fide test: your complete guide!

As an expatriate in Switzerland, you know how important it is to master the local official language in order to:

• Integrate more easily in the country. 
• Get your residence permit or naturalisation.  

The fide test can be an excellent way of proving your language level and obtaining your language passport.

In this article, we explore in detail what the fide system is, its specific features and what it means for you as an expatriate. We also share our advice on how to prepare for your test and choose your exam centre.

fide: a framework for Swiss languages 

Fide, an acronym for "Français, Italiano, Deutsch en Suisse" (French, Italian, German in Switzerland), is the Swiss national programme that promotes the linguistic integration of non-native speakers.

It aims to ensure that new arrivals have effective opportunities to develop and assess their language skills. As a result, the fide system focuses on the acquisition of language skills related to everyday life and an orientation towards action and the needs of each new resident.

This system is implemented by a network of experts, training institutions, language schools, public authorities, specialised services, examiners and trainers active at national level. These various players work under the coordination of the fide secretariat to raise awareness, train, teach, recognise and qualify, and to facilitate integration in Switzerland through language.

The fide test 

This test assesses a resident's oral and/or written skills in French, German or Italian, which are necessary to participate in the social, economic and civic life of the country.

This is an official exam, which may be required to obtain Swiss naturalisation or a B or C residence permit.

The benefits of the test for expatriates in Switzerland 

The fide test is a valuable tool if you are an expatriate and want to integrate into Swiss society by mastering the language of the canton where you live.

It allows you to:  

• Make the most of your language skills.
• Prove that you are capable of communicating effectively in everyday, professional and civic situations.
• Integrate more easily and quickly into your new country.

How does the test work? 

It consists of an oral part ("Speaking and Understanding") and a written part ("Reading and Writing"):

• The oral part lasts 40 minutes. 

• The written part lasts 60 minutes.  

The test tasks are at levels A1 to B1 and relate to a variety of everyday situations in Switzerland, such as at work, at the doctor's surgery or in the community.

Language proficiency levels in the fide test 

The basis for the fide levels is the European Council's Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This describes language skills according to six levels: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2.

In official Swiss procedures, language skills at A1, A2 and B1 levels are expected. In some cantons, B2 is also required:  

• The A1 level means an elementary level.At this level, you can:  
  • Communicate simply in their personal environment. For example, at home, at work or at school, as long as the other person speaks slowly and clearly and is willing to cooperate.  
  • Introduce yourself and someone else in simple words.  
  • Give short, simple answers to simple personal questions, for example about where they live, their work or their children.  
  • Express their needs, for example in their home or in a shop, using memorised expressions. 

• The A2 Level means an intermediate level.At this level, you can:  
  • Understand simple questions and messages relating to important areas of life, for example questions and information about school, training, work, health or housing.  
  • Communicate in simple and frequent situations in a department or other institution, requiring only a direct exchange of information on familiar topics.  
  • Describe, in simple words, their background, training and professional experience, and talk about personal facts and experiences. 

• The B1 level means an Advanced level.At this level, you can: 
  • Understand the main information communicated by the school, their employer, the property management company or the authorities, provided that clear, standard language is used and the subject matter is familiar.  
  • Get by in most everyday situations, such as at home, at work or in public spaces.  
  • Produce simple, coherent text on topics that are familiar or of personal interest, and describe personal experiences. 
  • Set out their opinions, objectives, hopes and wishes, briefly justifying or explaining them. 

How to prepare for the fide test? 

To pass the test, it is important to prepare seriously by : 

• Taking language courses in French, German or Italian, based on fide principles.
• Practising for the various tests by taking mock tests.
• By familiarising yourself with the format and assessment criteria.

There are a number of online resources to help you prepare, such as the mock tests available on the fide secretariat website here.

However, we recommend that you have your language level assessed before taking your fide test, to ensure that you have a good command of the local language.

How to choose your fide exam centre? 

Before taking your fide test, it is essential to choose your exam centre carefully. To do this, you should check that the fide test centre is accredited by the fide Secretariat.

If you plan to take language courses at a training centre, make sure it is recognised for:

• The quality of its courses, based on fide principles.
• Adapting to the learner (type and duration of courses, adaptation to the learner's learning preferences and language objective).

Choose Formations&Co to prepare for your test  

Formations&Co is a fide exam centre accredited to administer the test in French.

We also offer language courses in French, based on fide principles to help you prepare for the test.

These courses can take different forms: 

• Individual and personalised language courses. 
• Individual language lessons in pairs. 
• Group French lessons with our 40-hour programme specially designed for your integration in Switzerland (including a mock test).  
• Welcome to Switzerland" programme, where you can take French and Swiss cultural courses.