The fide test is the Swiss German test recognised by the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM). People take it for a residence permit or for citizenship, though it is not the only certificate the SEM accepts. This guide explains how it is built, what levels it covers, and what to expect on the day.
The two parts
The fide test has two parts, a speaking part and a writing part. The speaking part lasts about 40 minutes, and the writing part about 60 minutes. Keep your test day free, as you cannot choose the exact time of each part in advance.
The levels
You take the fide test in one of two level combinations, either A1-A2 or A2-B1. B1 is the highest level you can reach with it. If you need a certificate above B1, you take a telc exam instead, which runs up to C1.
Your result
After the test, your language passport is sent to you by post, from fide. We do not mark the exams ourselves, so we cannot promise a date.
What it costs
The full fide test costs CHF 250. If you only need one part, the speaking part costs CHF 170 and the writing part costs CHF 120.
How to prepare and register
We are an official fide and telc exam centre in central Zürich, at Löwenstrasse 61. Register at least 17 days before your chosen date, and note that your place is only confirmed once payment has been received. One-to-one preparation is built around you and comes with a money-back guarantee: if you attend all the lessons we agree, complete your homework, and sit the exam on the agreed day, and you do not pass, we refund your preparation fees.
Common questions
What levels does the fide test cover?
A1 to B1, taken as A1-A2 or A2-B1. B1 is the maximum. For a higher level, you take a telc exam.
How long is the fide test?
The speaking part lasts about 40 minutes and the writing part about 60 minutes.
How much does it cost?
The full test costs CHF 250. The speaking part alone costs CHF 170, and the writing part alone costs CHF 120.
How will I get my result?
By post, as a language passport sent to you by fide. We do not mark the exams ourselves, so we cannot promise a date.
Ready to prepare? If you have a fide test coming up, get in touch and we will plan your preparation around your level and your deadline, at Löwenstrasse 61 in Zürich.