For general questions on the recognition of professional qualifications, please visit the following page: recognition.swiss | FAQ
SERI recognition procedure
General
What is the difference between a level certificate and recognition?
How long does the SERI recognition procedure take?
I can no longer find my SERI recognition decision. Is it possible to obtain a duplicate?
I live abroad. Can I still start a recognition procedure with SERI?
Can I submit an application for someone else?
SERI issues two types of decision depending on the regulation of the professions:
- Level certificate (non-regulated professions)
This decision indicates the level and duration of your foreign training in the Swiss education system. This examination does not take into account the content of the foreign training and does not refer to a specific Swiss qualification. - Recognition (regulated professions)
This decision attests to the equivalence of your foreign professional qualification with a Swiss professional qualification.
The length of the procedure depends on a number of factors, including when the application is considered complete. SERI prioritises the processing of regulated professions, for which recognition is compulsory. The average processing time is 4 months. For non-regulated professions, the processing time may be longer, as recognition is not a prerequisite for employment.
However, the number of applications is constantly increasing, so that SERI and other recognition bodies cannot always guarantee these deadlines.
Would you like to help keep processing times short? Please read the information you receive carefully, ask for help from friends and family, check the bodies’ websites and write only when absolutely necessary.
An accelerated procedure is not possible, even in urgent cases. SERI processes complete applications in the order in which they are received.
Yes, if the recognition decision was issued after 2007. A duplicate can be requested by writing to recognition@sbfi.admin.ch and costs CHF 90.
Recognition decisions issued before 2007 are no longer available. In this case, you can submit a new application for recognition via the online portal (see instructions (PDF, 665 kB, 14.06.2024)).
Yes, as long as you are eligible to settle in Switzerland (e.g. EU/EFTA national, third-country nationals with a residence permit, family reunion, contact with a Swiss employer).
Yes, it is possible to act as an agent by ticking the appropriate box and uploading the power of attorney to the online portal. Examples can be found on the Internet; SERI does not prescribe any particular form.
When is recognition not possible?
Is it possible to apply for recognition of my compulsory education certificate (lower-secondary level)?
Is it possible to apply for recognition of my Matura (general baccalaureate, high school diploma, upper-secondary level)?
Is it possible to apply for recognition for my continuing education?
Is it possible to apply for recognition of my professional qualifications obtained in a private school/institution?
Is it possible to apply for recognition of my unfinished training?
What should I do if I cannot get my professional qualifications recognised?
Can I be exempted from general subjects as part of my training?
In Switzerland, there is no competent body for the recognition of compulsory school-leaving certificates. Such a certificate is taken into account by schools when starting a first vocational training course, or when continuing education at upper-secondary level.
In Switzerland, there is no competent body for recognising general Matura diplomas (general baccalaureate, high school diploma, upper-secondary level). Such a certificate generally gives access to higher education studies.
Would you like to study in Switzerland? Please contact the school or institution of your choice. They alone are responsible for deciding your admission.
Detailed information on admission procedures to Swiss universities can be found on the swissuniversities website: Zulassung mit ausländischem Vorbildungsausweis
In Switzerland, there is no competent body for the recognition of continuing education courses (in particular CAS, DAS, MAS, etc.). These generally help to develop skills in the desired field of activity. They can be included in an application file, but it is up to the employer to decide what value to place on them.
No. SERI only recognises qualifications that are recognised by the state or accredited by an official body.
If the private qualification enables you to practise a profession that is not regulated in Switzerland, you can work without recognition. The reputation of the private school is likely to play an important role in contacts with employers.
SERI can only grant recognition of qualifications if the foreign training has been fully completed and a professional qualification has been awarded.
If the profession you wish to practise is not regulated, you have access to the labour market and can apply directly for a job.
If you are having difficulty finding work, you may need to consider retraining or re-qualification. You can contact the vocational, academic and career guidance office in your canton of residence: www. berufsberatung.ch. They offer information and advice on all matters relating to training, professions and careers in Switzerland.
Careers guidance offices will also be able to tell you about the opportunities available in your canton to obtain professional qualifications for adults. For further information: www.berufsbildungplus.ch
The answer to this question does not lie with SERI, but with the relevant cantonal authorities. Please contact the education department in your canton of residence: Contact of the cantonal education departments
Costs
How much does it cost to process an application with SERI?
