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2026 Statistics
Key Facts: Malermeister/in HFP Exam
480 min
Official assessment time
SMGV Prüfungsordnung
Grade 4.0
Minimum pass grade (1.0-6.0 scale)
SMGV Prüfungsordnung
CHF 2,000
Official examination fee
SMGV fee schedule
SBFI NQF 6
National Qualification Framework
SBFI Vocational Registry
Four examination parts of roughly 25.5 hours, including an eight-hour practical decoration assignment; the overall grade must reach 4.0 with Part 1 at 4.0 and no part below 3.0. These practice questions are an English-language MCQ study adaptation of the coating, calculation, law and design knowledge — not a substitute for the practical part.
Sample Malermeister/in HFP Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to test your Malermeister/in HFP exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1A painting enterprise in the Canton of Zurich employs 12 journeymen painters under the Swiss Collective Employment Agreement for the Painting and Plastering Trade (GAV Maler- und Gipsergewerbe). During the busy summer season, several employees work 45 hours per week. How does the GAV annual working time model (Jahresarbeitszeitmodell) regulate weekly maximum working hours and the compensation of overtime (Überstunden)?
A.The normal weekly working time is fixed at 40.0 hours year-round; any time worked over 40.0 hours must be paid out at the end of each month with a mandatory 50% cash surcharge
B.The GAV establishes an annual working time baseline (typically 2,080 hours/year or an average of 40.0–40.5 hours/week) with a seasonal bandwidth allowing up to 45 hours/week in peak periods, where hours within the bandwidth are credited to an annual time account (Arbeitszeitkonto) without immediate surcharge
C.Employers may unilaterally mandate up to 52 hours per week without keeping time records, provided an annual lump-sum bonus equal to one month's wage is paid
D.Overtime compensation under the GAV is entirely unregulated and left to informal oral agreements between the site foreperson and individual workers
Explanation: The GAV Maler- und Gipsergewerbe operates on a flexible annual working time system (Jahresarbeitszeitmodell). Standard weekly hours are set within an approved seasonal bandwidth (typically between 37.5 and 45 hours per week) averaging 40.0 to 40.5 hours across the calendar year. Hours worked within this bandwidth are recorded in the employee's Arbeitszeitkonto and balanced during slower winter months; only positive hours exceeding the annual threshold or defined maximum weekly caps trigger overtime surcharges (typically 25%) upon year-end reconciliation.
2A painting contractor completes interior painting works for a commercial office building under a contract incorporating SIA-Norm 118. Fourteen months after the formal joint acceptance inspection (Gemeinsame Abnahmeprüfung), the client discovers hairline shrinkage cracks along several drywall corner joints and immediately notifies the contractor. How does SIA-Norm 118 regulate the defect notification period (Rügefrist) compared to statutory Swiss Code of Obligations (OR Art. 367)?
A.Under SIA-Norm 118 Art. 172/173, a 2-year guarantee period applies during which the client may report any defect at any time, in contrast to OR Art. 367 which requires immediate notice upon discovery
B.SIA-Norm 118 strictly requires all defects to be reported in writing within 7 working days of appearance; otherwise, all defect claims are definitively forfeited
C.SIA-Norm 118 eliminates all contractor liability once the final invoice (Schlussrechnung) is paid by the client
D.OR Art. 367 provides a 10-year unconditional guarantee period, whereas SIA-Norm 118 restricts all contractor defect liability to exactly 6 months
Explanation: Under SIA-Norm 118 (Art. 172 and Art. 173), a 2-year guarantee period (Rügefrist / Garantiefrist) begins upon formal delivery/acceptance of the work. During this 2-year window, the client is entitled to notify the contractor of any defects at any time without forfeiting rights, shifting the burden of proof to the contractor. In contrast, under statutory Swiss contract law (OR Art. 367 and Art. 370), defects must be reported immediately upon discovery (sofortige Rügeobliegenheit), failing which the work is deemed legally approved.
3A master painting contractor executes a facade coating project under a fixed lump-sum contract (Pauschalvertrag nach OR Art. 373). During the works, extreme unseasonal torrential rainfall exceeding 100-year historical records causes severe structural groundwater flooding and substrate saturation, preventing coating application for six weeks and causing substantial extra heating and dehumidification costs. Can the contractor claim price adjustments under OR Art. 373 Abs. 2?
