Formations&Co: your fide accredited test centre
Dedicated support to prepare you for your fide test
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What does fide mean?
Fide ("French, Italian, German in Switzerland") is a Swiss language integration program for non-native speakers. It offers opportunities to develop and assess language skills, based on practical everyday principles. The fide national network includes experts, schools and institutions, aiming to raise awareness and qualify learners. The fide test assesses oral and written skills, with a language passport certifying the level achieved (A1, A2, B1). The level required varies according to the type of residence permit in Switzerland.
Language levels, permits and naturalization
B Permit
To join a spouse holding a residence permit* in Switzerland by family reunification.
To renew a B permit for company employees.
*Art. 73a OASA
Early C Permit
To apply for an early settlement permit after five years' residence in Switzerland.
C Permit
To apply for a permanent residence permit after 10 years in Switzerland.
Naturalization
To apply for ordinary naturalisation after 10 years in Switzerland, or facilitated naturalisation for the spouse of a Swiss national after 5 years' residence.
Language levels
A1 level
Basic use of the language A1
- You can communicate in a simple way, in your personal environment, as long as the person you are speaking to speaks slowly and clearly.
- Introduce yourself and others in simple words.
- Give short, simple answers to simple personal questions.
- You can express your needs, for example in a shop, using memorised expressions.
A2 level
Basic use of language A2
- You can understand simple questions and messages relating to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. school, training, work, health and housing).
- You will be able to communicate in routine situations in an institution, requiring only a direct exchange of information on familiar topics.
- You will be able to describe in simple terms your background, education and professional experience, and talk about personal experiences.
B1 Level
Independent use of language B1
- You will be able to understand the main information communicated by school, your employer, the housing authority or the authorities, provided that clear, standard language is used and that it concerns familiar matters.
- You will be able to get by in most everyday situations, such as at home, at work or in public places.
- You can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest, and describe personal experiences.
- You can set out your opinions, goals, hopes and wishes, and briefly justify or explain them.
Mock test
Before registering for the fide test, we strongly advise you assess your French knowledge by taking the official mock fide test
Bespoke support
Do you need to prepare for your fide test? Do you need to improve your self-confidence?
5-hour package
- Be more confident speaking in French
- Practice for the test with your trainer
In-person price: CHF 500
Online classes price: CHF 325
10-hour package
- Work on specific points to prepare for the fide test
- Be more confident speaking in French
- Practice for the test with your trainer
In-person price: CHF 950
Online classes price: CHF 600
20-hour package
- Work on all the topics required to take the fide test
- Be more confident speaking in French
- Practice for the test with your trainer
In-person price: CHF 1860
Online classes price: CHF 1160
Free book
Is your French good enough to take the fide test?
I don't feel ready yet
Don’t feel up to taking the fide test? Is your French not good enough?
We can help you prepare before you register for the test.
I want to prepare for the fide test
Book your fide ORAL Test
If your French is good enough to take the test, you can register for the oral test
Duration of the fide test – oral part: 40 minutes
Price: CHF 170
Book your WRITTEN fide Test
If your French is good enough to take the test, you can register for the written test
Duration of the fide test – written part: 15 minutes approx. For the introduction, 60 minutes for the test
Price: CHF 120
Book your ORAL + WRITTEN fide Test
If your French is good enough to take the test, you can register for the fide test.
Duration of the fide test – oral part: 40 minutes
Duration of the fide test – written part: 15 minutes approx. For the introduction, 60 minutes for the test
Price: CHF 250