To which account (IBAN number) should I pay the fees?
Can I pay the fees in euros?
Can I pay the fees by invoice or in monthly instalments?
Will SERI send me a payment confirmation?
- For a level certificate, the fee is CHF 150.
- For a recognition, the fee is CHF 550.
- If you are required to take compensatory measures, the corresponding costs will be notified to you by the providers of these measures and will be at your expense.
- Once these measures have been successfully completed, an additional fee of CHF 90 will be charged to you for the issue of the final decision.
To the IBAN number: CH 11 0900 0000 3051 0588 2
You will also receive the "IBAN" form with the information email.
No, it is not possible to pay the fees in euros. Your payment order to your bank must be in Swiss francs at the current exchange rate.
Please note that you will be required to pay any bank charges incurred when transferring the fees.
No, payment must be made by a single bank transfer to the IBAN no. CH 11 0900 0000 3051 0588 2.
SERI does not issue invoices.
Once you have paid, please upload the proof of payment to the online portal. You will not receive any specific confirmation that we have received your payment.
Documents
What documents do I need to provide in order to submit an application?
Can I translate my professional qualifications myself?
What language certificates does SERI accept as proof of my language skills?
What is a certified copy and where can I request one?
I need to upload "proof of work experience". What does this consist of?
I need to upload a "program of study". What is it and where can I get it?
Where can I get the proof of payment that I need to upload to my file?
In principle, the following documents must be scanned and uploaded to the SERI online portal:
- copy of passport / identity card
- qualification subject to recognition (in its original language)
- official translation of the qualification if it is in a language other than French, Italian, German or English
Once you have submitted your application, you may be required to submit further documents, such as a certified copy of your qualification, or in some cases a language certificate. This varies on a case-by-case basis and you will receive an email indicating which additional documents, if any, need to be uploaded to the online portal before your application can be examined.
No, the translation into one of the Swiss national languages (German, French or Italian) must be carried out by a qualified translator. Qualifications which are originally in English do not require translation.
On the website of Swiss Association of Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters (ASTTI), you will find information about its professionals and the languages they cover.
You can also have the document translated in your home country by a professional translator.
If a language certificate is required, SERI recognises the following language diplomas in particular:
German certificates
- Zentrale Mittelstufenprüfung (ZMP Goethe-Institut)
- Kleines Deutsches Sprachdiplom (KDS Goethe-Institut)
- Zentrale Oberstufenprüfung (ZOP Goethe-Institut)
- Großes Deutsches Sprachdiplom (GDS Goethe-Institut)
- Zürcher Handelskammer, Sprachdiplom
- Zertifikat TELC Deutsch B2
- Deutsch+
- did deutsch-institut GmbH Prüfungsabschluss europäisches Sprachenportfolio Niveau B2 (GLS German Language School Berlin)
- Prüfungsabschluss europäisches Sprachenportfolio Niveau B2
French certificates
- Alliance Française, Diplôme de Langue
- Alliance Française, Diplôme Supérieur d'Études Françaises (with literature)
- French Ministry of Education, DELF 2
- French Ministry of Education, DALF
- TELC French B2 certificate
- Geneva Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIG)
- European Language Portfolio, level B2
Italian certificates
- Università di Perugia, from Celi 3
- TELC italiano B2
- PLIDA
- Portfolio europeo delle lingue, livello B2
A certified copy is a photocopy of the original document made by an authority. The authority affixes a seal/stamp and signature to the photocopy. The authority officially certifies that the copy of your qualification corresponds in every respect to the original.
A certified copy can be requested in Switzerland or abroad from
- The local authority/town hall or the commune of residence in Switzerland (except cantons of Vaud, Geneva and Ticino)
- An embassy or consulate
- A lawyer or notary
Make sure you get a certified copy of the qualification in the original language, not of its translation.
This is a document drawn up by the employer describing the duration of your employment, your work-time percentage, your role and the activities you carried out. This document may be relevant to the examination of your application.
The program of study is the content of all the courses attended (name, content and number of hours).
You can request it from your training institute.
Proof of payment can be obtained from your bank/post office on request.
