electrical Products (NIV)) and is aimed at all professionals who want to repeat the content of the NIV Art. 15 connection permit exam and efficiently prepare for the ESTI exam.

Classes are held from 8.00 a.m. - 4.30 p.m. each day.

  • 3 November 2022
 

Course registration

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Employer address different from participant address
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Course registration

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Billing address different from participant address
Employer address different from participant address
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Course registration

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Billing address different from participant address
Employer address different from participant address
Click or drag a file to this area to upload.

Course registration

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Billing address different from participant address
Employer address different from participant address
Click or drag a file to this area to upload.

Course registration

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Billing address different from participant address
Employer address different from participant address
Click or drag a file to this area to upload.

NIV Art.15 Renewal course

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NIV 15

This course is aimed at licence holders Art. 15 who took the examination before 1 January 2018 (under the old regulations) and wish to transfer their licence to another company.

Through this renewal course, you will obtain the required certificate for submission to the ESTI.

Classes are held from 8.00 a.m. - 4.30 p.m. each day.

  • 10 & 11 November 2022
  • 16 & 17 January 2023
  • 7 & 8 March 2023
 

NIV Art.15.4 Heating installers

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NIV 15

This continuing education is based on the Ordinance of the Federal Inspectorate for Heavy Current Installations (ESTI) on Low-Voltage Electrical Products (NIV) and is aimed at professionals who want to strengthen their attractiveness as employees. You will expand your specialist knowledge and can be deployed by your employer in even more diverse ways. As a holder of the NIV Art. 15.4 licence, you will be in a strong position for wage negotiations, because caretakers with the connection licence make a significant contribution to reducing maintenance costs. 

Equipment testing according to SNR 462638

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Equipment testing

The Swiss Federal Inspectorate for Heavy Current Installations (ESTI) recommends regular device testing of portable electrical work equipment. This recommendation is based on the Ordinance on the Prevention of Accidents and Occupational Diseases (VUV). To ensure that the protection of persons and property continues to function properly even after an electrical appliance has been in use for a long time, such a periodic appliance test is very important.

In a one-day course, both the standards of this equipment testing are explained and the equipment testing is practised. The course day also offers the opportunity to gain experience with measuring devices from different manufacturers.

Classes are held from 8.00 a.m. - 4.30 p.m. each day.

  • 28 October 2022
  • 18 November 2022
  • 15 December 2022
  • 18 January 2023
 

Saving energy in public buildings

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Equipment testing

This further training is based on the requirements of Energy Switzerland and on the SIA standard 2048 "Energetic operational optimisation" and is aimed at professionals in the building services of larger properties.

Classes are held from 8.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m. each day.

25.01.2023

Classes are held from 8.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m. each day.

15.02.2023

 

Fire protection

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Students in the classroom

Test

Dates
The next course starts on 26 August 2021 and finds Online held.

  • 26 August 2021
  • 2 / 9 / 16 / 30 September 2021
  • 7 / 10 / 28 October 2021
  • 4 / 11 / 18 / 25 November 2021

Teaching time:

  • 17:30 - 20:45h

Additional offers for further education

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New challenges

Are you looking for new challenges? Please contact our FM Academy Administration for our wide range of interesting additional training courses.

Subsidies

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Co-financing of PET by the Confederation

For the Subsidy Since January 2018, the Confederation (SERI, State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation) is responsible. Course participants who take the federal professional examination for caretaker with FA can claim the federal flat-rate allowance after the examination (irrespective of the examination success). The federal flat rate is 50 % of the course fees and is paid directly to the participant of the Federal VET Diploma Examination upon proof of the paid course fees (cost unit = participant). The subsidy applies to both the Course Caretaker as well as for the courses offered by our school Courses ECDL Base and Vocational instructor. The course to obtain the plant protection licence as well as the courses in emergency aid and BLS-AED-SRC are generally excluded from subsidisation by SERI.

Lesson plan Winter semester 2022/2023

Monday Zurich

  • DÜ02: 20 September 22
  • DÜ03: 20 September 22
  • DÜ04: 20 September 22
 

Friday Bern

  • BE60: 20 September 22
  • BE61: 20 September 22
  • BE62: 20 September 22
     

Holiday plans 

Holiday schedule 2022

Holiday schedule 2023