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2026 Statistics
Key Facts: Elektroinstallations- und Sicherheitsexperte/in HFP Exam
540 min
Official assessment time
EIT.swiss Prüfungsordnung
Grade 4.0
Minimum pass grade (1.0-6.0 scale)
EIT.swiss Prüfungsordnung
CHF 1,530
Official examination fee
EIT.swiss official fee schedule
NIV Art. 8/9
Legal installation competence
Fedlex SR 734.27
Three oral examination parts of 60 minutes each (180 minutes total); every part must reach grade 4.0. These practice questions are an English-language MCQ study adaptation covering NIV/NIN installation and safety, project engineering, measurement and expert reporting, and enterprise management — not a simulation of the official oral examination.
Sample Elektroinstallations- und Sicherheitsexperte/in HFP Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to test your Elektroinstallations- und Sicherheitsexperte/in HFP exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1An electrical engineering firm is engaged by a commercial client to design, fabricate, and install a custom main low-voltage switchgear assembly (Hauptverteilung). Under the Swiss Code of Obligations (OR Art. 363 vs Art. 394), how is this contractual relationship legally classified, and what fundamental obligation does it impose on the contractor?
A.It is a contract for work and services (Werkvertrag under OR Art. 363), obligating the contractor to deliver a specific, fully functional, and defect-free physical result (geschuldeter Arbeitserfolg).
B.It is a simple agency contract (einfacher Auftrag under OR Art. 394), obligating the contractor only to provide diligent and skilled labor without guaranteeing any final operational outcome.
C.It is a sales contract with installation ancillary duty (Kaufvertrag mit Montagepflicht under OR Art. 184), where liability for operational safety transfers to the client immediately upon delivery of components.
D.It is an innominate preliminary agreement (Vorvertrag under OR Art. 22), where statutory defect liability only commences after formal approval by the cantonal building inspectorate.
Explanation: Pursuant to Art. 363 OR, a contract for work and services (Werkvertrag) obligates the contractor (Unternehmer) to produce a specific work (Herstellung eines Werkes). The contractor is legally bound to deliver an agreed, tangible, and operational result (Arbeitserfolg) that complies with all applicable technical safety norms (NIN / EN 61439), rather than merely expending diligent effort as in a simple agency contract (Auftrag OR 394).
2A Swiss general contractor and an electrical installation company incorporate SIA Standard 118 into their construction contract. Fourteen months after formal acceptance (Werkabnahme), the building owner discovers an intermittent neutral connection in a sub-distribution panel. How does SIA Standard 118 Art. 172/173 govern the owner's defect notification rights (Rügefrist) compared to the statutory Swiss Code of Obligations (OR Art. 367)?
A.Under SIA 118, the owner must give notice within 7 working days of discovery, exactly matching the strict statutory immediate notification rule of OR Art. 367.
B.Under SIA 118 Art. 172/173, the owner benefits from a 2-year guarantee period during which any discovered defect may be notified at any time, whereas statutory OR Art. 367 requires immediate notice upon discovery.
C.SIA 118 eliminates all defect notification rights after 12 months unless the defect was explicitly listed in the joint acceptance protocol (Abnahmeprotokoll).
D.Under SIA 118, the contractor is permanently released from liability if the owner operated the installation for more than 6 months without an accredited third-party SiNa audit.
Explanation: Under SIA Standard 118 Art. 172 and 173, the client benefits from a 2-year guarantee period (Rügefrist / Garantiefrist) during which non-hidden defects can be notified at any time without forfeiting warranty rights. In contrast, under statutory Swiss law (OR Art. 367), the client is subject to an immediate notification duty (sofortige Rügepflicht), where failure to notify defects within a few days results in legal deemed acceptance (Genehmigung nach OR Art. 370).
3Under the Swiss Low-Voltage Installation Ordinance (NIV / SR 734.27 Art. 8 & 9), what legal qualification qualifies an individual as technically competent (fachkundig) to hold a General Installation Permit (Allgemeine Installationsbewilligung) for an electrical contracting enterprise?
A.Holding a Swiss Federal VET Diploma (EFZ) as an Elektroinstallateur combined with 1 year of practical field experience.
B.Holding a Federal Diploma of Vocational Education (Berufsprüfung BP) as an Elektro-Sicherheitsberater without further practical or management examinations.
C.Holding the Swiss Federal Master Diploma (Höhere Fachprüfung HFP) as a Dipl. Elektroinstallations- und Sicherheitsexperte/in (or equivalent tertiary electrical engineering degree recognized by ESTI with required practical practice).
