Catch-up training for adults in accordance with Art. 32 BBV: Target group and procedure for the final examination

Lehre für Erwachsene

Who can complete an adult apprenticeship in accordance with Art. 32 BBV?

Professional experience:

People who have acquired the required professional experience "on the job" by working as unqualified employees can also catch up on their professional qualification in old age.

At the time of the examination, they must have at least five years of practical work experience, usually between two and four years in the desired profession. However, this can vary depending on the professional field. While part-time work can be credited according to the workload, auxiliary activities can only be recognized to a very limited extent.

Theoretical knowledge:

The theoretical knowledge of people with professional experience "on the job" is often incomplete, as they have not learned the profession from scratch. They have to fill in or catch up on this knowledge accordingly.

The following options are available:

  • Attend vocational school together with other learners (during the week)
  • For individual professions in which many adults want to obtain a vocational qualification (for example in the commercial sector or retail trade), there are special training courses or preparatory courses offered by vocational schools and private schools, most of which take place in the evenings or on Saturdays.
  • Self-study preparation without attending a vocational college (the vocational college can provide information on teaching materials and other useful learning aids)

Important: Candidates themselves are responsible for ensuring that their practical and theoretical knowledge and skills are up to date and correspond to the level of other learners. How these are acquired is basically up to them.
This also includes the required language skills at level B1/B2 (Do the language check right here!).

Although no apprenticeship contract or professional activity is required for admission to the final examination (qualification procedure, QV), a job or internship is recommended as preparation for the examination.

How do I register for the qualification procedure?

  • Contact the Office for Vocational Education and Training in the relevant canton. The specialists will provide information and all the necessary details.Click here for the addresses of the cantonal vocational training offices.
  • Complete and submit the official application form, including proof of professional experience and knowledge (copies of references, diplomas, certificates, etc.).
  • The Vocational Training Office examines the application to determine whether the candidate is admitted to the qualification procedure (QV), i.e. the final examination.
  • The Vocational Training Office examines the professional experience to be credited and decides on the knowledge or experience still to be acquired and the examinations to be taken.
  • If the dossier is accepted, a confirmation will be sent and the options for attending vocational training will be indicated.
  • As a rule, candidates contact the vocational college independently. The person responsible will decide which courses still need to be attended on the basis of previous knowledge. At this point it should be mentioned once again that there are no regulations regarding exam preparation. This means that everyone is free to prepare for the QV independently, i.e. without attending a course.
  • Registration for the final examination: Registration deadlines and fees are regulated by the canton and may therefore vary.
  • Final examination: Candidates in adult catch-up education take the same examinations as other learners. The subjects and guidelines for passing the final examination are set out in the relevant education ordinance.
  • After passing the examination, the EFZ federal certificate of competence or EBA vocational certificate is awarded.

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