The full-time education and training programme lasts at least two years including traineeships; the part-time vocational programme takes at least three years. For the part-time vocational programme, an occupation in the relevant field constituting at least 50% of the course is required. A minimum number of learning hours are required for the education and training programmes. The providers of education and training pass their own graduation regulations. The Ordinance on the Minimum Requirements for the Recognition of Study Programmes and Continuing Education and Training at Professional Education Institutions, issued by the EAER, regulates the qualification process for the diploma. The qualification processes at least comprise a practical assignment or project and oral or written examinations.

The titles awarded by recognised Professional Education Institutions are protected by law: on the diploma, the name of the education and training programme and the corresponding title are stated together with «dipl.», and «HF» is also added (e.g. «dipl. Techniker HF Holzbau», i.e. «Technician in Timber Construction, Advanced Federal Diploma of Higher Education»). With a diploma from a Professional Education Institution, it is possible to enrol in a Bachelor's degree programme at a university of applied sciences in the same field of study, or in a related field of study. Post-diploma programmes at Professional Education Institutions lead to a recognised diploma; the suffix «NDS HF» is added to the name of the programme (e.g. «dipl. Controller NDS HF»).