Discover the fide test
IMPORTANT: All registrations for the fide test must be completed exclusively online via this page. For organisational reasons, registrations cannot be made by phone or by email.
Certify your French level and obtain official proof of your language skills to move forward with your residence permit, C permit or naturalisation process.
- Swiss language test developed on behalf of the State Secretariat for Migration, SEM
- Levels assessed: A1, A2 and B1
- Oral and written parts available separately
- Accredited fide test centres in Geneva and Lausanne
- Language Passport sent by post after the exam
Swiss French School is an accredited fide test centre. Take your fide test in our Geneva or Lausanne centre and receive your official certificate.
Discover the next dates by city >
What exactly is the fide test?
The fide test, French, Italian, German, is an official Swiss language exam developed on behalf of the State Secretariat for Migration, SEM. It is recognised for procedures related to foreign nationals and Swiss citizenship.
It assesses language skills at levels A1, A2 and B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, CEFR.
Unlike some more academic language exams, the fide test mainly evaluates your ability to communicate in practical everyday situations in Switzerland.
Vocabulary and grammar are still useful, but the main objective is to check whether you can understand and communicate effectively in daily life.
How is the fide test structured?
The fide test consists of an oral part and a written part. It evaluates four language skills: speaking, understanding, reading and writing.
| Part of the fide test | Skills assessed | Duration | Levels assessed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oral part | Speaking and understanding | 40 minutes | A1–A2 or A2–B1 |
| Written part | Reading and writing | 60 minutes | A1–A2 or A2–B1 |
Oral part: speaking and understanding
For around 40 minutes, the oral part assesses your ability to speak and understand French in everyday situations.
Written part: reading and writing
For around 60 minutes, the written part assesses your ability to read information and express yourself in writing.
For more information, you can also consult the official fide test website.
How is your level determined?
- You do not choose a specific level when registering.
- The test uses one of two CEFR level combinations: A1–A2 or A2–B1.
- Your level is determined during the exam according to your skills.
The results of the oral and written parts may be different. For example, you may obtain a B1 level in the oral part and an A2 level in the written part.
Which fide test level do you need?
The levels below correspond to the most common minimum federal requirements. Your canton, municipality or the authority responsible for your application may apply specific conditions.
| Procedure | Part generally required | Minimum federal level generally requested |
|---|---|---|
| Family reunification with a B permit | Oral | A1 oral |
| Ordinary C permit | Oral and written | A2 oral and A1 written |
| Early C permit | Oral and written | B1 oral and A1 written |
| Ordinary or facilitated naturalisation | Oral and written | B1 oral and A2 written |
| fide dossier | Oral and written | Validation of B1 level in both parts |
These requirements may vary depending on your situation, your status and the competent authority.
How much does the fide test cost?
| Option | Price |
|---|---|
| Full test: oral and written | CHF 250 |
| Oral part: speaking and understanding | CHF 170 |
| Written part: reading and writing | CHF 120 |
Registration conditions for the fide test
Before booking your session, please read the following conditions:
- The test is available from the age of 16.
- Registration must be completed before the deadline indicated in the table.
- A valid photo ID is required.
- Payment must be made at the time of registration.
- People with specific needs must indicate them when registering.
- Phones, smartwatches, headphones, notes and dictionaries are not allowed during the exam.
- You must arrive at the time indicated in your invitation.
- Being late or not presenting a valid identity document may result in exclusion from the test.
Cancellation conditions
- Registration fees must be paid at the time of booking.
- If you cancel before the registration deadline, the fees may be refunded or transferred to another session, depending on the applicable conditions.
- After the registration deadline, no cancellation or date change request gives the right to a refund.
- In case of absence on the day of the test, no refund will be made.
- The examination centre’s general terms and conditions and the official participation rules apply.
How to prepare for the fide test
The fide test does not only check theoretical knowledge. It mainly assesses your ability to communicate in everyday life.
To prepare effectively, practise situations such as:
- making or changing a medical appointment
- explaining a problem to a doctor
- asking your municipality for information
- understanding an administrative letter
- looking for and renting accommodation
- communicating with a landlord or property management company
- speaking with a colleague or manager
- completing a form
- writing a simple and understandable message
Use a fide practice test.
The official mock test helps you discover:
- the question format
- comprehension exercises
- reading and writing tasks
- situations used in the oral part
- the A1–A2 and A2–B1 level combinations
Discover our fide preparation courses >
Receiving and using your Language Passport
After the test:
- your results are assessed by the fide Secretariat
- you receive your result and your Language Passport directly by post
- the usual processing time is around four weeks
- for exams organised between mid-December and mid-January, the processing time may be up to six weeks
- no result can be communicated earlier by phone or email
- in principle, the Language Passport and recognised certificates are valid for life. However, an authority may request a new assessment if a document is old and there are doubts about the person’s current language level.
Book your fide test and move forward with your application
Find the fide test documents below to help you prepare for your registration and the exam.
Click here to download the complete general conditions of the fide test.
Click here to see an example of a mock test.
Click here to download the rules of participation to the fide test
Choose your centre, test part and available date to book your place for the fide test in Geneva or Lausanne.