GET YOUR FIDE LANGUAGE PASSPORT
If you’re serious about working or integrating in Geneva, you may have heard mention of the FIDE language passport. With this passport you can open many doors – as it shows your ability to communicate in one or more of the national languages: French, German and Italian. You often need to present it to the authorities to register for a training course or to apply for a new job.
Anouche Karaman, founder of Learn French Geneva, which is also a FIDE exam centre, has some tips for passing the FIDE exam.
WHAT DOES THE FIDE EXAM ENTAIL?
Evaluation of language skills in a progressive and individual manner, which basically means you are assessed thoroughly and tested on both speaking and understand, as well as reading and writing skills.
The FIDE service describes the exam as “the Swiss language test that’s based on everyday life”.
You get your language passport after you have successfully completed the FIDE language test. If you wish to take a test in German or Italian, you must register at an assessment centre located in the language region in question.
The FIDE language assessment is divided into two parts: “Speaking and Understanding” and “Reading and Writing”. Oral and written skills are assessed separately. You can take one or both parts of the assessment.
Modules:
- “Speaking” (oral assessment), duration: 20 minutes – introductory interview, interactive tasks
- “Understanding’ (oral assessment), duration: 20 minutes – short audio texts and comprehension questions
- “Reading and Writing” (written evaluation), duration: 60 minutes
ANOUCHE’S TOP TIPS FOR PASSING THE FIDE EXAM
Only take the test when you feel you are ready and you are confident that you have the required level. You can take our free placement test here: Placement test
A little preparation is key, as the format (based on scenarios) is unusual. A few lessons by experienced FIDE language teachers will take the edge of the unknown off and you will feel more prepared and relaxed.
Do not be afraid to fail. The test is very “general” and you will receive your results indicating your level (A1-A2 or B1).If your language passport does not indicate the level required by the authorities to renew your permit or get a new (higher) one, you can take it again. You can take it as many times as necessary (but the exam fees need to be paid each time).
Do take both modules (oral and written) – what do you have to lose?
If you have a medical condition or disability, send your medical certificate to the institution you will be taking the test with well in advance: it will be sent immediately to Bern so that adapted measures are taken during the exam.
Make sure all the info you submit when you register for the exam is accurate as this will be used in the creation of your passport.
If you have a deadline given by the authorities by when you need to have done the exam, but you find no place to take the test before this date, you can always ask for either a registration or a participation certificate that most authorities will accept until receipt of a final passport.
HOW LONG BEFORE YOU GET YOUR RESULTS?
Four to six weeks after taking the test at Learn French Geneva (Geneva, Lausanne or Neuchatel branches), you will receive your language passport in the mail with your results directly from Bern.
WHERE CAN YOU TAKE THE FIDE EXAM?
You can take the exam at Learn French Geneva, a registered FIDE exam centre.
https://www.learn-french-geneva.com/exam-fide-center-registration.php
WHERE CAN YOU PREPARE FOR THE FIDE EXAM?
Learn French Geneva’s qualified trainers will prepare you, in small groups or privately, for the language evaluation in order to give you the best possible chance on the day of the evaluation. To ensure that all your skills are put to good use on D-Day, preparation for the assessment is strongly recommended. In addition, being well prepared will allow you to feel more confident. Ask us for a quote:
teacher@learn-french-geneva.com
Learn French Geneva: https://www.learn-french-geneva.com/french-courses/
