Transformation to the Advanced Federal Diploma in construction management is progressing
Third report on the transformation of professional education and training in construction management: Progress and remaining challenges
We at the Chair of Education Systems at ETH Zurich are studying the transformation process of professional education and training in construction management from a diploma at a College of Higher Education to an Advanced Federal Diploma of Higher Education, on behalf of the Swiss Construction Sector Association. The first Federal exam will take place in April 2026. Since 2023, we have been conducting regular online surveys with the involved actors – the most recent survey from the fall of 2024 was again conducted with professional associations and educational providers.
The results of our third report show that the transformation is progressing successfully – especially the resources of the educational providers have improved between 2023 and 2024. Additionally, the educational providers are still satisfied with the quantity and quality of applications. It is also positive that all actors – professional associations, educational providers, and employers – agree that both the educational institution and the workplace are essential for the competence development of candidates for the Advanced Federal Diploma.
However, some challenges remain: The transformation represents a significant change for the educational providers. Moreover, planning and developing the preparation courses for the Advanced Federal Diploma remains a challenge – particularly the preparation for the written exam parts. Further uncertainties exist regarding the admission requirements for the Federal exam, which sometimes lead to the rejection of applications.
Full article
(in german)
Executive Summary
(in german)