A.No, because a Pauschalpreis is strictly unalterable under all circumstances regardless of unforeseen natural disasters or cost increases
B.No, the contractor must bear all costs unless the contract specifically contained an automatic inflation indexing clause
C.Yes, if extraordinary, unforeseeable circumstances (ausserordentliche Umstände) arise that could not have been anticipated and render performance excessively onerous, a judge or arbitrator may adjust the lump sum or terminate the contract
D.Yes, the contractor may unilaterally increase the final invoice by up to 50% without providing documentation or obtaining owner consent
Explanation: Under Swiss Law of Obligations (OR Art. 373 Abs. 2), if extraordinary circumstances occur that were unforeseeable or excluded according to the assumptions of both parties, and which impede or excessively complicate the completion of the work, the court (or arbitrator) may authorize an increase in the agreed fixed price (Pauschalpreis) or dissolve the contract (clausula rebus sic stantibus). 100-year catastrophic weather events causing severe substrate saturation qualify as such extraordinary circumstances.
4A painting enterprise completes extensive refurbishment works on a private villa in Bern on 30 April. The general contractor becomes insolvent and fails to pay the final outstanding invoice of CHF 45,000. To secure the claim via a mechanics' lien (Bauhandwerkerpfandrecht nach ZGB Art. 837 Abs. 1 Ziff. 3), by what strict statutory deadline must the provisional entry (provisorische Eintragung) be registered in the Land Register (Grundbuch)?
A.Within 30 calendar days following the invoice issuance date
B.Within 12 months after the signing of the initial contract for work and services
C.Within 2 years from the date of building permit issuance
D.Within 4 months at the latest following the completion of the painting works (Vollendung der Arbeiten nach ZGB Art. 839 Abs. 2)
Explanation: Pursuant to Swiss Civil Code (ZGB Art. 839 Abs. 2), the registration of a mechanics' lien (Bauhandwerkerpfandrecht) must be entered in the Grundbuch at the latest within 4 months following the completion of the work (Vollendung der Arbeiten). To meet this forfeiture deadline (Verwirkungsfrist), the contractor must obtain a judicial order for provisional entry (provisorische Eintragung nach ZGB Art. 961) from the competent court before the 4-month period expires.
5Under the GAV Maler- und Gipsergewerbe, the Stiftung FAR (Frühzeitiger Altersrücktritt) provides an early retirement scheme for eligible operational workers in the painting trade. How is this foundation funded, and what is its primary benefit structure?
A.It is funded jointly by mandatory employer and employee payroll contributions (paritätische Beiträge), allowing eligible craft workers to retire up to 3 years prior to the statutory AHV retirement age with bridging pension benefits (Überbrückungsrente)
B.It is funded entirely by cantonal tax subsidies with no contributions from the employer or employee
C.It is a voluntary private savings account managed by commercial banks where employers are prohibited from contributing
D.It provides full retirement benefits starting at age 50 funded exclusively by SMGV association membership dues
Explanation: The Stiftung FAR (Frühzeitiger Altersrücktritt im Maler- und Gipsergewerbe) is an industry-wide social institution established by the social partners (SMGV, Unia, Syna) and declared generally applicable (allgemeinverbindlich) by the Federal Council. It is funded through paritätische payroll contributions deducted from both employers and employees. Eligible painting personnel who have worked a requisite number of years in the trade can transition into early retirement up to 3 years before reaching standard AHV age, receiving a bridging pension until AHV/BVG entitlements begin.
6A client notices uneven gloss levels and roller marks (Ansatzstellen) on the living room ceiling of a newly renovated apartment. Under SIA-Norm 118 (Art. 169), what is the legal hierarchy of defect remedies available to the client, and what primary right does the painting contractor possess?
A.The client can immediately cancel the entire contract (Wandelung) and demand full reimbursement without giving the contractor any chance to inspect or rectify the work
B.The client must accept a mandatory 50% price reduction (Minderung) without any option for physical repairs
C.The contractor has a primary statutory and contractual right to rectify the defect (Recht zur Nachbesserung) within a reasonable deadline before the client can demand price reduction (Minderung) or contract cancellation (Wandelung)
D.The contractor is legally immune from rectifying cosmetic paint defects under Swiss building standards
Explanation: Under SIA-Norm 118 Art. 169 (which modifies statutory OR Art. 368), the contractor has the primary right and obligation to remedy defects through rectification (Nachbesserung) at their own expense within a reasonable timeframe. The client cannot immediately demand price reduction (Minderung) or contract rescission (Wandelung) unless the contractor refuses to cure the defect, fails to rectify it after a formal grace period, or if rectification is objectively impossible or causes disproportionate cost.
