Assistent/Assistentin für Informatik (Wirtschaftsinformatik)

Assistants for Business Informatics are trained in a school-based Ausbildung (vocational training). Learning locations include vocational schools/Berufskollegs (classrooms for instruction, school's own computer labs) and internship companies (e.g., offices of commercial enterprises).

Occupation Type: Ausbildung (vocational training) occupation. Type of Training: School-based training at vocational schools and Berufskollegs (regulated by state law). Training Duration: 2-3 years. Learning Locations: Vocational school/Berufskolleg and internship company. What does one do in this profession? Assistants for Business Informatics are involved in the development and installation of application programs that optimize workflows in companies. They analyze IT systems (e.g., ERP) regarding their user-friendliness and economic efficiency. If necessary, they configure and adapt hardware and software components. Furthermore, they create databases and program internet solutions. They maintain existing systems and, for example, perform data backups or provide user training as well as software and system consulting. Where does one work? Assistants for Business Informatics find employment in companies in almost all economic sectors that have IT-supported operational processes.

Job Title: Assistant for Business Informatics. Occupation Type: Vocational school occupation. Training Duration: 2-3 years. Entry Requirement: Usually a secondary school leaving certificate, Fachhochschulreife (university of applied sciences entrance qualification) or allgemeine Hochschulreife (general university entrance qualification). What does one do in this profession? Assistants for Business Informatics are involved in the development and installation of application programs that optimize workflows in companies. They analyze IT systems (e.g., ERP) regarding their user-friendliness and economic efficiency. If necessary, they configure and adapt hardware and software components. Furthermore, they create databases and program internet solutions. They maintain existing systems and, for example, perform data backups or provide user training as well as software and system consulting. Where does one work? Assistants for Business Informatics find employment in companies in almost all economic sectors that have IT-supported operational processes.

2-3 years

Example of hourly distribution: Cross-curricular subjects: German/Communication: 1st year 2 hours/week, 2nd year 2 hours/week. English: 1st year 2 hours/week, 2nd year 2 hours/week. Mathematics: 1st year 3 hours/week, 2nd year 1 hour/week. Economics/Politics: 1st year 2 hours/week, 2nd year 0 hours/week. Religion or Philosophy: 1st year 0 hours/week, 2nd year 2 hours/week. Sports: 1st year 1 hour/week, 2nd year 0 hours/week. Profession-related subjects: Using, analyzing, and designing information technology systems: 1st year 6 hours/week, 2nd year 0 hours/week. Planning and creating simple application systems: 1st year 6 hours/week, 2nd year 0 hours/week. Analyzing and designing internet applications: 1st year 4 hours/week, 2nd year 2 hours/week.

Training at public schools is generally free for students, but enrollment and examination fees may apply. Private schools, however, usually charge course fees. Additional costs may arise, for example, for learning materials, travel to the training location, or external accommodation. Funding Opportunities: Under certain conditions, students participating in a vocational Ausbildung (vocational training) can receive funding according to the Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz (BAföG). Further information: The BAföG: all information at a glance.

During this Ausbildung (vocational training), one learns, for example, how business processes and operational procedures are modeled, simulated, and optimized. It also covers how IT services within a company's IT infrastructure are planned, executed, and optimized, and what needs to be considered in network, software, and data security. The curriculum includes how applications for computers and mobile systems are programmed, how operating systems and computer networks are structured and administered, and which business software applications exist and how they are programmed. Methods for the conception and development of database applications and software systems are also taught, alongside how entrepreneurial decisions are made, processes are planned, and what to consider in financial accounting, balance sheets, cost and performance accounting, and controlling. Developing multimedia applications is also part of the training.

One should be prepared for the following conditions and requirements in this vocational training: Theoretical lessons involve classroom instruction, possibly project work, and reviewing content at home. In the school's own classrooms and during internships, practical work is performed under guidance, such as developing and programming software, maintaining existing systems, providing user support, and training users. The environment typically involves screen work in offices, with changing workplaces and conditions during fieldwork. Working hours can be irregular, especially in maintenance. Requirements include technical understanding and spatial imagination (e.g., implementing technical sketches when setting up computer networks), creativity and perseverance (e.g., when programming novel software solutions or during lengthy searches for program errors), verbal expression (e.g., supporting users with application problems), and meticulousness (e.g., during installation and configuration).

For an Ausbildung (vocational training) abroad, there are options such as in Austria, where training offers can be found via the AMS Ausbildungskompass (e.g., using the search term 'Betriebsinformatik'). In France, training offers can be explored through onisep - the French training database (e.g., via free text search with the term 'assistant/assistante informatique').

