STS
STS (Sauter Training & Simulation SA) is a Swiss project management training company founded in 1996, offering proprietary tools (SimulTrain simulation, X-AM exam simulators, e-Learning, assessment tools) and certification prep courses (PMP, IPMA, PMI-ACP, PRINCE2) to professionals, corporates, and 250+ educational institutions across 51 countries.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1996
- HeadquartersLausanne, Switzerland
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What STS does
STS (Sauter Training & Simulation SA) is a Swiss-headquartered training company founded in 1996 that specializes exclusively in project management education and the development of proprietary training tools. The company offers a portfolio built around four core digital products: SimulTrain®, a multimedia project management simulation (serious game) in which teams of 3-4 work through a full project lifecycle under expert moderation; X-AM, exam simulators for PMP, CAPM, PMI-ACP, IPMA Level D, and PRINCE2; an e-Learning platform delivering 300+ on-demand lessons ranging from 6 to 70 hours; and standardized Assessment Tools (PM Knowledge Test and PM Skill Test). All tools are multilingual, with SimulTrain available in more than 22 languages. The product stack underpins a catalog of certification preparation courses spanning PMI (PMP, CAPM, PMI-ACP), IPMA (Level D and Level C-A), GPM-b Green Project Management, DASM, PRINCE2, and Half Double, as well as structured practitioner and professional-level training programs (e.g., Project Management Essentials, Leading Agile Teams, Advanced Techniques, AI in Project Management).
STS monetizes through four reinforcing revenue streams: instructor-led certification courses (public sessions in Lausanne, Zurich, Geneva, and virtual, plus in-house corporate engagements), self-serve e-Learning and X-AM subscriptions accessed via its Learning Management System, SimulTrain simulation sessions run by expert moderators, and consulting/coaching/tailoring services. Pricing is unit-based and disclosed in Swiss Francs, with certification courses ranging from approximately CHF 1,200 to CHF 2,475 per participant. Go-to-market combines enterprise field sales for multinational and SME corporate training, a direct-to-consumer self-serve channel for individual certification candidates, and a partner/reseller channel serving over 250 educational institutions worldwide (including EAE Business School Barcelona, Université du Québec à Montréal, Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, and École des Mines) plus training partners who white-label the tools. Authorized Training Partner status with PMI and IPMA accreditation function as critical go-to-market enablers.
Since 2023, STS has operated as a subsidiary of Hemsley Fraser, a training and talent development provider that also acquired MOS – MindOnSite in the same transaction. The company has trained project managers in 51 countries across five continents and serves multiple customer segments — project management professionals, corporate enterprises, educational institutions, and training partners — through a horizontally-segmented approach anchored in a PMI/IPMA-credentialed content library and proprietary simulation technology.
STS firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- STS
- Legal name
- STS Sauter Training & Simulation SA
- Website
- https://sts.ch
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1996
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- STS (Sauter Training & Simulation SA) is a Swiss project management training company founded in 1996, offering proprietary tools (SimulTrain simulation, X-AM exam simulators, e-Learning, assessment tools) and certification prep courses (PMP, IPMA, PMI-ACP, PRINCE2) to professionals, corporates, and 250+ educational institutions across 51 countries.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
STS industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Project Management Training
- NAICS
- Professional and Management Development Training (611430), Professional and Management Development Training (61143), Business Schools and Computer and Management Training (6114)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Prepackaged Software (7372)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Project, Process & Quality Certification Prep (PMP, PRINCE2, Lean Six Sigma, ITIL) (EDANAIAE)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Project, Program & Portfolio Management Certifications (EDAAANAB), Industry-Specific Technical & Certification Prep (e.g., Construction, Manufacturing, Energy) (EDAGANAN), Software Development (Programming, Frameworks, Dev Tools) (EDABAFAA)
Keywords
Where STS is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Lausanne
- HQ country
- Switzerland
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices3 records
Markets served
STS business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Certification Training Courses: STS provides preparation courses for professional certifications including PMP, IPMA Level D, C-A, CAPM, PMI-ACP, GPM-b (Green Project Management), PRINCE2, DASM, and Half Double. These are offered as public courses (face-to-face in Zurich/Geneva or virtual) and in-house corporate training.
- E-Learning and Digital Tools: Online self-paced learning platform with courses ranging from 6 to 70 hours. Includes digital learning tools, exam simulators (X-AM), and assessment tools accessible through Learning Management System with individual access.
