Tertiary level: Federal and advanced federal PET diplomas

The federal PET diploma corresponds to initial specialisation and deepening of one’s knowledge after the vocational education and training (VET). The advanced federal PET diploma enables professionals to qualify as an expert and prepares the way for carrying out managing functions within a company. If an advanced PET diploma examination exists within the same training sector, the federal PET diploma is generally required to obtain an advanced federal PET diploma. Both qualifications are recognised and protected at the federal level.

In 2017, 14 448 federal PET diplomas were awarded, that is virtual stagnation compared to the previous year (+0.3%). Since 2005, the number of federal PET diplomas has grown by 18%. As for the advanced federal PET diplomas, 2954 of these were awarded in 2017, a decrease of 15% compared to the previous year. The number of advanced federal PET diplomas has however practically not evolved for several years.

Nearly 80% of federal PET diplomas awarded in 2017 were in one of the disciplines listed in the graph G6, headed by Management and administration (16%), Wholesale and retail sales (12%), Protection of persons and property (10%).

In so far as advanced federal PET diplomas are concerned, 80% of these were awarded in the training sectors shown in graph G7. ­Accounting and taxation (17%) occupies first place followed by Wholesale and retail sales (10%) and Building and civil engineering (9%).

In some areas of education and training the representation of men and women is more or less equal (for example: Accounting and taxation or Management and administration). In other areas one of the sexes clearly dominates (for example: Marketing and advertising or Medical diagnostic and treatment technology in the case of women, Electricity and energy or Building and civil engineering in the case of men). It is worth noting that women are better represented as holders of federal PET diplomas (38%) than of advanced federal PET diplomas (30%).