When you look for work in Switzerland, one of the first questions recruitment agencies ask is: what qualification do you have? Vocational training matters a lot in Switzerland, and the abbreviations can be confusing, especially if you studied abroad or move to another language region.
The abbreviations of initial vocational training
- Federal VET diploma (EFZ in German, CFC in French, AFC in Italian): obtained after an apprenticeship of 3 or 4 years, it is the reference qualification for most trades: cook, electrician, commercial employee, healthcare assistant.
- Federal VET certificate (EBA in German, AFP in French, CFP in Italian): a more practical 2-year training that lets you work in the trade and, if you wish, go on to the federal VET diploma.
After the apprenticeship: higher vocational education
With experience you can go on to a federal professional certificate (professional examination), a federal diploma (advanced professional examination) or a higher vocational college (HF/ES/SSS). These qualifications are in high demand for positions of responsibility: head chef, team leader, department manager.
What if your diploma is from abroad?
You are not at a disadvantage from the start. For many trades no official recognition is needed: what matters is that the agency understands what you can do. It helps to:
- give the exact name of the qualification and the country where you obtained it;
- upload the diploma and, if possible, a translation;
- describe your years of experience in the trade.
For regulated professions (for example in healthcare or teaching), recognition by the Swiss authorities is required: the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) or the authority responsible for the profession explains the procedure.
Experience without a qualification
Even without a diploma you can find work, especially in construction, hospitality, logistics and cleaning. In these cases agencies look at years of experience, references and availability. Say so clearly in your profile.
How passo·oltre helps
In your passo·oltre profile you choose your trade from the official list of Swiss professions and state your qualification: federal VET diploma or certificate, federal professional certificate or diploma, higher vocational college, Matura, Bachelor or Master, foreign qualification or experience without a qualification. We check your documents and show your verified profile to the partner agencies in the region where you want to work. Signing up is free and takes 2 minutes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a federal VET diploma and a VET certificate?
The federal VET diploma (EFZ/CFC/AFC) is obtained after a 3- or 4-year apprenticeship and is the full qualification for the trade. The federal VET certificate (EBA/AFP/CFP) takes 2 years and is more practical; with it you can go on to the diploma.
Are EFZ, CFC and AFC the same thing?
Yes. They are the same federal qualification named in the three national languages: EFZ in German, CFC in French, AFC in Italian. Likewise EBA, AFP and CFP all mean the federal VET certificate.
Do I need to have my foreign diploma recognised to work in Switzerland?
Only for regulated professions, for example in healthcare. For other trades it is not required: it helps to upload your diploma and a translation and to describe your experience, so the agency understands your level.
Can I find work without a diploma?
Yes, especially in construction, hospitality, logistics and cleaning. In these cases years of experience, references and availability are what count.