fide test
fide test: how it works, parts, time and levels A1 to B1
The fide test is a language test to prove your French (or German, Italian) in Switzerland. It has three parts in this order: Parler (speaking), Comprendre (listening), then Lire et écrire (reading and writing). It measures levels A1, A2 and B1.
Essayez gratuitement
Le test oral gratuit dure environ 4 minutes, sans inscription.
Commencer le test oral- Parts
- Parler (speaking), Comprendre (listening), Lire et écrire (reading and writing)
- Levels
- A1, A2, B1, in two pairs: A1-A2 or A2-B1
- Parler
- about 15 minutes, with two examiners
- Comprendre
- about 15 minutes, usually right after Parler
- Lire et écrire
- 60 minutes, in a group
- Minimum age
- 16 years
- Price
- CHF 250 for the full test, 170 for the oral part, 120 for the written part (fide source)
The fide test in short
The fide test was developed for the SEM. It is for people who must prove their language skills in a foreigner law or citizenship procedure. The tasks come from daily life in Switzerland. At the end, you get a passeport des langues (language passport) if you reach at least the lower level (A1 or A2) in the oral or written part.
You do not sign up for a level. You decide during the oral part if you want easier or harder tasks.
The three parts in order
The order is always the same. First Parler, then Comprendre, then Lire et écrire. They can be on the same day or on another date.
| Part | Time | What you do |
|---|---|---|
| Parler | about 15 min | Talk with two examiners: describe a picture, act out a phone call, talk about a topic |
| Comprendre | about 15 min | Listen to short recordings and answer |
| Lire et écrire | 60 min | Read texts, fill in a form, write a message or a letter |
Detailed guides: Parler, Comprendre, Lire et écrire. The times come from the test handbook. The fide portal says the oral session lasts 40 minutes in total.
Levels and pairs: A1-A2 or A2-B1
Each person does tasks from two levels next to each other: A1-A2 or A2-B1. The oral and written parts are marked separately. So you can have one pair for the oral part and another for the written part.
In the oral part, everyone starts with the A2 tasks. Then the examiners suggest you continue with A1 or B1 tasks. They explain what this means for you. You decide. For the written part, the pair is chosen before the exam. Modules 1 to 3 are A1-A2. Modules 4 to 6 are A2-B1.
Who takes the test and why
Anyone from 16 years old can take the test, whatever their residence status (fide rules). In the 2024 fide statistics, most candidates take the test to get or extend a residence or settlement permit. See which level you need for which step: citizenship and permit C.
In 2024, fide counted 14,150 tests in French out of 28,042 tests in total (fide statistics 2024).
How to sign up and prepare
You sign up directly with a test centre, at least 15 days before the date. For prices, centres and deadlines, see fide test price and registration. To practise, start with a free speaking test with no sign-up, or follow the plan in 4 weeks. A preparation course is not required, says fide.
fide exam is an independent practice service. It is not affiliated with the SEM or the fide secretariat. Canton rules can be higher. Check with your canton.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the fide test take?
Parler takes about 15 minutes, Comprendre about 15 minutes and Lire et écrire 60 minutes. The fide portal says 40 minutes for the oral session and 60 minutes for the written part.
What are the levels of the fide test?
A1, A2 and B1. You take a pair of two levels: A1-A2 or A2-B1. The oral and written parts are separate.
Can I choose my level before the fide test?
No. In the oral part, you start with the A2 tasks. Then the examiners suggest A1 or B1, and you decide.
Do I have to take the oral and written parts on the same day?
Not always. Depending on the centre, the oral and written parts can be on two different dates. You can also take only one of the two.
How old must I be to take the fide test?
16 years old.