D.Holding an accredited ISO 9001 quality auditor certificate and completing a 3-day NIV safety refresher seminar at Electrosuisse.
Explanation: According to NIV Art. 8 Abs. 1, full technical competence (Fachkundigkeit) is held by persons who have successfully passed the Höhere Fachprüfung (HFP) as a Dipl. Elektroinstallations- und Sicherheitsexperte/in (formerly Eidg. Dipl. Elektroinstallateur), or who hold a recognized university/UAS electrical engineering degree with proven practical field experience under NIV. This qualification is the statutory prerequisite for an enterprise to be granted the General Installation Permit (Allgemeine Installationsbewilligung) by ESTI under NIV Art. 9.
4A sanitation and heating company employs service technicians who frequently disconnect and replace circulation pumps and water heaters. Under NIV Art. 15, what is the exact statutory scope and limitation of an Appliance Connection Permit (Anschlussbewilligung für besondere Anlagen)?
A.It permits the holder to plan, install, and certify complete low-voltage distribution boards up to 63 A in industrial buildings.
B.It allows the holder to install new sub-distribution cabling from the main building panel up to the connection socket of the heating system.
C.It permits non-electricians without an electrical EFZ to perform high-voltage transformer switching operations during grid outages.
D.It authorizes the holder to connect, replace, and disconnect fixed electrical equipment and appliances from the dedicated connection point, without altering or extending the upstream installation.
Explanation: Pursuant to NIV Art. 15, an Anschlussbewilligung granted by ESTI authorizes trained professionals in related trades (e.g., HVAC technicians) to connect, disconnect, or replace fixed electrical appliances and equipment directly at the terminal point or from an existing junction box. It strictly prohibits extending, modifying, or installing upstream electrical distribution circuits or building wiring.
5An electrical contractor prepares a cost estimate according to the EIT.swiss calculation methodology and NPK 581. The base direct labor cost (Grundlohn) is CHF 45.00/h. Social security overhead (Lohnnebenkosten LNK) is 30%, production overhead (Fertigungsgemeinkosten FGK) is 60% of direct wages, administrative/sales overhead (Verwaltungs- und Vertriebsgemeinkosten VGGK) is 18% of manufacturing costs (Herstellkosten), and profit & risk (Gewinn & Wagnis) is 8%. What is the resulting charge-out rate (Selbstkosten + G&W) per hour?
A.Approximately CHF 115.80/h to CHF 119.30/h
B.Approximately CHF 85.50/h
C.Approximately CHF 148.20/h
D.Approximately CHF 62.10/h
Explanation: Following EIT.swiss costing schema: 1) Direct labor + LNK = CHF 45.00 * 1.30 = CHF 58.50/h (Fertigungslohn FL); 2) FL + FGK (60% on FL) = CHF 58.50 * 1.60 = CHF 93.60/h (Herstellkosten HK); 3) HK + VGGK (18% on HK) = CHF 93.60 * 1.18 = CHF 110.45/h (Selbstkosten SK); 4) SK + G&W (8% on SK) = CHF 110.45 * 1.08 = CHF 119.28/h (approx. CHF 115.80 to CHF 119.30/h depending on base allocation).
6Under SIA Standard 118 Art. 181, an electrical contractor provides a 10% warranty security bond (Garantieschein / Bankgarantie) for a CHF 250,000 installation project upon completion. When is the client legally obligated to release this warranty security back to the contractor?
A.Immediately upon issuance of the legal Sicherheitsnachweis (SiNa) following the final inspection (Schlussprüfung).
B.Upon expiration of the 2-year guarantee period (Garantiefrist), provided all notified defects have been properly remedied.
C.Exactly 5 years after acceptance, concurrent with the expiration of the hidden defect limitation period (Verjährungsfrist für Mängel).
D.At the periodic inspection interval set by the NIV Anhang for the installation type.
Explanation: Pursuant to SIA 118 Art. 181 Abs. 3, the retention money or warranty bank guarantee (Garantieschein) serves to secure the contractor's liability during the 2-year guarantee period (Garantiefrist). The client is obligated to release the guarantee upon expiration of this 2-year period, provided that no notified defects remain unrectified by the contractor.
7An electrical contractor finishes all electrical installations for a newly built commercial building on March 15. The client refuses to pay the final invoice of CHF 80,000. Under Swiss Civil Code (ZGB Art. 837/839), what is the strict statutory deadline for the contractor to provisionally register a mechanics' lien (Bauhandwerkerpfandrecht) in the land register (Grundbuch)?
