Languages in the CV: levels, certificates and testing

Switzerland follows the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). The levels:

• A1–A2: basic knowledge – simple everyday situations, short texts.
• B1–B2: independent use – understanding work instructions, taking part in meetings, writing emails.
• C1–C2: proficient to native-like command – negotiations, complex texts, presentations.

For most commercial and technical positions B2 counts as the working level, for management and customer-facing roles with negotiation responsibility C1.

A certificate is only as good as its recognition in the target industry. The most widespread:

• English: Cambridge (B2 First, C1 Advanced), IELTS, TOEFL – IELTS and TOEFL mainly for educational paths, Cambridge for work.
• French: DELF/DALF (A1–C2), widespread in French-speaking Switzerland and at federal offices.
• German: Goethe Certificate, telc, TestDaF – relevant for immigrants and for positions with a lot of written correspondence.
• Italian: CELI, CILS, PLIDA – in Ticino and for Italian-speaking customer roles.

What is missing: a single Swiss certificate. Commercial basic training and the vocational baccalaureate evidence language level indirectly, but they do not replace a standardised certificate.

The language block comes after education and work experience in the Swiss CV. Format:

German – native
English – C1 (Cambridge C1 Advanced, 2024)
French – B2 (DELF B2, 2021), working practice in French-speaking Switzerland
Italian – A2 (basic knowledge)

Three rules: always state the level, certificate and year in brackets, name practice only if it can be evidenced. «Basic knowledge» is an honest and accepted entry – «fluent» without evidence almost always leads to a test in the interview.

The test is everyday and usually unspectacular:

• Switching language in the interview: a short switch into French or English shows more in two minutes than any certificate.
• Writing sample: an email or a short memo in the target language – customary for positions with customer contact.
• Telephone interview: common as the first step for international roles, often without warning.

The consequence: state only levels you can hold in the interview. A B2 you can evidence is worth more than a C1 you cannot defend.

Anyone who wants to evidence a level finds a dense offering in Switzerland:

• Evening schools and language schools: courses at B2/C1 level, exam preparation, often in evening or weekend form.
• Examination centres: Cambridge, DELF/DALF and Goethe have authorised centres in larger cities; exam dates several times a year.
• Cost: exam fees typically between CHF 200 and 400, courses considerably more.
• Duration: from B1 to B2 usually six to twelve months with regular effort.

Employers often contribute to language courses when there is a professional need – asking is worthwhile before you pay yourself.

For qualifications obtained abroad a second question arises: does the qualification need to be recognised? For regulated professions (health, education, law) recognition by the competent authority is required – swissuniversities for university degrees, the SBFI for vocational qualifications.

For the CV: name the qualification with its original title, institution, country and year; mention recognition in the interview only once it exists. Recognition in progress looks weaker than one completed – so wait until the decision is there.