No remuneration is paid for this Ausbildung (vocational training).

In-depth knowledge in the following school subjects provides a good foundation for successful Ausbildung (vocational training): Computer Science, for example, to install and adapt software for businesses; Mathematics, for example, to understand complex relationships in programming; Economics, for example, to comprehend economic contexts; and English, for example, to understand English-language application programs.

The following Ausbildung (vocational training) alternatives are available for the profession of Assistant in Business Informatics: In the field of Hardware and Software Development, alternatives include Assistant in Computer Science (general computer science), Commercial Assistant/Business Assistant - Business Informatics, Assistant in Computer Science (Software Engineering), Assistant in Computer Science (Technical Computer Science), Assistant in Computer Science (Media Informatics), IT Specialist in Application Development, and Mathematical-Technical Software Developer. The commonality among these is developing, programming, testing, and installing software. In the field of Networking, Data and Information Security, alternatives include IT Specialist in Data and Process Analysis and IT Specialist in Digital Networking. The commonality here is developing and programming software for networked systems or processes.

This Ausbildung (vocational training) began in 1992 with a framework agreement by the Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs (KMK) on the training and examination of State-certified Technical Assistants at vocational schools. From 1992 onwards, based on this framework agreement, Bundesländer (federal states) such as Schleswig-Holstein issued their own regulations.

In Saarland, this Ausbildung (vocational training) lasts 2 years.

Assistant for Business Informatics is a school-based Ausbildung (vocational training) regulated by state law at Berufsfachschulen (vocational schools) and Berufskollegs (vocational colleges). It lasts 2-3 years and leads to a state examination.

During theoretical and practical lessons, knowledge is imparted in the following areas: Computer Science (System Integration, Network Systems, Software Engineering, Programming, Software Applications), Economics (Business Administration, Accounting, Business Mathematics). Other courses include computer practicals, a voluntary specialized English working group, and a relevant company internship. The school-based Ausbildung (vocational training) is supplemented by a company internship.

This Ausbildung (vocational training) is only legally regulated in the mentioned Bundesländer (federal states) and leads to the following qualification titles there: In Baden-Württemberg, State-certified Computer Scientist - Business Specialization; in Lower Saxony, State-certified Computer Scientist, focus on Business Informatics; in North Rhine-Westphalia, State-certified Computer Scientist, focus on Business; in Saarland, State-certified Business Informatics Specialist (HBFS - Higher Vocational School); in Schleswig-Holstein, State-certified Information Technology Assistant with a focus on Business Informatics.

In Niedersachsen (Lower Saxony), this Ausbildung (vocational training) lasts 2 years.

Improving opportunities with additional qualifications: Future assistants for business informatics can improve their chances already during their Ausbildung (vocational training) by acquiring additional qualifications, for example, the Fachhochschulreife (university of applied sciences entrance qualification) as a basis for a later Studium (university degree). Finding the right employment: After their Ausbildung, assistants for business informatics work in companies that develop, maintain, and distribute IT-supported operational communication and information systems. Ensuring employability: Through Anpassungsweiterbildung (adaptive further training), one can keep their specialist knowledge up-to-date or bring it to the latest standard. The range of topics extends from software development and programming to IT project management. Career advancement: An Aufstiegsweiterbildung (advanced training for career progression) helps to advance professionally and achieve leadership positions. It is logical to take the examination as a business informatics specialist. Advancement is also possible with a Hochschulzugangsberechtigung (higher education entrance qualification).

During theoretical and practical lessons, knowledge is imparted in the following areas: Cross-vocational learning area: German/Communication, English/Communication, Business Administration. Vocational learning area: Setting up operating systems and designing and managing networks; Designing, implementing, and publishing internet applications; Setting up and using ERP systems; Analyzing and designing business information systems; Designing and implementing complex business information systems; Managing and using information systems; Designing, implementing, and maintaining software systems. Practical training: During the school-based educational program, a Betriebspraktikum (company internship) is carried out in suitable companies. This serves to provide professional induction into practical work.

3 years (including company internship).

Full-time: 2 years. The Ausbildung (vocational training) can also be completed part-time, but currently, no information on the duration is available.

2 or 3 years. 3 years (access with a secondary school leaving certificate (Fachoberschulreife)). 2 years (access with a (Fach-)Hochschulreife).

