Business economists can have very different training and continuing education, further training and specialize in a wide range of disciplines. For example, one way to become a business economist is to complete a commercial apprenticeship with a Federal Vocational Baccalaureate and then study at a College of Higher Education (CHE). It is also possible to start a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration at a University of Applied Sciences after completing an apprenticeship with a Federal Vocational Baccalaureate in another field and one year of practical commercial experience. Building on this, Master's degree courses with different specializations (majors) are possible. A higher business diploma is another way to familiarize yourself with business administration, as are other certificate courses at various schools and education providers. With a Baccalaureate, you can study for a Bachelor's or Master's degree in business administration or economics at a university; after continuing education, further training as a specialist in SME management with a Federal Diploma of Higher Education and several years of management experience, you can take the Advanced Federal Professional Examination (AFPE) in Business Administration for SMEs. There is therefore not just one way to become a successful business economist, but a whole range of interesting training and further education courses that offer exactly the right option for anyone interested.

There are a large number of courses and degree programmes that train you to become a business economist, but not all of them are federally recognized. Degree courses at Universities of Applied Sciences or universities with a Bachelor's degree and subsequent Master's degree enjoy international recognition, Advanced Federal Diploma of Higher Education (AFPE) courses to become a business economist are recognized nationally, as are Advanced Federal Professional Examination (AFPE) diplomas. Certificate courses can be, but are not always. Schools often teach basic business management knowledge and advanced in-depth knowledge to different target groups, such as SMEs, in short continuing education courses, which are not federally recognized but offer excellent additional benefits for your professional practice. The extent to which federal recognition is necessary for you depends on many different factors, such as your education and continuing education, your position in the company, your professional activity, your goals and career prospects. Please contact the schools directly to find out about courses for (prospective) business economists and ask for advice.