Exams of Higher Vocational Education and Training
There is another way for trained business people to improve their professional qualifications. They can do an exam of higher vocational education and training in the career they have trained in - there are a multitude of areas in which to do these exams. Responsibility for the subject of each exam lies with the individual professional bodies but they are under the supervision of the federal government.
The professional examination ascertains whether the candidate is able to undertake demanding work within a company or to take over the job of a superior.
The business examination ascertains whether the candidate is able to independently manage a company.
Entrance Requirements
Candidates must have an Advanced Federal Certificate and several years' work experience. For some examinations, a previous business examination is a prerequisite for admission. It is up to the candidate him/herself to prepare for these exams; there is no instruction, although special courses are offered in examination preparation.
Successful candidates of the professional examination are awarded a Federal Certificate in that subject and those of the business examination gain a Federal Diploma. In some industries, these qualifications carry great weight. It is often the case that only holders of these qualifications are entitled to do certain jobs.