A.Within 30 days of the invoice due date.
B.Within exactly 1 year from the date the building permit was granted by local authorities.
C.At the latest within 4 months following the completion of the electrical works (Vollendung der Arbeit).
D.At any time within the 5-year defect limitation period stipulated by OR Art. 371.
Explanation: According to ZGB Art. 839 Abs. 2, the registration of a mechanics' lien (Bauhandwerkerpfandrecht) must be entered in the land register (Grundbuch) at the latest within four months following the completion of the work (Vollendung der Arbeiten). This is a strict statutory preclusive deadline (Verwirkungsfrist) that requires obtaining a provisional court order before the 4-month window expires.
8Under the Swiss Labor Act (ArG Art. 9/12/13) and the Collective Labor Agreement for the Swiss Electrical Trade (GAV Elektro- und Telematikbranche), what is the legal distinction between contractual overtime (Überstunden) and statutory overtime (Überzeit)?
A.Überstunden are strictly prohibited by SUVA, whereas Überzeit is freely permitted up to 200 hours per year without compensation.
B.Überstunden refer to hours worked on public holidays, while Überzeit refers exclusively to night shift work.
C.There is no legal difference; both terms refer interchangeably to any work performed outside standard 08:00–17:00 hours.
D.Überstunden are hours worked beyond the agreed contractual weekly working time up to the statutory maximum (45 or 50 h/week), whereas Überzeit is work exceeding the statutory weekly maximum limit (ArG Art. 9).
Explanation: Under Swiss labor law, Überstunden (contractual overtime under OR Art. 321c / GAV) are hours worked beyond the standard weekly contract hours (e.g., 40–42 h) up to the statutory maximum limit. Überzeit (statutory overtime under ArG Art. 9 & 12) is work exceeding the mandatory legal weekly maximum limit (45 hours for industrial enterprises, 50 hours for craft/trades), which is subject to strict statutory restrictions and mandatory 25% wage supplements pursuant to ArG Art. 13.
9An electrical contractor signs a fixed lump-sum contract (Pauschalpreisvertrag under OR Art. 373) to wire a new office building for CHF 120,000. During execution, material prices for copper cables increase by 15%, and unforeseen ground water in the basement requires additional conduit routing not shown in the original architectural plans. Can the contractor claim extra compensation?
A.The contractor cannot claim compensation for the copper price increase, but can claim extra compensation for the additional conduit routing caused by the modified site conditions (OR Art. 373 Abs. 2 / SIA 118 Art. 86 ff.).
B.The contractor can automatically convert the entire lump-sum contract into a time-and-materials contract (Regiepreisvertrag) under OR Art. 374.
C.The contractor is strictly barred from receiving any additional compensation under any circumstances once a Pauschalpreis is agreed.
D.The contractor may unilaterally terminate the contract without liability under OR Art. 375 whenever costs exceed the budget by more than 5%.
Explanation: Under OR Art. 373 Abs. 1, a lump-sum price (Pauschalpreis) is binding even if costs were higher than planned; normal market material fluctuations (such as copper prices) are the contractor's calculation risk. However, under OR Art. 373 Abs. 2 and SIA 118, if extraordinary circumstances arise (unforeseen ground water requiring uncontracted additional work and plan alterations ordered by the client), the contractor is entitled to price adjustments for the additional scope.
10Under the revised Swiss Federal Act on Data Protection (revDSG / SR 235.1), an electrical contractor implements networked smart building automation, access control systems, and CCTV in an apartment complex. What data protection duty is legally required when handling tenant biometric and timestamped access logs?
A.Publishing all tenant access logs on an open public building portal for transparency.
B.Implementing appropriate technical and organizational measures (TOM) to secure access data against unauthorized processing and deleting logs once their legitimate operational purpose expires.
C.Submitting all CCTV footage to the cantonal police department every 24 hours.
D.Storing all access records indefinitely in unencrypted plain text for potential future insurance claims.
Explanation: Under the revised Swiss Data Protection Act (revDSG), processing personal data (such as electronic access logs and video surveillance) must comply with principles of purpose limitation, proportionality, and data security. The installer and system operator must establish Technical and Organizational Measures (TOM / Art. 8 revDSG), encrypt logs, restrict access to authorized personnel, and define clear retention and deletion schedules.
About the Elektroinstallations- und Sicherheitsexperte/in HFP Exam
This Swiss federal higher professional examination certifies master electricians and electrical safety experts. It legally confers full technical competence (Fachkundigkeit nach NIV Art. 8) to hold the General Installation Permit (NIV Art. 9) from ESTI. The official assessment uses written cases, practical testing, and oral colloquium in German, French, and Italian. This is an English-language MCQ study adaptation preserving Swiss technical standards (NIN / SN 411000), statutory ordinances (NIV), and ESTI directives.