- Consulting and Coaching: Coaching services for knowledge and skill enhancement, and consulting/tailoring services for customizing training to specific organizational needs.
- SimulTrain Simulations: Project management simulation sessions facilitated by experts, played in teams of 3-4 persons either virtually or face-to-face, typically over 2 days combined with other learning activities.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | One time/ perpetual license | GPM-b Green Project Management - In-person course (2 days) |
| Unit Pricing | One time/ perpetual license | Plan-Based Project Manager - Virtual course (2 sessions of 3.5 hours) |
| Unit Pricing | One time/ perpetual license | PMI-ACP Certification Preparation - 6 virtual sessions (21 hours total) |
| Unit Pricing | One time/ perpetual license | Half Double Foundation Certification - 3-day course |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels8 records
STS product offering
Product offeringCore offering
STS provides project management training and certification preparation through four proprietary tools—SimulTrain® (project simulation), X-AM (exam simulators), an e-Learning platform, and Assessment Tools—combined with PMI- and IPMA-accredited courses (PMP, IPMA Level D/C-A, PMI-ACP, CAPM, PRINCE2, DASM, GPM-b, Half Double), plus tailor-made corporate training, consulting, and coaching. Offerings are delivered publicly in Switzerland, virtually worldwide, on-site for enterprises, through educational institutions, and via reseller/white-label partners.
Product overview
STS (Sauter Training & Simulation SA) is a Swiss training company specializing in project management education and developing innovative training tools. The product portfolio centers on four proprietary digital learning tools: SimulTrain® (a multimedia project management simulation/serious game), X-AM (exam simulators for certification preparation), e-Learning (on-demand digital courses), and Assessment Tools (skills evaluation instruments). These tools support a comprehensive range of certification preparation courses including PMP®, IPMA (Level D and Level C-A), PMI-ACP®, CAPM®, GPM-b™ Green Project Management, DASM®, PRINCE2®, and Half Double Certification. STS also offers structured training programs across practitioner and professional experience levels (e.g., Project Management Essentials, Introduction to Agile/Hybrid PM, Advanced Techniques, AI in Project Management, Leading Agile Teams), as well as tailor-made in-house training, coaching, and consulting services. All offerings are available in English, French, German, and several other languages.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- SimulTrain®: A multimedia project management simulation that enables participants to experience typical situations and challenges that occur in most projects within a few hours.
- X-AM
- e-Learning
- Assessment Tools
Products and services
- SimulTrain® Multimedia project management simulation (serious game) played in teams of 3-4 over approximately 7 hours, moderated by an expert trainer, where participants plan and execute a mid-sized project tracking cost, schedule, quality, and human factors. Available in 22+ languages and delivered virtually or face-to-face.
- X-AM Exam Simulators Algorithm-driven online exam preparation tool with hundreds of questions covering PMP, CAPM, PMI-ACP, IPMA Level D, and PRINCE2 certifications. Allows candidates to retake failed answers, tracks progress, and provides multilingual access via LMS.
- e-Learning Platform Self-paced digital learning platform with 300+ lessons covering project management topics from beginner to certification-candidate level (6 to 70 hours of content). Delivered through a personal-access Learning Management System with optional virtual coach accompaniment.
- Assessment Tools (PM Knowledge Test and PM Skill Test) Standardized evaluation tools that assess project management strengths and weaknesses through knowledge-based and situational questions, returning scorecards with results and allowing question review. Delivered via the LMS.
- PMP® Certification Preparation PMI-accredited Project Management Professional certification preparation course, offered as public face-to-face or virtual sessions and as in-company programs, aligned with PMI standards.
- IPMA Level D Certification Preparation IPMA-accredited project management certification preparation course covering competencies aligned with the ICB4 standard, for entry-level practitioners.
- IPMA Level C-A Certification Preparation IPMA-accredited certification preparation course for senior project managers, aligned with the ICB4 standard.
- PMI-ACP® Certification Preparation PMI Agile Certified Practitioner certification preparation covering Scrum, Lean, and Kanban approaches, delivered as public or in-company programs.
- CAPM® Certification Preparation PMI-accredited Certified Associate in Project Management certification preparation course for entry-level project managers.
- GPM-b™ Green Project Management Certification Green Project Management Basic certification preparation course using PRiSM methodology and the P5 standard for sustainable project management.
- DASM® Certification Preparation Disciplined Agile Scaling Manager certification preparation course.
- PRINCE2® Certification Preparation PRINCE2 project management methodology certification preparation course.
