Continuing education and further training for adults

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    Easy answers about life in Switzerland
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    • Lifelong learning for adults
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    School and education
    Higher education
    Lifelong learning for adults

    Lifelong learning for adults

    Lifelong learning is all about keeping abreast of the latest developments in one’s field. New skills, certificates and qualifications improve one’s employment prospects on the labour market.

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    Switzerland has a comprehensive system of continuing education and training (CET) with a large number of providers and a wide range of education and training options. Some CET courses lead to work-related certifications and others to more advanced training.

    Continuing education

    Vocational, occupational and career counsellors can advise you on the range of CET courses available and explain the various conditions and requirements. They also have documentation on occupations and professions and can provide details concerning financial aid opportunities.

    Adults may prepare for one of two Swiss upper secondary level vocational qualifications: the Federal Certificate of Vocational Education and Training (normally issued upon completion of two years of training in a given occupation) and the Federal Diploma of Vocational Education and Training (normally issued upon completion of three or four years of training in a given occupation). It is up to each cantonal VET office to decide whether a person may be authorised to take this examination. Contact the VET office in your canton for more information.

    Vocational examinations for adults

    It is also possible to take the academic baccalaureate or the vocational baccalaureate as an adult, and then go on to study at a cantonal university, university of applied sciences or a university of teacher education.

    Basic skills – such as reading, writing and arithmetic or the use of information and communication technologies – are an important prerequisite for lifelong learning and participation in social activities. More information on available courses for adults can be found on the ‹Einfach besser!› website

    Einfach besser

    Holders of the Swiss Federal Diploma of Vocational Education and Training or equivalent have direct access to the Swiss professional education sector, which prepares experienced professionals for challenging technical and managerial responsibilities. There are two options:

    • Federal examinations (Federal PET Diploma or Advanced Federal PET Diploma)

    • Diploma from a professional education institution (PEI)

    Swiss professional education sector

    Higher education institutions offer continuing education and training programmes to holders of higher education qualifications seeking to gain further qualifications, specialise or train in a different field.

    Continuing education at higher education institutions

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    A service of the Confederation, cantons and communes
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