During theoretical and practical lessons, knowledge is imparted in areas such as: Work techniques, Business Administration/Economics, Hardware and System Fundamentals, Informatics Fundamentals, IT Project Management, Logistics and Enterprise Resource Planning, Organizational Theory, Programming, and if applicable, Web Programming.

During theoretical and practical lessons, knowledge is imparted in the following areas: Professional field with learning areas such as using, analyzing, and designing information technology systems; planning and creating simple application programs; analyzing and designing internet applications; setting up, analyzing, and administering networked IT systems; planning, realizing, and testing application software; planning and carrying out information technology projects; mathematically modeling the basics of business informatics; understanding, controlling, and reflecting on business processes of a company; examining and using commercial application systems. Practical periods are treated like a subject or a learning area and are graded on the certificate. General subjects include Economics/Politics, German/Communication, English, Mathematics, Sports, Religion or Philosophy.

During theoretical and practical lessons, knowledge is imparted in the following areas: Professionally related learning area with subjects of the professional focus, such as Business Administration with Accounting, Business Informatics, Software, Operating Systems/Networks, and other subjects (e.g., Databases, Computer and System Technology, Software Engineering, Multimedia Production). Also included are Mathematics, English, and company internships. The general learning area includes German/Communication, Religious Studies, Sports/Health Promotion, Politics/Social Studies. The differentiation area offers the possibility to supplement, expand, and deepen individual knowledge, skills, and abilities.

The Ausbildung (vocational training) is regulated by state law in the following Bundesländer (federal states): School trial regulations, the ordinance on vocational schools (Berufsbildende Schulen - BbS-VO) of 10.06.2009 (Nds. GVBl. S. 243), last amended by ordinance of 26.05.2025 (Nds. GVBl. Nr. 34). The ordinance on training and examination in the educational pathways of the Berufskolleg (vocational college) (Ausbildungs- und Prüfungsordnung Berufskolleg - APO-BK) of 26.05.1999 (GV. NRW. S. 240, ber. GV. NRW. 2000 S. 563, GV. NRW. 2001 S. 766), last amended by Article 3 of the ordinance of 29.01.2026 (GV. NRW. S. 130). The ordinance - school and examination regulations - on training and examination at Höhere Berufsfachschulen (higher vocational schools) for Business Informatics in Saarland (APO-HBFS-WI) of 16.09.1985 (Saar.Amtsbl. S. 955), last amended by Article 217 of the law of 08.12.2021 (Saarl. Amtsbl. S. 2629). The state ordinance on the Berufsfachschule (vocational school) (Berufsfachschulverordnung - BFSVO) of 20.07.2017 (NBl.MBWK.Schl.-H. S. 212), last amended.

Generally, either a secondary school leaving certificate (mittlerer Bildungsabschluss) or the Fachhochschulreife (university of applied sciences entrance qualification) or general Hochschulreife (university entrance qualification) is required. Further requirements may vary depending on the Bundesland (federal state) and the educational offer.

For school or professional prerequisites, the Allgemeine Hochschulreife (Abitur) or Fachhochschulreife, or completion of the Höhere Handelsschule (higher commercial school) and the school part of the Fachhochschulreife are required. Admission is also possible with special professional qualifications: completion of vocational training in a relevant recognized Ausbildung (vocational training) profession and at least 4 years of full-time employment in the learned or a related profession, completion of further professional training in the relevant field, and successful participation in an aptitude interview.

For school prerequisites, the Fachhochschulreife (university of applied sciences entrance qualification) is required.

In the Bundesland (federal state) of Baden-Württemberg, the general higher education entrance qualification (allgemeine Hochschulreife) or a subject-specific higher education entrance qualification (fachgebundene Hochschulreife) is required for this Ausbildung (vocational training). In exceptional cases, access is also possible with the advanced technical college entrance qualification (Fachhochschulreife).

In the Bundesland (federal state) of Schleswig-Holstein, a secondary school leaving certificate (mittlerer Schulabschluss) or the qualification to attend the upper secondary school (gymnasiale Oberstufe) is required for this Ausbildung (vocational training).

In the Bundesland (federal state) of Nordrhein-Westfalen, for the 3-year training path, a secondary school leaving certificate (mittlerer Schulabschluss / Fachoberschulreife) or the qualification to attend the upper secondary school (gymnasiale Oberstufe) is required. For the 2-year training path, a higher education entrance qualification (Hochschulreife) or the school-based part of the advanced technical college entrance qualification (Fachhochschulreife) is necessary.