FIDE Test Preparation Course

Prepare for your FIDE French exam online with certified tutors — A1, A2 & B1 levels.

The FIDE exam is required for Swiss residence permits (B & C) and naturalization. We offer 100% online preparation via Zoom with certified tutors who have lived in Switzerland. They fully understand the Swiss culture, the language, and the requirements needed to become naturalized in Switzerland. Today, they continue to help many expats in reaching their French language goals, and have become experts in preparing them to pass successfully their FIDE test!

What is the FIDE Exam?
fide exam

The FIDE test (“français, italien, deutsch, english”) is the official Swiss language exam required for:

• Residence permit renewals (permit B and settlement permit C)

• Swiss naturalization applications

It has been mandatory since January 1st, 2019, and was developed on behalf of the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM). Once you pass, you receive a FIDE Language Passport — valid for life.

The exam tests real everyday situations in Switzerland: at the doctor, at the municipality, at work. It is not a grammar test — it is a practical communication test.

For official level requirements by permit type, visit fide-service.ch

If you need help to pass the FIDE exam, you have come to the right school!  Vincent or Céline will he happy to meet you for a free information session and organize your French lessons on Zoom or Microsoft Teams. First, you just need to fill out this Contact form and they will get back to you within 24 hours.

The FIDE exam covers three levels of the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages):

A1 – Beginner French: You can understand and use very familiar everyday expressions. You can introduce yourself and ask basic questions about personal details.
A2 – Elementary French: You can communicate in simple, routine tasks. You can describe your environment, work, and immediate needs using simple sentences.
B1 – Intermediate French: You can understand the main points of clear standard speech on familiar subjects. You can manage most situations when travelling and express opinions, wishes, and goals.

The level required depends on your situation (permit type, canton). See the official requirements table.

Our FIDE preparation courses are 100% online via Zoom or Microsoft Teams — no travel needed.

• Personalized lessons: Each 60-minute lesson is tailored to your current level and learning pace.
• Full exam coverage: We work on written comprehension, written production, and oral expression — all three parts of the FIDE exam.
• Homework included: After each lesson, your teacher assigns and corrects 1.5 hours of homework to reinforce what you’ve learned.
• Expert tutors: Our founders Céline Van Loan and Vincent Anthonioz lived in Switzerland for nearly 10 years. They understand Swiss culture, the language, and exactly what the FIDE exam requires.

Lessons are sold in packages of 12. Need fewer lessons? Contact us and we’ll arrange an invoice.

The exam consists of one written part and one oral part on general everyday life activities in Switzerland.
The test lasts about 1h40 for the oral part of the exam and 60 minutes for the written part.

• ✅ Swiss-experienced tutors — our teachers know the FIDE exam inside out
• ✅ 100% online — prepare from Geneva, Lausanne, Fribourg, Bern, Zurich, or anywhere in Switzerland
• ✅ Flexible scheduling — lessons on Zoom or Microsoft Teams, at your convenience
• ✅ Proven results — students regularly achieve 90%+ scores (see testimonials below)
• ✅ Free consultation — we assess your level and build a personalized plan before you commit

The French language advisor or the teacher will let you know if you need to purchase some material. It will be depending on your current French level and your French learning objectives.

Please fill out this Contact form and a language advisor will get back to you within 24 hours.

If you live in Switzerland, you may wonder whether to take the FIDE exam or the DELF to prove your French level. Both are officially recognized — but they serve very different purposes.

FIDE was developed on behalf of the Swiss State Secretariat for Migration (SEM). It is the standard proof of French skills required for Swiss residence permits (B & C) and naturalization. The exam is tailored to real everyday situations in Switzerland.
DELF is an internationally recognized French diploma issued by the French Ministry of Education. It covers levels A1 to B2 and is widely accepted for study, work, or immigration in French-speaking countries worldwide.

FIDE vs DELF: Quick Comparison
FIDE

When to Choose FIDE
FIDE

• You need to renew your B or C permit in Switzerland
• You are applying for Swiss naturalization
• You want an exam tailored to real Swiss daily life (work, doctor, municipality)
• You only need to prove your level for Swiss authorities

When to Choose DELF
DELF

• You plan to work or study in France, Canada, or other French-speaking countries
• You want a higher level (B2 or above — FIDE only goes up to B1)
• You already have a DELF: since January 2025, it can be submitted directly to cantonal authorities — but it cannot be converted into the Swiss Language Passport.

Not sure which exam is right for you? Book a free consultation — we’ll assess your situation and recommend the best path.

The FIDE exam must be taken in person at an accredited test center in Switzerland. There are more than 100 accredited institutions across the country — you can take the test in any canton, regardless of where you live.

To find all available dates and register: visit fide-service.ch. Register at least 15 days before the exam date — spots fill up quickly.

FIDE Exam in Geneva
Fide Geneva

• Bell Switzerland – Chemin Camille-Vidart 15, 1202 Geneva – Tests on Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays – fide@bell-school.ch / +41 22 749 16 09
• Swiss French School – Rue de Lausanne 20bis, 1201 Geneva – geneva@swissfrenchschool.ch / +41 22 738 00 20
• Inlingua Léman – Rue des Gares 7, 1201 Geneva – +41 22 732 40 20

FIDE Exam in Lausanne
FIDE Lausanne

• Swiss French School – Place de la Gare 11A, 1003 Lausanne – lausanne@swissfrenchschool.ch / +41 21 614 66 30
• Inlingua Léman – Rue des Terreaux 17, 1003 Lausanne – +41 21 323 94 15
• Flying Teachers – Lausanne – +41 58 356 33 39

FIDE Exam in Zurich
FIDE Zurich

• ILS Zürich – Tests twice a week (Tuesdays & Thursdays)
• Wordculture – Selnaustrasse 2, 8001 Zurich – Tests every Monday
• Flying Teachers – Zurich – office@flyingteachers.com / +41 44 350 33 44

FIDE Exam in Bern
FIDE Bern

• ILS Bern – Regular exam sessions throughout the year
• Flying Teachers – Bern – bern@flyingteachers.com / +41 31 311 55 13

Our preparation courses are 100% online (Zoom/Teams) — prepare from anywhere in Switzerland, then take the official exam at the accredited center nearest to you.