7A newly qualified Malermeister takes over an established 15-person painting firm and conducts a strategic SWOT analysis. The firm possesses deep expertise in mineral lime techniques and historic monument restoration but faces intense price competition in new residential drywall painting. Which strategic positioning represents the most sustainable competitive differentiation?
A.Engage in aggressive price undercutting on large-scale drywall tenders by hiring temporary untrained labor below GAV minimum wage
B.Position the firm as a premium specialist in historic preservation (Denkmalpflege), ecological mineral coatings, and high-end decorative finishes, where technical barriers to entry and profit margins are higher
C.Completely abandon all field painting operations to become an online paint retailer with no contracting services
D.Merge immediately with an unrelated civil engineering earthworks contractor to spread overhead
Explanation: In Swiss craft enterprise management, competing solely on price in commodity segments (such as mass drywall painting) erodes margins and increases exposure to wage dumping risks. Leveraging core competencies in heritage conservation (Denkmalpflege), natural lime/silicate systems, and artisan decoration creates a defensible niche (Differenzierungsstrategie nach Porter) with higher added value, lower price elasticity, and sustained profitability.
8During the formal joint acceptance inspection (Gemeinsame Abnahmeprüfung nach SIA 118 Art. 158) of exterior facade painting on an apartment complex, the architect and the master painter identify minor touch-up requirements along three window reveals. What legal effect does signing the joint acceptance protocol (Abnahmeprotokoll) have regarding the transfer of risk and the guarantee period?
A.The entire project is legally rejected, and the contractor cannot invoice any completed work until all other trades on site are finished
B.The protocol is merely an informal informational note with no legal or contractual consequences
C.The client permanently waives all rights to report any latent defects discovered in subsequent years
D.The work is deemed accepted with minor defects (Abnahme mit Mängeln); the risk of accidental loss passes to the client (Gefahrübergang), the 2-year guarantee period begins, and the contractor is obligated to rectify listed minor defects within an agreed deadline
Explanation: Under SIA-Norm 118 Art. 157–160, signing the Abnahmeprotokoll constitutes legal acceptance (Abnahme). If only minor defects are recorded that do not impair the usability of the work, the work is accepted with defects (Abnahme mit Mängeln). This triggers the transfer of risk (Gefahrübergang nach OR 376 / SIA 118 Art. 157), commences the 2-year guarantee period (Art. 172), starts the warranty liability period (Art. 180), and mandates rectification of the listed punch-list items within an agreed timeframe.
9A master painter reviews the annual balance sheet of their enterprise. The financial data indicates: Cash & Bank balances = CHF 120,000; Trade receivables (Forderungen aus L&L) = CHF 180,000; Inventories (Vorräte/Material) = CHF 80,000; Short-term liabilities (Kurzfristiges Fremdkapital) = CHF 250,000. What is the enterprise's Quick Ratio (Liquiditätsgrad 2), and does it meet standard Swiss financial benchmarks?
A.Quick Ratio = 120%; it meets the standard Swiss target benchmark of at least 100%
B.Quick Ratio = 48%; it indicates acute insolvency risk requiring immediate capital restructuring
C.Quick Ratio = 152%; it demonstrates excessive uninvested capital accumulation
D.Quick Ratio = 80%; it falls significantly below the minimum legal threshold of 100%
Explanation: Liquiditätsgrad 2 (Quick Ratio) is calculated as: $(\text{Flüssige Mittel} + \text{Kurzfristige Forderungen}) / \text{Kurzfristiges Fremdkapital} \times 100 = (120,000 + 180,000) / 250,000 \times 100 = 300,000 / 250,000 \times 100 = 120\%$. In Swiss business management, a Quick Ratio of 100% to 120% is considered healthy and robust, confirming that short-term debts can be comfortably covered by cash and near-cash receivables without needing to liquidate inventory.
10A journeyman painter employed full-time at a painting company in St. Gallen is discovered carrying out private paid painting jobs on weekends for clients of his employer using company ladders and tools without authorization. What legal obligations under the Swiss Code of Obligations (OR Art. 321a) and the GAV have been violated?
