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The fide test is an official Swiss language test to determine your level of French, generally in the context of an application for a residence permit (B permit), a settlement permit (C permit), or for an application for a Swiss passport.
From A1 to B1
Oral and/or written exam
Pre-assessment on request
Personalised preparation
Our 3-step fide test preparation
An audit of your needs
Make an appointment for an interview with one of our fide specialists.
Personalised preparation
Our highly qualified team will accompany you through an interactive mock exam and, if necessary, individual coaching to help you reach your goal with as little stress as possible.
Schedule of sessions
Fees:
Oral only: cost 170.-
Written test only: cost 120.-
Last minute registration additional fee: 20.-
Payment online only. Payment methods: credit card, Twint, invoice by QR code.
We do not accept cash payments. Payments must be made in advance to book your space.
Cancellation conditions
Candidates who wish to cancel their registration for the fide exam must comply with the following conditions:
An administrative fee of 40 Swiss francs is required if cancellations are made before the registration deadline indicated on the exam website.
In case of cancellations made after the registration deadline but before the day of the exam, candidates must pay a cancellation fee of 100 Swiss francs.
If cancellations are made on the day of the exam or if the candidates do not show up for the exam, the exam is paid for in full, no refund is possible.
questions fréquemment posées
How long does it take to receive the results?
Within 4 weeks after the exam you will receive a Swiss language passport with your oral and/or written results. It will be sent to you by Swiss post.
What is the fide test?
The fide test is an official Swiss language test to determine your level of French, usually in the context of an application for a residence permit (Permit B), a settlement permit (Permit C), or an application for a Swiss passport. During this examination, whether oral and/or written, you will be assessed up to level B1.
Who can take a fide test?
Anyone over the age of 16 who is in possession of a photo ID. Access without barriers is also guaranteed by fide: people with a disability must indicate this when registering so that the right measures can be taken.
How long does the fide test take?
The oral and written parts can be taken separately. The oral exam lasts 40 minutes in total (speaking & understanding parts) and the written exam lasts 1h15, maximum.
When should I register?
It is strongly recommended that you register for the exam at least one month in advance so that we can confirm whether your level is sufficient to pass with the desired result. However, it is also possible to register earlier (at least two weeks before the exam) and we also accept last minute registrations subsequent to availability (a fee of 20.- is charged for last minute registrations).
What are the A1, A2 and B1 levels?
There are several possible levels for both oral and written examinations, depending on how the exam is conducted.
A1-A2, a fairly basic level.
A2-B1, roughly an intermediate level
I think I have a good level, but I'm not sure if it's enough.
You can make an appointment for an interview with our specialists.
I already have a recognised French certificate, what can I do?
People who already have a recognised certificate (DELF, TCF or TEF) at the level required by the Swiss administration do not need to take the exam and can contact fide to obtain a language passport.
What does the fide oral examination consist of?
During the speaking and understanding parts, you will first take part in an interview with an examiner and will be asked to describe situations and processes. You will take part in a simple conversation and give your opinion on topics concerning life in Switzerland. Depending on your level, the discussion will then be directed towards an A1-A2 level or an A2-B1 level. After this interview, you will do a listening comprehension exercise during which you will listen to recordings and answer questions. Your oral level will be calculated on the basis of the results of these two parts.
What is the fide written exam?
The written test normally takes place on the same day as the oral examination. There are two possible levels in the written exam: A1-A2 or A2-B1. You will be asked to fill in a form during the oral part to enable the examiner to determine the most appropriate level. If you are only doing the written part, you will be asked to come 15 minutes early to allow time to complete this form. The exam consists of alternating reading and writing questions, always in a progressive manner.
Who is exempt from taking the fide test?
If you are under 16 years of age and in certain special cases, it is possible to be exempted from the fide test and to submit a “dossier fide" instead.