Career

Language certificates in Switzerland

What you should know about working in Switzerland

14. November 2024

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As recruiters, we talk to numerous candidates every day; their CVs provide an exciting basis for discussion. In our internal discussions regarding all these interviews, we noticed something: Many applicants struggle with self-assessing their language skills. This is understandable, especially if you have never obtained an official language certificate. And yet: correctly stating your language skills on your CV is incredibly important, as it can quickly mean the end of the application process.

In our globalized world, foreign language skills are valuable hard skills. Official language certificates are more than just a nice addition to your application documents — they communicate clearly how well you speak a language.

In Switzerland, they are even required for some permits. But if you're not familiar with them, you won't understand what “B2” or “C1” means. What does that mean? Where can you get qualified language certificates? And how do you self-assess? We shed some light on the subject.

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is an assessment system for classifying language skills into six competence levels. This global scale ranges from A1 (low language level) to C2 (highest language level). The six levels at a glance:

A-Level: Elementary language use
A1: first basic language skills
A2: advanced basic language skills

B-Level: Independent language use
B1: good language level
B2: fluent language level

C-Level: Competent use of the language
C1: fluent to business fluent language level
C2: Language skills at native speaker level

The CEFR website explains the language levels in detail. There is also a subpage that specifically addresses the assessment of your own language skills and provides guidance. If you want to be on the safe side, you can also take an official language test.

Let's get one thing out of the way first: there are numerous test options for certifying language skills. Here we list those that are helpful for moving to or working in Switzerland. Because four official languages are spoken in Switzerland: German (70%), French (20%), Italian (7%) and Romansh (3%).

Since January 1, 2020, holders or applicants of a B or C permit must meet additional language requirements, with a minimum level of B1. Foreign nationals who are not exempt require certified language certificates under generally recognized quality standards. A list of recognized courses can be found on the official fide website and here.

Below is a selection of recommended test options for the relevant languages, as well as information on English certificates:

German

Goethe-Institut (A1-C2)
telc GmbH (A1-B2, C1)
Austrian German Language Diploma Association (ÖSD) (A1-C1)

French

DELF/DALF (A1-C2)
CCIP (A1-C2)

Italian

Università per Stranieri di Perugia, CVCL - CELI 1-5 (A2-C2)

English

TEOFL
Cambridge Certificate (A2-C2)
IELTS

If you don't need a certificate, you can search for placement tests on the Internet and find out your own language level free of charge.

Preparation is half the battle. You should therefore familiarize yourself with the exam format and the topics covered in advance. Are there multiple-choice questions? Is there a listening comprehension section in addition to the written part? How much time do you have? Are points deducted for wrong answers, or can you guess? If you know these and other general conditions, you can avoid unpleasant surprises.

Learning is a matter of type! During preparation, auditory learners should read foreign-language texts aloud and have vocabulary quizzed. Visual learners should take notes while learning, write index cards and write down texts using their own summaries.

And for all learning types: practice makes perfect. It is also worth watching TV shows and news in the relevant foreign language, listening to podcasts, reading books and communicating regularly online or offline with tandem partners.

Another tip: Don't just learn with headphones! The environment of the listening comprehension section can be noisy and if you are only used to listening undisturbed on headphones, you will quickly break out in a sweat. So it's better to practice with loudspeakers in different environments.

Practice tests are a good way to get a feel for the language tests and reduce exam stress. They are offered by some testing institutions, for example telc.

A DALF diploma costs around CHF 100 to 150. A general English certificate from the Cambridge Institute currently costs between CHF 150 (level A1) and CHF 260 (level C2). Prices for the TOEFL test vary depending on the country. In Switzerland, the TOEFL test currently costs CHF 280.

The costs of the various language tests vary. They depend on the level, the type of test and, of course, whether you only need a certificate or are taking a comprehensive language course. We recommend contacting the respective examination centers directly to clarify the exact costs in advance.

Important: Protection status S was activated for protection seekers from Ukraine in March 2022. One focus of the program is to support the acquisition of language skills, which are an advantage both for social integration and for working in Switzerland. Many offers are subsidized and childcare is available in some cases. The best place to look for details is on the homepages of the cantons.

A language certificate provides proof of your language skills and is recognized by many educational institutions, employers and authorities. It increases your chances on the job market as it confirms your communication skills in one or more foreign languages. It is also often a prerequisite for access to study programs or international jobs. Especially in Switzerland, where multilingualism is valued, a certificate such as the Cambridge Certificate or DELF can be crucial. A language certificate also boosts your self-confidence and opens up new professional and personal opportunities.

After completing the vocational baccalaureate in Switzerland, students should have reached at least language level B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This level allows students to understand complex texts and express themselves clearly and in detail. Some vocational baccalaureate programs even offer the opportunity to achieve a C1 level, especially in English. However, the level achieved depends on the particular language and the student's personal progress. To check the exact language level, a corresponding language certificate can be obtained.

To obtain a language certificate, you must first take a language test at a certified examination center. The most common certificates include the Cambridge English Certificate, the DELF for French and the Goethe-Zertifikat for German. Preparation courses at language schools or online platforms will help you prepare for the exam in the best possible way. Most exams cover different levels (from A1 to C2) so that you can choose the language level that suits you best. After successfully passing the exam, you will receive a language certificate that officially confirms your knowledge.

There is no universal “best” language certificate, as the choice depends on the intended purpose. For English, the Cambridge Certificate (FCE, CAE) and the IELTS are particularly recognized. For French, the DELF is widely used, while the Goethe-Zertifikat or TELC are often recommended for German. For academic purposes and for applications to international universities, the TOEFL or the IELTS are the best options. It is important to check which language certificate is recognized by the institution or employer you are applying to.