Bundesinstitut für Berufsbildung (BIBB)

1. Field of work and areas of responsibility 

Certified controllers work in the areas of centralized or decentralized controlling. They are in the position to perform managerial and organizational activities in the field of controlling and in particular to perform the following tasks independently and on their own responsibility:

• develop and use instruments and techniques for planning, steering and controlling the company's efficiency process and individual projects, 
• organize and steer company planning, control planning targets and examine the most important process variables and control parameters,
• establish a reporting system, conduct continuous reporting and coordinate the information management system, including the introduction and application of information systems, 
• develop project solutions and introduce foresight measures to avoid undesirable developments,
• take on leadership and organizational tasks as well as continuously advise the different management levels.

2. Occupational skills 

Certified controllers have completed a three-year vocational training or academic training, have had several years of experience in business functions and in addition have completed further training as certified controllers.
Certified controllers have passed standard national state-recognized examinations to prove that they have successfully completed vocational training and continuing training and have the necessary professional experience.

Certified controllers are tested in the following fields:

• accounting and cost management,
• company planning and budgeting, 
• analysis of annual accounts,
• reporting and information management,
• commercial counselling and 
• management and moderation.

3. Skills accreditation 

The certified controller must demonstrate the above mentioned skills in an examination administered under public law on the basis of the Federal Government ordinance of 12 July 2006 (Federal Law Gazette, Part I, Page 1579).

4. Examination requirements 

Preconditions for sitting the examination are: the successful completion of the final examination in a recognized 3-year commercial or administrative training occupation followed by at least three years of professional experience, or the successful completion of a degree in economics followed by at least two years of professional experience, or the successful completion of a final or journeyman's examination in another recognized training occupation followed by at least four years of professional experience, or at least six years of professional experience.
This professional experience must be closely connected with the tasks of a controller mentioned above.
Alternatively, persons who can provide certificates or other evidence proving that they have gained the necessary knowledge, skills and experience entitling them to sit the examination are eligible to take the examination.

Courses are offered in preparation for the examination; their duration is geared to the different operational and managerial tasks.

Last modified on: October 27, 2008