Geprüfter Berufsspezialist für Industrielle Transformation (gewerblich-technisch)/Geprüfte Berufsspezialistin für Industrielle Transformation (gewerblich-technisch)

Preparatory courses for the examination are offered at educational institutions of Chambers of Industry and Commerce (IHK) and other educational centers. Learning locations include training rooms for in-person events and home for online learning units.

Occupation type: Advanced training profession: Specialist/Specialized Professional. Type of advanced training: Advanced training examination according to the regulations of the Chambers of Industry and Commerce (IHK). Participation in preparatory courses is not required. Duration of advanced training: Approximately 12 months (part-time). Tasks and activities: Commercial-technical specialists for industrial transformation identify where manufacturing processes and systems can be digitized and networked. They record existing production processes and machinery and analyze how they can operate more efficiently. Together with management, they implement improvements to processes, machines, and systems. They equip machines with sensors or program them to collect and process data. In case of malfunctions or quality problems, they evaluate data, discuss it within the team, and develop solutions. They also examine the use of AI systems, introduce new technologies, and inform employees about the new procedures.

Part-time: approximately 12 months.

Hour distribution (example): Process, project management, and digital transformation: 100 hours. Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and commercial fundamentals: 100 hours. Cooperation and communication in the modern working world: 100 hours. Project work in one's own company: 100 hours. Total hours: 400 hours.

Course fees apply for attending preparatory courses, and examination fees for the examination itself. If necessary, additional costs may arise, for example, for work materials, travel to the training location, or external accommodation. Funding opportunities: Preparatory courses for the advanced training examination can be financially supported according to the Advanced Training Promotion Act (Aufstiegsfortbildungsförderungsgesetz). For more information: Aufstiegs-BAföG - Advancement with Funding. Promotion of particularly talented young professionals: Foundation for the Promotion of Talented Vocational Education (Stiftung Begabtenförderung berufliche Bildung - SBB) - Advanced Training Scholarship.

Process, project management, and digital transformation, e.g., improving and digitizing operational processes, applying office software, understanding digitalization, planning and managing projects. Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and commercial fundamentals, e.g., networking of processes and systems, new technologies and digitalization through machine data management at the production level. Cooperation and communication in the modern working world, e.g., methodological competencies for cross-departmental, self-directed, and change-oriented work. Industry-specific project work, e.g., planning, executing, and presenting project work.

In-depth knowledge in the following areas is a good prerequisite for successfully passing this advanced training examination: Planning/Organisation (e.g., to plan, control, and successfully complete projects) and Technology (e.g., to design technical solutions).

The advanced training consists of theoretical and practical lessons. Depending on the educational provider, one should be prepared for the following conditions: Class times are usually part-time advanced training on weekends or evenings. The learning format is typically combined learning (e.g., blended learning): classroom-based attendance events at the educational institution and self-directed learning from home via electronic learning platforms and systems.

Participation in preparatory courses is not remunerated.

The following advanced training alternatives are available for the profession of Commercial-Technical Specialist for Industrial Transformation: In the area of Networking, Data and Information Security: Certified Professional Specialist for Industrial Transformation (commercial), Certified Master – Networked Industry – Bachelor Professional in Smart Industry, Specialist – Industry 4.0, State-Certified Technician in Production Technology and Data Management / Bachelor Professional in Technology. Commonality: Managing the digitalization and networking of processes and systems. In the area of Artificial Intelligence: Certified Professional Specialist for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, AI Manager. Commonality: Shaping transformation processes with the help of artificial intelligence.

In 2020, the Vocational Training Act (BBiG) and the Crafts Code (HWO) were amended, introducing the advanced training qualifications "Certified Professional Specialist," "Bachelor Professional," and "Master Professional" to emphasize the equivalence of vocational and academic education. The use of professional titles depends on the enactment of corresponding new advanced training regulations. From 2020 to 2024, the advanced training to become a Certified Professional Specialist for Industrial Transformation was developed and introduced. In 2024, the Vocational Training Validation and Digitalization Act came into force, with adjustments to the Vocational Training Act (BBiG) and the Crafts Code (HWO), including the introduction of an assessment and certification procedure (vocational validation) for individual professional competence based on a recognized vocational training occupation, independent of a formal vocational training qualification.

Exemption from examination parts: Individuals are generally exempt from individual components of the examination if they have successfully passed an equivalent examination from a public or state-recognized educational institution or before a state examination board.

Qualification Title: Certified Specialist for Industrial Transformation (IHK) / Certified Specialist for Industrial Transformation (IHK)

The Certified Specialist for Industrial Transformation (commercial-technical) is a professional advanced training. The examination is regulated by the legal provisions of the respective Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK). It is not required to attend a course for admission to the examination.

After their advanced training, Certified Specialists for Industrial Transformation (commercial-technical) work in industrial companies in almost all economic sectors. They can keep their expertise up-to-date, bring it to the latest standard, and expand it through adaptive further training. The range of topics extends from process management to PLC programming. Building on existing qualifications, advanced training can broaden and complement the competence profile. It is a natural progression to take the examination as an Industrial Master. With their advanced training qualification, Certified Specialists for Industrial Transformation (commercial-technical) can also gain access to a university education (Studium) without a general higher education entrance qualification and, for example, acquire a Bachelor's degree in production engineering.

For the examination, the responsible Chambers of Industry and Commerce (IHK) issue examination regulations, e.g.: Legal regulation for the advanced training examination for the recognized qualification 'Certified Specialist for Industrial Transformation (IHK for Oberfranken Bayreuth)' dated 05.07.2024 (IHK for Oberfranken Bayreuth). Overview of the responsible Chambers of Industry and Commerce: Certified Specialist for Industrial Transformation (IHK), regulations of the responsible bodies for professional advanced training.

The prerequisite for admission to the advanced training examination is generally: the final examination in a recognized vocational training (Ausbildung) of at least 3 years, typical for an industrial company, or in a commercial-technical or commercial field, and corresponding professional experience; or the final examination in a commercial-technical or commercial vocational training (Ausbildung) of at least 2 years and corresponding professional experience; or at least 3 semesters of a relevant university education (Studium) and 2.5 years of professional experience; or at least 4 years of relevant professional experience.