If you pay online, you can download a proof of payment from your e-banking account. Screenshots are also accepted.
Compensatory measures
What is meant by "compensatory measures"?
Will I have to take an aptitude test or other compensatory measures?
Where are the compensatory measures carried out and how long do they last?
What is an aptitude test?
What is a training course?
How long do I have to carry out the compensatory measures once I have received the decision?
If the assessment of the study program reveals substantial differences between foreign and Swiss study programs, compensatory measures offer the possibility of proving the threshold of the required professional skills. They take the form of either an aptitude test or a training course, with or without additional training.
Compensatory measures are only provided for regulated professions.
It is not possible to know whether compensatory measures will be necessary until your application for recognition has been fully analysed. It all depends on the content of your training and even your professional experience.
You will find this information in the recognition decision (who to contact, when, etc.).
The aptitude test is usually organised by an external provider (e.g., professional association, school or university).
The training course is completed with an employer. You are responsible for finding an internship with a qualified employer.
The aptitude test is a short exam (ranging from a few hours to 1-2 days). It allows you to quickly demonstrate that you have addressed the gaps identified in your foreign training.
The training course, which lasts from a few months to 1-2 years, enables the trainee to gradually gain practical experience under the supervision of a qualified professional. The training course may be supplemented by additional training.
There is no formal limit. However, should the Swiss training programme change or cease to exist, the compensatory measures may no longer be appropriate. It is therefore advisable to take them as soon as possible.
Technical questions about submitting your application online
How do I submit an application (level certificate or recognition) on the SERI online portal?
I have forgotten my password. What should I do?
I am having problems logging in. What should I do?
I did not receive a code by SMS. What should I do?
On your computer, open the link www.becc.admin.ch/becc/app/fada using Microsoft Edge or Mozilla Firefox.
- Select the "CH-LOGIN" option.
Then follow the steps for registering and logging on to the online portal described in the instructions (PDF, 665 kB, 14.06.2024). - It is important to remember your user ID and password.
- Select "CH-LOGIN"
- Enter your email address
- Click on "Forgot password?”
- You can now create a new password
In this case, please contact the Federal Office of Information Technology and Telecommunication (FOITT): +41 58 465 88 88
Important: inform the FOITT support that this is the login for the "BeCC" online portal.
In this case, please contact the Federal Office of Information Technology and Telecommunication (FOITT): +41 58 465 88 88
Important: inform the FOITT support that this is the login for the "BeCC" online portal.
Recognition of Swiss professional qualifications abroad
I am moving abroad and would like to know whether I need to have my Swiss professional qualifications recognised. Where can I find out?
I need an apostille. Where can I get one?
There is no such thing as "international recognition" or a procedure that applies to all countries. The regulation of professions and the definition of the recognition procedure fall within the competence of each State, even within the EU/EFTA (Free movement of professionals).
Procedures vary according to the host country. However, here is some useful information:
- First step is to decide whether you want to study or work abroad.
- If you want to study, the school will decide on your admission on the basis of your Swiss professional qualifications. In this case, please contact the school.
- If you want to work abroad, you need to find out whether your profession is regulated there. You can find out whether a specific qualification is required, for example, from the EU database of regulated professions, potential employers, professional associations or with the help of the local Swiss embassy.
- Is a specific qualification required for your profession? Then you will need to get your qualifications recognised. The competent body will inform you about the recognition procedure.
- Is the profession not regulated? Then you can work directly with your Swiss professional qualifications.
If the foreign authorities require a certificate, you will find information on this page: Certificates for foreign authorities
To legalise a document in Switzerland:
- Document issued by a federal authority
- Apostilles are issued by the Federal Chancellery.
- For more details, please visit the Federal Chancellery website under www.bk.admin.ch/bk/en/home.html.
- Document issued by a cantonal authority
- The Chancellery of that canton is then responsible for affixing the apostille.
Please contact one of the above authorities directly.
Further information
If you have any questions about any of the topics below, please contact the relevant department directly:
- Career guidance
- European Employment Services (EURES)
- Working in Switzerland
- Studying in Switzerland
- Classification in the National Qualifications Framework (CNC vocational training)
- Professional qualifications for adults
- Contact points in the EU/EFTA Member States for the recognition of Swiss diplomas abroad