What is a commercial middle school?
The commercial middle school (HMS), also business middle school, is a commercial vocational and middle school education in Switzerland. The HMS offers a three-year course of study that ends with the Swiss Federal Certificate of Competence (EFZ) in business administration. The four-year course at an HMS leads to the vocational baccalaureate. Both degrees are recognized by the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI).
What does the commercial secondary school offer?
In addition to vocational training in the narrower sense, the HMS offers a broad general education at a high intellectual level. Graduates of the trade diploma find varied jobs in companies or in administration. The vocational baccalaureate certificate enables entry to a university of applied sciences for economics, language, communication, social work or others without having to take an exam. Access to higher technical schools, higher professional training and responsible professional activities is also facilitated.
Who is a commercial secondary school for?
In all subjects, emphasis is placed on logical thinking, mental agility and clear oral and written expression. Technically and methodically correct work is promoted as well as the ability to work independently (alone and in a team) and to make personal judgments. After three years of training, the final exam to acquire the commercial diploma is taken. Vocational high school graduates are also tested in mathematics and history; Together with the diploma, you will receive a provisional grade certificate for the completed school subjects.
Proof of practice
The candidates then devote at least 39 weeks to a professional activity in the commercial sector. During this time, they write the vocational school-leaving certificate, on the basis of which the final examination for acquiring the professional school-leaving certificate takes place.