Qualification search

What kind of qualification type is it?

This qualification is a nationwide standardised advanced vocational training. In the occupational context, vocational education and training in Germany has a multi-level system of advanced vocational training qualifications which are regulated in a nationally standardised manner. Within the scope of regulated advanced training, three levels of advanced training are differentiated. They differ with regard to competence requirements and the associated differing areas of possible company deployment. They require completion of a vocational qualification (in a recognised training occupation and/or recognised advance vocational training) or evidence of a comparable qualification. This then serves as the basis of the qualifications. Those completing the qualifications are equipped for the autonomous and responsible assumption of demanding tasks in companies.

Advanced training courses leading to the qualification of certified senior clerk are an example of the second level of advanced professional training.  They each relate to a specific branch of trade and industry. Certified senior clerks take on specific, organisational and administrative tasks at middle management level in companies of various sizes. They fulfil an interface function between business management and technical divisions of the company by bringing communicative competences to bear and adapt themselves flexibly to changing methods and systems in production, to changing labour organisation structures and to new methods of organisational development and human resources management and development.

Those completing the qualification are in possession of competences for the processing of comprehensive professional tasks and problems and of competences for autonomous management of processes within sub-areas of their field of occupational activity. They are qualified to take on specific, organisational and management tasks in companies and have the necessary communicative competences for this purpose. They have the ability to understand the service and value added process and act autonomously in arriving at a targeted solution for human resources and business administration tasks and problems whilst according consideration to comprehensive management measures. 

The structure of requirements is characterised by complexity and frequent changes.

Which competent authority issues the qualification certificate?

Chamber of Commerce and Industry

What are the entry requirements?

The prerequisites for admission to the advanced training examination are usually successful completion of the final examination in a recognised training occupation within the relevant specialism and appropriate professional experience.

How is the qualification acquired?

Although participation in preparatory courses is not mandatory for admission to the examination leading to the qualification of certified senior clerk, it is usually the case that such courses are undertaken. Full-time preparatory courses are of approximately one year’s duration, courses taken on a part-time basis last for around 2 years.

What follow-up options are there?

Pursuant to a resolution adopted by the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs on 6 March 2009 or in accordance with the provisions contained in regulations under federal state law, certified senior clerks may acquire a general higher education entrance qualification, even if they do not hold a school-based higher education entrance qualification.

They further have the opportunity to complete upgrading training at the third level of advanced professional training (e.g. certified business economist).