Recognition of diplomas and validation of experience

Do you have a foreign diploma?

Under certain conditions, you can apply for your diploma to be recognised. If your diploma is recognised, it can be said to be equivalent to a Swiss diploma or certificate of completion of studies.

For some professions (healthcare, education and law), official recognition of your foreign diploma is mandatory to be able to work in Switzerland. These professions are protected.

For example, doctors, nurses, teachers or lawyers.

To have a diploma recognised (going through the procedure for recognising your diploma) a fee is charged.

The reconnaissance.swiss/en website of the Secrétariat d’État à la formation, à la recherche et à l’innovation (SEFRI) (State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI)) explains the procedure to be followed, depending on the profession. It also forwards the contacts in the relevant departments.

For most professions, official recognition is not mandatory to be able to work in Switzerland.

For example, for the following professions: cook, mechanic, computer scientist, graphic designer, adult trainer, etc.

For these professions, you can apply for a certificate of proficiency. This shows the value of your foreign diploma in the Swiss education system. It can also be useful when looking for a job.

The recognition.swiss website of the Secrétariat d’État à la formation, à la recherche et à l’innovation (SEFRI) (State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI)) provides useful information.

You don’t have a diploma?

You can try to get your professional background, professional and personal experience recognised. All of this experience can be recognised as part of a professional diploma (FVD or FVC), or even a full diploma. This process is called validation of experience.

The Centre d'orientation scolaire et professionnelle (Centre for Educational and Vocational Guidance (COSP)) of the Canton of Jura will inform you about this. It will advise you on the process free of charge.

Do you have professional experience but not a recognised diploma or certificate of completion of studies? You can take the Swiss certificate of completion of vocational training.

To retake the certificate, the process depends on your education, work experience and age. In all cases, you must have a good knowledge of French (Level B1/B2).

For more information, contact the Centre d’orientation scolaire et professionnelle (Centre for Educational and Vocational Guidance (COSP)). It’s free.