Regulated profession
The law makes practice conditional on a specific qualification. An authority then compares your qualification and issues a decision. We check for you whether your profession is one of them, and which authority decides.
Professional recognition in Switzerland
Understand recognition before you build the file
The right procedure depends on your profession, your qualification and the country where it was obtained. Here is the overall map.
The first fork
Regulated or unregulated profession?
Unregulated profession
The employer generally assesses your training and your experience. For a higher education qualification, a Swiss ENIC statement of level may add weight to the file, but it is not binding.
Orientation
One authority per family of trades
SRC
Non-university health care, nursing and therapies
MEBEKO
University medicine
PsyCo
Psychology and psychotherapy
EDK
Teaching, speech therapy, psychomotor therapy
SERI
Vocational training, engineering, architecture, social work
ESTI
Electrical installations
Origin of the qualification
Two logics of examination
A coordinated framework
Directive 2005/36/EC applies through the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons. Direct sectoral recognition is possible for certain professions where every condition is met. Otherwise a general comparison may lead to a compensation measure.
An individual examination
The authority compares the level, the duration, the content and the practice. Specific arrangements exist notably with Quebec and the United Kingdom.
Timeline
From the initial check to the decision
1. Check
Regulation and authority
2. Gather
Copies, translations, certificates
3. File
Portal or postal route
4. Compare
Level, duration, content
5. Decide
Full, partial or refused
6. Register
MedReg, NAREG or REG
For the medical professions, consult the official MedReg register.
Compensation measures
When substantial differences remain
The authority may provide for an aptitude test or a supervised adaptation period. Under the general system the applicant in principle has the choice between the two measures, subject to the exceptions provided for by the applicable framework.
Aptitude test
A targeted check of the knowledge identified as missing in the comparison.
Adaptation period
A supervised period in which to acquire and demonstrate the expected competences.
Frequent mistakes
What slows down or weakens a file
×
Translation done by yourself or a relative: a professional translator is required, but not a sworn one
×
Certification placed on the wrong document
×
A plain photocopy instead of a certified copy
×
Filing before the training is fully completed
×
Experience gained in Switzerland buried in the CV instead of being clearly identified: dates, employer, role
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Confusion between a regulated and an unregulated profession
×
The authority’s filing instructions not followed
There is no general fast-track procedure. Timelines and fees depend on the authority and remain indicative. Always check the conditions in force at the time of filing.
Place your qualification in the right procedure.
Check the regulation, the authority and the origin of the qualification before gathering the documents.
Request my file assessment
Reply within two working days, in writing.