Assessment
Part 1: Präsentation und Fachgespräch zum Praxisprojekt (oral, 60 min). Part 2: Fallstudie mit Fachgespräch (oral/written/practical, 60 min, AVOR issued at least 7 working days before). Part 3: Projektanalyse mit Fachgespräch (oral/written/practical, 60 min, AVOR issued at least 7 working days before). Total 180 minutes, per the EIT.swiss Prüfungsordnung valid from 1 January 2026.
Time Limit
180 minutes in total (3 × 60 minutes), plus at least 7 working days of preparation time for Parts 2 and 3
Passing Score
Grade of at least 4.0 on the Swiss 1.0–6.0 scale in every examination part
Exam Fee
CHF 1,995 excl. VAT (CHF 1,530 excl. VAT in combination with the HFP Elektroplanungsexperte/-expertin) (EIT.swiss, Prüfungssekretariat Höhere Berufsbildung, under SBFI supervision)
Elektroinstallations- und Sicherheitsexperte/in HFP Exam Content Outline
25%
Unternehmensführung und Recht
Swiss Code of Obligations (OR), labor law (ArG, GAV), accounting, NPK 581 estimation, contracts (SIA 118), corporate governance, revDSG.
25%
Projektierung und Engineering
Transformer stations, short-circuit current calculations (Ik min/max), cable sizing, selectivity, lightning protection (SNR 464022), PV, storage, building automation.
30%
Installation und Sicherheit
Low-voltage installation norms (NIN / SN 411000), NIV (SR 734.27), protective measures, RCD types, ESTI directives (232, 233, 245), SUVA safety rules.
20%
Messtechnik und Expertisen
Verification sequence (Erst-/Schlussprüfung), insulation resistance, loop impedance, RCD testing, SiNa, periodic inspections (NIV 32/35), thermography, expert reports.
How to Pass the Elektroinstallations- und Sicherheitsexperte/in HFP Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: Grade of at least 4.0 on the Swiss 1.0–6.0 scale in every examination part
- Assessment: Part 1: Präsentation und Fachgespräch zum Praxisprojekt (oral, 60 min). Part 2: Fallstudie mit Fachgespräch (oral/written/practical, 60 min, AVOR issued at least 7 working days before). Part 3: Projektanalyse mit Fachgespräch (oral/written/practical, 60 min, AVOR issued at least 7 working days before). Total 180 minutes, per the EIT.swiss Prüfungsordnung valid from 1 January 2026.
- Time limit: 180 minutes in total (3 × 60 minutes), plus at least 7 working days of preparation time for Parts 2 and 3
- Exam fee: CHF 1,995 excl. VAT (CHF 1,530 excl. VAT in combination with the HFP Elektroplanungsexperte/-expertin)
Keys to Passing
- Work through all 100 available questions
- Review every answer and explanation
- Track weak areas and revisit them
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
Elektroinstallations- und Sicherheitsexperte/in HFP Study Tips from Top Performers
1Master NIV (SR 734.27) permit articles (Art. 8, 9, 13, 14, 15) and periodic inspection intervals (1, 5, 10, 20 years under Art. 32).
2Calculate transformer short-circuit currents (Ik min/max), voltage drop, selectivity curves, and adiabatic thermal sizing (k2 S2 >= I2 t).
3Know exact test thresholds under NIN 6: R_PE < 0.2 Ohm at 200 mA, R_ISO >= 1.0 MOhm at 500 V DC, and RCD trip time <= 300 ms.
4Apply SIA 118 contract rules: joint inspection (Art. 158), 2-year guarantee notice (Art. 172), right to cure (Art. 169), and 5-year defect limitation (Art. 180).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the official HFP exam multiple choice?
No. The official examination consists of written engineering and business cases, practical safety measurements, and an oral expert colloquium. This bank is an English MCQ study adaptation.
Which languages are official?
The official examination is offered in German, French, and Italian.
What is the fee for the examination?
The official examination fee is CHF 1,530. Preparatory courses are eligible for up to 50% federal tuition reimbursement from SBFI.
What legal rights does this diploma grant?
It grants full technical competence (Fachkundigkeit) pursuant to NIV Art. 8, authorizing the holder to obtain the General Installation Permit (Allgemeine Installationsbewilligung NIV Art. 9) from ESTI.