Geprüfter Berufsspezialist für Industrielle Transformation (kaufmännisch)/Geprüfte Berufsspezialistin für Industrielle Transformation (kaufmännisch)

Preparatory courses for the examination take place 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 occupation: Specialist. 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: 10-12 months (part-time). Tasks and activities: Commercial Specialists for Industrial Transformation identify opportunities for the digitalization and automation of business and work processes. They record existing operational processes and examine how these can be made more efficient. They investigate recurring commercial tasks and implement suitable automation solutions. Furthermore, they collect, manage, and analyze commercial data, for example, using business intelligence tools, and gain new insights from them. They also examine the use of AI systems, accompany the introduction of new technologies and working methods, and monitor improvements in processes. In addition, they inform relevant departments.

Part-time: 10 - 12 months.

Distribution of hours (example): Process, Project Management, and Digital Transformation: 100 hours. Data Analytics and Technical Fundamentals: 100 hours. Cooperation and Communication in the Modern World of Work: 100 hours. Project Work in one's own company: 100 hours. Total hours: 400 hours.

Course fees are incurred for attending preparatory courses, and examination fees for the examination itself. Additional costs may arise, for example, for work materials, travel to the training center, or external accommodation. Funding opportunities: Preparatory courses for the advanced training examination can be financially supported according to the Advanced Training Assistance Act (Aufstiegsfortbildungsförderungsgesetz). Further information: Aufstiegs-BAföG - Advancement with Funding. Funding for 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, using office software, understanding digitalization terms, coordinating projects. Data Analytics and Technical Fundamentals, e.g., commercial data management, programming techniques and databases, commercial-technical fundamentals, process automation. Cooperation and Communication in the Modern World of Work, e.g., methodological competencies for interdisciplinary, cooperative, self-directed, and change-oriented work. Industry-specific Project Work, e.g., planning, conducting, and presenting operational project work.

In-depth knowledge in the following areas is a good prerequisite for successfully passing this advanced training examination: Planning/Organization (e.g., to coordinate projects and introduce new procedures) and Economics/Law (e.g., to research, prepare, and evaluate commercial data).

The advanced training consists of theoretical and practical lessons. Depending on the education provider, one should be prepared for the following conditions: Teaching hours are usually part-time, on weekends or in the evenings. The learning format is typically blended learning: in-person classes 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 Specialist for Industrial Transformation: In the area of Networking, Data and Information Security, 'Certified Specialist for Industrial Transformation (commercial-technical)' or 'Specialist - Industry 4.0'. Their commonality is developing digitalization strategies to optimize production and work processes. In the area of Artificial Intelligence, 'Certified Specialist for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning' or 'AI Manager'. Their commonality is overseeing the planning, development, and deployment of data management systems.

In 2020, the Vocational Training Act (BBiG) and the Crafts Code (HWO) were amended, introducing advanced training qualifications such as 'Geprüfte/r Berufsspezialist/in', 'Bachelor Professional', and 'Master Professional' to emphasize the equivalence of vocational and academic education. The use of these professional titles depends on the enactment of corresponding new advanced training regulations. From 2020 to 2024, the advanced training to become a Certified 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) of individual professional competence based on a recognized vocational training occupation, regardless of a formal vocational training qualification.

Exemption from examination parts: As a rule, individuals who have successfully passed another examination from a public or state-recognized educational institution or before a state examination board that meets the same requirements can be exempted from individual examination performances.

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

The Commercial Specialist for Industrial Transformation 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 to be admitted to the examination.

After completing their advanced training, Commercial Specialists for Industrial Transformation work in industrial companies across almost all economic sectors. To maintain and expand their expertise, they can pursue adaptive advanced training in topics ranging from process management to operational organization. For career advancement, further advanced training can expand and complement existing qualifications. A logical step is to take the examination as a Specialist for Production and Process Management. With their advanced training qualification, Commercial Specialists for Industrial Transformation can also gain access to higher education without a general university entrance qualification and, for example, obtain a Bachelor's degree in Industrial Business Administration.

For the examination, the responsible Chambers of Industry and Commerce (IHK) issue examination regulations. An example of such a regulation is the legal provision for the advanced training examination for the recognized qualification “Certified Specialist for Industrial Transformation (IHK for Oberfranken Bayreuth)” from July 5, 2024 (IHK for Oberfranken Bayreuth). For an overview of the responsible Chambers of Industry and Commerce (IHK), please check BERUFENET.

The prerequisite for admission to the advanced training examination is usually one of the following: completion of a recognized, at least 3-year Ausbildung (vocational training) typical for an industrial enterprise, or in a commercial-technical or commercial field, plus relevant professional experience; or completion of an at least 2-year commercial-technical or commercial Ausbildung (vocational training) and relevant professional experience; or at least 3 semesters of a relevant Studium (university study) and 2.5 years of professional experience; or at least 4 years of relevant professional experience.