Recognition of foreign qualifications

If you completed your education or training outside of Switzerland and obtained an academic or professional qualification, you can have it reviewed by the responsible recognition body to learn how it corresponds to qualifications in the Swiss educational system.

Regulated and non-regulated professions

Regulated professions are professions that are regulated by law. If you would like to practise a regulated profession, you will  need your qualification to be recognised. Visit the website recognition.swiss to find out whether recognition is required for your profession and which authority you should apply to for this.

For non-regulated professions, you generally do not need to have your foreign qualification recognised in order to practice the profession: you can access the labour market directly. A level certificate can be requested from the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI). This means your foreign
qualification will be classified within the Swiss education system. Level certificates can be useful when looking for work.

Procedure and important information

A fee is charged for recognising your qualification and the recognition process takes several weeks. You can find more  Information about the recognition process and frequently asked questions (FAQs) at recognition.swiss.

Depending on your profession and education, you may need to:

•  Provide an original certificate
• Have your certificate translated into a local language or English
• Demonstrate certain language skills or complete
  a language course

SERI’s contact point can answer general questions on the recognition of foreign qualifications. You can find more information and the contact form at sbfi. admin.ch/faq.

You can also find videos on the recognition of qualifications at sbfi.admin.ch/diploma.

Compensatory measures

If the competent recognition body identifies significant differences in the duration or content of your training /education for a regulated profession, it is possible to compensate for these differences via an aptitude test, a conversion course or additional training, for example. After successfully completing these measures, you may submit another application for recognition.

Is assistance available in other languages?

You can find out about intercultural interpreters, as well as further information and tips, at the Integration Office in your municipality of residence. The Swiss Association of Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters (ASTTI) can provide details of translators. Translations and interpreting services are subject to charge.