How long does further training to become an "insurance specialist (BP)" take and how much does it cost?

Duration and procedure

  • The insurance specialist preparatory courses can be completed while working.
  • They are modular in design and usually last 3-4 semesters.
  • The courses generally comprise 208 lessons.
  • The lessons usually take place on two half-days per week (one or two evenings per week and/or Saturday mornings).
  • If at least 10 candidates meet the admission requirements, the professional examination for insurance specialists takes place annually, otherwise every two years. The examination can be taken in one of the three official languages German, French or Italian.

Costs

  • The fees for the preparation course amount to approximately CHF 17,000-18,200.
  • If you are a member of the Kaufmännischer Verband and attend one of the schools listed there, you will benefit from a 5% discount on the course costs.More information can be found here.
  • The fees for the module examinations are around CHF 550 each.
  • The fee for the professional examination is set by the body responsible for the examination regulations, the Vocational Training Association of the Insurance Industry (VBV), and is currently (2022) CHF 850.
  • The fee for the certificate and registration in the SERI register for certificate holders is CHF 50.
  • Some providers charge additional costs for training documents, teaching materials, exam preparation or revision. Ask the provider of your choice directly what additional costs you can expect.
  • The federal government provides financial support for continuing professional development. Since 2018, graduates of preparatory courses for the federal professional examination (BP) and the higher professional examination (HFP) have been reimbursed up to half of the course costs paid by the federal government upon application, regardless of the result.More information can be found here.

Provider of training courses for insurance specialists