A.None, because Swiss labor law grants employees total freedom to perform private paid work during weekends without any restrictions
B.Only local municipal road traffic ordinances regarding vehicle parking
C.The statutory duty of loyalty (Treuepflicht nach OR Art. 321a Abs. 3), prohibition of illicit competition (Schwarzarbeit / Konkurrenzierung des Arbeitgebers), and unauthorized appropriation of company equipment
D.Only intellectual property copyright provisions regarding paint color formulas
Explanation: Under OR Art. 321a Abs. 3, an employee must not perform paid work for third parties to the extent that it breaches their duty of loyalty, particularly by competing with the employer. Performing clandestine painting work (Schwarzarbeit) for the employer's client base directly damages the employer commercially and constitutes a severe breach of the duty of loyalty (Treuepflicht) as well as the GAV Maler- und Gipsergewerbe, justifying immediate disciplinary action or termination for cause (OR Art. 337).
About the Malermeister/in HFP Exam
This Swiss federal higher professional examination certifies master painters and painting contractors. Administered by SMGV under SBFI supervision, it validates expertise in corporate management, Swiss contract law (SIA 118, OR 363-379), NPK estimation, coating technology, substrate forensics, corrosion protection (ISO 12944), VOC compliance, historic preservation, and SUVA safety.
Assessment
Part 1 Projektarbeit: written, 8 h, weighted 3. Part 2 Fachgespräch: oral, 60 min, weighted 3. Part 3 Kalkulation und Betriebswirtschaft: written, 8 h, weighted 2. Part 4 Dekoration und Gestaltung: practical work, 8 h, plus an oral Fachgespräch of 30 min, weighted 2 (Prüfungsordnung vom 31.05.2024).
Time Limit
Approximately 25.5 hours in total across the four examination parts
Passing Score
Overall grade at least 4.0, no part below 3.0, and at least 4.0 in Part 1 Projektarbeit
Exam Fee
CHF 2,000 excluding material costs (Prüfungskommission HBB Maler und Gipser) (Prüfungskommission Höhere Berufsbildung Maler und Gipser (SMGV / FREPP) under SBFI supervision)
Malermeister/in HFP Exam Content Outline
25%
Unternehmensführung und Recht
Strategic leadership, Swiss labor law (GAV Maler- und Gipsergewerbe, OR), financial controlling, marketing, SIA 118 contracts, warranty liability.
25%
Projektleitung und Kalkulation
NPK 671/672 estimation, cost accounting, surcharge calculation (MGK, FGK), work scheduling, subcontractor coordination, billing.
30%
Material- und Beschichtungstechnologie
Substrate diagnostics, moisture physics, binders, ISO 12944 corrosion protection, VOC regulations (ChemRRV), hazardous substances, SUVA BauAV safety.
20%
Denkmalpflege und Farbgestaltung
Historic preservation, lime paints, silicate coatings, NCS/RAL color systems, architectural color design, decorative finishes, forensic defect analysis.
How to Pass the Malermeister/in HFP Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: Overall grade at least 4.0, no part below 3.0, and at least 4.0 in Part 1 Projektarbeit
- Assessment: Part 1 Projektarbeit: written, 8 h, weighted 3. Part 2 Fachgespräch: oral, 60 min, weighted 3. Part 3 Kalkulation und Betriebswirtschaft: written, 8 h, weighted 2. Part 4 Dekoration und Gestaltung: practical work, 8 h, plus an oral Fachgespräch of 30 min, weighted 2 (Prüfungsordnung vom 31.05.2024).
- Time limit: Approximately 25.5 hours in total across the four examination parts
- Exam fee: CHF 2,000 excluding material costs (Prüfungskommission HBB Maler und Gipser)
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
Malermeister/in HFP Study Tips from Top Performers
1Master NPK 671/672 deduction rules and surcharge cost calculations (MGK, FGK, Mischstundensatz).
2Know substrate forensics: Künzel weather-resistance criteria, concrete carbonation testing, and dew point calculations.
3Apply ISO 12944 corrosivity categories (C1-CX) and Sa 2.5 blast cleaning standards.
4Understand SIA 118 defect notification periods (2-year Rügefrist, 5-year hidden defect limitation).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the official HFP Malermeister exam multiple choice?
No. It consists of written case studies, technical calculations, and an oral master colloquium. This bank is an English MCQ study adaptation.
Which languages are official?
The official examination is available in German, French, and Italian.
What is the fee for the examination?
The official examination fee is CHF 2,000. Preparatory courses are eligible for up to 50% federal subject financing from SBFI.