Swiss Federal Certificates and Diplomas

Yes, and that's precisely why this system exists. Swiss higher vocational training was designed for working professionals who want to progress without interrupting their career. The vast majority of preparation programmes, including those offered by OSAM Formations, are organised as evening, weekend or videoconference courses, with a weekly workload adapted to an active professional and personal life. However, a serious preparation period is still required, generally between 9 and 24 months depending on the level of qualification concerned, as well as real personal commitment, particularly in terms of revision and practical work.

The Swiss Federal PET Diploma (brevet fédéral) and the Federal PET Diploma (Diplôme fédéral) are both Swiss higher vocational education and training qualifications, but they correspond to two distinct levels of qualification. The federal patent (professional examination) certifies mastery of a profession in its operational and technical dimension: it is accessible after a few years of professional experience and prepares for specialised or middle management functions. The federal diploma (higher vocational examination) represents the highest level of vocational training, certifying an ability to assume leadership, strategic management or advanced expertise in a field. In practical terms, the certificate often precedes the diploma in a career progression pathway.

This course can be fully customised (content, format, language). Contact us for a free quote.

The courses are offered at different rates depending on the time required for each preparation.

The good news is that the Confederation can reimburse up to 50 % of your training costs. Since 2018, the Confederation has reimbursed 50 % of the costs of courses preparing for a federal certificate, up to a maximum of CHF 9,500, provided that the candidate sits the federal examination after the course. Entitlement to the subsidy is independent of the examination result. 

In concrete terms, for a course costing CHF 12,900, you can receive a reimbursement of CHF 6 450.00, bringing your net investment to CHF 6 450.00.

Qualifying conditions:

• Attend a course on the SEFRI list of preparatory courses, pay the course fees yourself and be legally resident in Switzerland at the time of taking the exam.
• The grant application is submitted after passing the federal examination, by submitting invoices and proof of payment via the SEFRI online portal.

For more information on the federal grant:  here.

You should also bear in mind that the price of the exam is not included in the preparation. It depends on the examination centre, and costs around CHF 2,000.

Federal certificate examinations are organised and regulated by the professional associations responsible for each branch. Each certificate has its own examination procedures: format of the tests, duration, admission requirements, assessment criteria, etc. It is therefore important to refer to the information specific to your certificate.

Generally speaking, a federal certificate examination consists of written and/or oral tests, sometimes supplemented by practical work or the drafting of a personal essay. Candidates are required to demonstrate their mastery of the skills defined in the relevant qualification.

OSAM Formations will guide and support you throughout your training, particularly in the following areas compiling and submitting your application form so that you can concentrate fully on your preparation.

Details of the examination procedure (tests, entry requirements, timetable, etc.) are given on the page dedicated to each federal certificate.