I’m confused by this. I thought SDS was set up by Swiss Authorities specifically for permit/citizenship application use.
I think that’s the FIDE.
Things appear to have changed in that tests taken only now are accepted until Juli 1, 2025. And if the test system passes the Q-Mark by then (which I take to stand for quality requirements), it will keep being accepted beyond that date.
The SDS test centers list dates next year, they appear to accept applications.
See the List of Accepted Certificates, and footnote #6 on page 3.
The SDS certificate is still recognized as a Swiss test for immigration and citizenship procedures until 30 June 2025. If the test reaches the Q-Mark before this date, this will be communicated here. If it is certified by the Q-Mark, it will remain on the list beyond the date of July 1, 2025.
https://www.sem.admin.ch/dam/sem/de/data/integration/themen/sprache/anerkannte-sprachzertifikate.pdf.download.pdf/anerkannte-sprachzertifikate-d.pdf
the SDS test results can be exchanged to FIDE, but as far as I know (a colleague is in the process), it is only possible until the end of the year.
The SDS is already in the process of obtaining the Q-Mark. At the same time, the SEM has adapted the recognition procedure for Swiss tests in the context of immigration and citizenship procedures and is granting tests that are seeking international accreditation (i.e. Q-Mark) a transition period until the end of 2029. Cantonal authorities have already been informed of this change. Official communication will take place with the update of the list of recognized certificates on January 1, 2025.
This means that the SDS will remain nationally recognized until at least the end of 2029. With the receipt of the Q-Mark, the validity date will be extended beyond that.
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I’m not sure what this means, if you take the test before this date, but the naturalization process takes place after this date, is it still valid for the process or is it that the naturalization process must be concluded by 1 July 2025?
I would think so. As you know some other docs can’t be older than 6 months, that applies relative to the submission date only. The same logic should apply to the language certificate. But nothing keeps you from enquiring to be certain.
The current list reflects that now.
Does this mean SDS got the Q-Mark?
Footnote 6, on the SDS certificate:
The sponsor of this language certificate has made a commitment to the SEM to fulfil the ALTE quality standards (Q-Mark label) by the end of 2029. The SEM will review progress on the basis of a progress report.
Yes, but when I called the Einbürgerungsamt they told me it’s not valid. They haven’t even included it in the language section of Einbürgerung application. Apparently, the Kanton has the final say on which certificates to recognize. SEM list (pdf you attached) is just a recommendation from them to the Kantons. But the Kantons have the freedom to decide what they want.
SEM’s language is binding, and they’re the competent authority.
With that said, as of January 1st it’s no longer possible to convert the certificate into a language pass, Sprachenpass, perhaps that’s what the clerk had in mind. However it’s possible to submit the certificate as such.
All these tests are a big lot of beaurocratic Swiss bullshit
Is it safer to do KDE then? I live in Zürich…
KDE YES.
For C permit or Job search you may use SDS…
And for naturalisation - not sure if they accept SDS. SEM order is just a guideline and kanton can decide the level and which certificates they want to recognize for naturalisation. As you can see, the SEM order was out in December declaring SDS valid until December 2029, However Zurich Kanton as not added it to the list: Kantonaler Deutschtest für die Einbürgerung (KDE) | Kanton Zürich
- Ich habe schon einen Deutsch-Test (zum Beispiel telc, Goethe, ösd oder fide) auf Niveau B1 gemacht.
They do, they probably have to.
Follow the link at the bottom, Liste der anerkannten Sprachzertifikate. That leads to Fide, which in turn links the SEM list that includes SDS.
Fide themselves ([email protected]) say that if the provisional acceptance were to be revoked, there would be a grace period of one full year during which it will keep being accepted.