Classroom courses
On-site training & teaching
Participation in the preparation course of a local educational institution offers a very intensive opportunity to prepare for the exam. A big advantage is that you can ask questions directly in class and individual problems can be dealt with concretely. In addition to the pure teaching of the necessary subject matter, mock exams are often taken and all procedures are discussed. In addition, you have the opportunity to exchange ideas directly with other participants.
The preparation courses are often offered on a part-time basis. Here, people who are already working in the security industry and have passed the training in accordance with § 34a GewO have the opportunity to prepare for the examination on the side. The courses often take place in blocks at weekends or in the evenings.
Full-time courses are the first choice if you prefer to prepare compactly in one piece. On holiday, shortly before the examination date or as a subsidised qualification measure, you can then concentrate fully on the contents of the examination. (You can find information on funding opportunities in the chapter “Qualification for the labour market”)
The right expertise course from the right provider
It is important to choose a reputable and competent provider with the right course programme. Because even in the training sector of the security industry, there are some training providers with rather flimsy offers that are more about taking money out of your pocket. Often, highly overpriced courses are offered, garnished with self-invented certificates (e.g. “security specialist”) and sometimes costing several thousand euros. Under certain circumstances, one also receives additional, quite interesting qualifications. However, the overall training is not recognised and the (partly recognised) sub-modules can be acquired individually at a lower price. If it is “only” a question of reasonable preparation for the qualification examination according to § 34a GewO, you can safely do without such offers.
Serious preparation courses are available from just under 250 euros!
Quality features & tips
The choice of a suitable training provider is one of the decisive factors for your exam success. The following criteria generally speak for the quality of a corresponding training institution and the respective course:
- Qualification of the lecturers
The lecturers of the respective course should have completed a recognised, higher-level training in the security industry (e.g. master craftsman for protection and security) or be qualified for this on the basis of another recognised professional qualification. Especially in the particularly sensitive area of “law”, it makes sense to obtain sound first-hand knowledge from a lawyer. Beyond the professional component, your lecturers should also be methodically and didactically trained and experienced in teaching. Therefore, make sure that your lecturer is also a trainer according to the Ordinance on Trainer Aptitude (AEVO). - Practical and exam-related teaching
It is definitely an advantage if your teachers know what you are talking about from their own experience. On the one hand, facts can be better presented on the basis of practical experience, on the other hand, the lecturer should himself be familiar with the examination requirements in order to be able to prepare you effectively. It is ideal, for example, if your instructors are themselves represented on the examination committees for the Chamber of Industry and Commerce’s expert knowledge examination. - Certification of the course / certification of the provider
The preparatory course should have been certified by a legitimate body. Certification according to AZAV (formerly: AZWV) of training providers and training measures by an independent organisation is a prerequisite for funding by the Employment Agency and an objective quality feature. - Quality Management Certificate
If a certificate according to DIN EN ISO 9001 is available, this means that the training provider operates an active quality management system. Among other things, this is to ensure that customer requirements are optimally met and services are constantly improved. The training company is highly customer-oriented and will do everything to satisfy you as a course participant. - Telephone contact
Contact the provider personally or ask for a callback. This way you can see whether a contact person is available and how reliably they will take care of your request. You can also clarify questions in advance, inquire about special conditions and gain a personal impression. - Appearance of the provider
If the website of the training provider already looks like “cabbage and turnips” and if course dates and information are stored that date back to the last century, this already allows clear conclusions to be drawn about the (lack of) professionalism of the provider. - Personal consultation appointment
If you are unsure, simply make an appointment for an information talk at the training centre. In addition to further information on the course programme, you will also gain a direct impression of the organisation and equipment on site.
Hint: Prices may have changed since the time of research. Please note the information on the linked shop page!