Role of SBFI
The State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SBFI) is the federal recognition authority for numerous foreign professional qualifications. Depending on the profession, it issues either a recognition for regulated professions or a level confirmation for non-regulated professions. Other recognition authorities are responsible for many professions, so the competent authority must always be checked for the specific professional activity.
For certain service providers from EU/EFTA states who wish to work temporarily in a regulated profession in Switzerland, SBFI also operates the notification procedure for services of up to 90 working days per calendar year.
Main professions and areas
Examples of professions for which SBFI acts as the recognition authority include the following. For some professions, regulation exists only in certain cantons.
- Architects and civil engineers — in cantons where the profession is regulated
- Fire protection specialists and fire protection experts
- Career, study and vocational guidance professionals
- Driving instructors
- Teachers at vocational schools, vocational baccalaureate schools and in higher vocational education
- Other technical and vocational qualifications for which SBFI is designated as the competent recognition authority
Whether SBFI is competent depends on the exact activity and, in some cases, the canton.