Quantifiable outcome
- High PMI, IPMA, and PRINCE certification success rate
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use STS
Customer profileNamed customers7 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
STS technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
STS partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Hemsley FrasercoreIn 2023, STS was acquired by Hemsley Fraser (along with MOS – MindOnSite), a complete provider of training and talent development. This acquisition expanded STS's reach and resources as part of a larger training organization.
- Project Management Institute (PMI)coreSTS is an Authorized Training Partner (ATP) of PMI. This status enables STS to provide official PMI certification preparation courses and use PMI trademarks. Partners can benefit from this status to enhance their own offerings.
- International Project Management Association (IPMA)coreSTS is an accredited training provider for IPMA certifications. All courses are recognized by and registered at IPMA.
- MOS – MindOnSitecoreAcquired alongside STS by Hemsley Fraser in 2023. MOS is a related training and talent development company.
- EAE Business School BarcelonaminorEducational institution using STS tools including X-AM exam simulators and SimulTrain in project management programs.
- Université du Québec à MontréalminorUniversity using SimulTrain in graduate-level project management courses for introduction and planning.
- Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and ArtsminorUniversity using STS e-learning course 'Predictive Fundamentals & Agile Essentials' in CAS Business Administration program.
- École des Mines (Institut Mines Télécom Alès)minorEngineering school integrating SimulTrain simulator into project management programs.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
STS competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- The Knowledge Academy: Global training company offering PMP, PRINCE2, and IPMA certification prep courses across many countries — directly overlapping STS's public-course model and customer base.
- ILX Group: UK-based training provider specializing in PRINCE2, PMP, and other PM certifications with accredited exam prep — directly comparable to STS's certification preparation core.
- Simplilearn: Online bootcamp and certification prep provider covering PMP, Scrum, and agile — competes with STS in the digital PMP prep and exam-simulator category.
- Invensis Learning: PMP, CAPM, PMI-ACP, and PRINCE2 certification training provider with virtual and corporate delivery — direct peer in the global PM certification prep category.
- KnowledgeHut: Provider of professional certification training including PMP, PMI-ACP, and Scrum, with virtual and classroom delivery — comparable digital + instructor-led PM training mix.
Broad incumbents
- Skillsoft: Global corporate learning platform with PMP and project management course libraries — broader incumbent with overlapping enterprise L&D buyers.
- QA Ltd: Large UK-based training provider with project management and PRINCE2 offerings alongside broader IT and business training — broader incumbent competing in overlapping PM training space.
- Pluralsight: Enterprise technology and professional skills learning platform including Agile/PM content — broader incumbent competing for corporate L&D budgets.
Others
- MindOnSite (MOS): Swiss digital learning platform acquired alongside STS by Hemsley Fraser in 2023 — closely related LMS/e-learning peer within the same parent group.
- Hemsley Fraser: Parent company of STS since 2023; a full-service corporate training and talent development provider — relevant for cross-sell economics and as the operating group within which STS sits.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
STS social profiles
Digital presenceSTS financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
STS leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles12 records
STS funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
STS M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about STS
What does STS do?
STS provides project management training and certification preparation through four proprietary tools—SimulTrain® (project simulation), X-AM (exam simulators), an e-Learning platform, and Assessment Tools—combined with PMI- and IPMA-accredited courses (PMP, IPMA Level D/C-A, PMI-ACP, CAPM, PRINCE2, DASM, GPM-b, Half Double), plus tailor-made corporate training, consulting, and coaching. Offerings are delivered publicly in Switzerland, virtually worldwide, on-site for enterprises, through educational institutions, and via reseller/white-label partners.
Is STS a public or private company?
STS is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was STS founded?
STS was founded in 1996. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is STS based?
STS is headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, in the Europe region.
How does STS make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Certification Training Courses are the primary driver. The others are E-Learning and Digital Tools, consulting and Coaching and simulTrain Simulations.
Who are STS's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are The Knowledge Academy, ILX Group, Simplilearn, Invensis Learning and KnowledgeHut. Broad incumbents are Skillsoft, QA Ltd and Pluralsight. Others are MindOnSite (MOS) and Hemsley Fraser.
Does STS have an API?
No public API is recorded for STS.
What industry is STS in?
STS's product category is Project Management Training. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDANAIAE, Project, Process & Quality Certification Prep (PMP, PRINCE2, Lean Six Sigma, ITIL), with a secondary code of EDAAANAB, Project, Program & Portfolio Management Certifications. Its NAICS code is 611430 and its SIC code is 8200.