Requirements

The respective ordinance on basic vocational education and training regulates the evaluation process in the businesses and in school lessons. Formative and summative evaluation is applied in the businesses. Formative evaluation is becoming particularly important: this is conducted during a process of working and learning, is adapted to suit the trainee and takes the process of task completion into account. The VET/PET professional at the business determines the trainee's educational status and discusses this at least once a semester with the trainee. A learning report is issued each semester. This contains objectives arranged between the VET/PET professional and the trainee, which are checked regularly. Professional, methodological, social and personal competences are assessed, as well as the trainee's documentation of their learning process, and the performance achieved at the vocational school and in business-to-business courses. The trainee's documentation of their learning process is an important basis for the compilation of the learning report. In this documentation, the trainees systematically record all significant tasks, acquired skills and experience gathered.

At the vocational school, the performance of the trainees in the individual subjects is evaluated after each semester in the form of a report (6 = best grade, 4 = sufficient, below 4 = insufficient). The Federal Law on Vocational Education and Training does not provide promotion regulations for tuition at vocational schools; promotion regulations may be included in the respective ordinances on basic vocational education and training. If insufficient school performance endangers the success of the basic vocational education and training, or if the attitude of the trainee is inadequate, the vocational school contacts the business in order to take appropriate measures. In the event of insufficient performance, it may be necessary to repeat the entire year, or to cancel the education and training altogether.

Supportive measures

Trainees with learning difficulties usually have the possibility to attend support courses. Particularly during the basic vocational education and training leading to a basic federal certificate of vocational education and training, a qualified trainer may also provide individual assistance. The duration of the basic vocational education and training can be extended if required.

The Federal Law on Vocational Education and Training stipulates that vocational schools are to meet the needs of particularly able trainees by offering them special options. For instance, particularly able trainees can attend optional or additional courses; individual support within normal classes or participation in professional competitions is possible as well. For exceptionally talented trainees, or trainees with previously acquired skills, the vocational education and training can be shortened.

Vocational baccalaureate

Promotion in vocational baccalaureate education is regulated in the Ordinance on the Vocational Baccalaureate, which are currently being revised. Trainees on a vocational baccalaureate programme receive a report at the end of every semester with the evaluation of their performance in each individual subject (6 = best grade, 4 = sufficient, below 4 = insufficient). The transition into the next semester is effected if the average of grades amounts to at least 4.0 and where at most 2 grades are insufficient. If the performance is insufficient, a promotion to the next semester is effected on a provisional basis. Provisional status is only possible once during the vocational baccalaureate programme.

According to the framework curriculum, an interdisciplinary baccalaureate assignment is compulsory for vocational baccalaureate education. The baccalaureate assignment covers at least 40 lessons and at least 2 subjects. The baccalaureate assignment has a concrete reference to professional situations and incorporates general social and cultural perspectives. The teacher evaluates the assignment with grades. The grade either represents a part of the vocational baccalaureate examination or represents part of the grade based on school performance at the end of baccalaureate examination.

Depending on the canton and vocational school, the trainees can obtain foreign language certificates.

Graduation certificate

The 2-year basic vocational education and training ends with a qualification process, normally a final examination. The acquired practical skills are given a lot of weight. Trainees with learning difficulties may apply for an easing of the terms of the final examination. A basic federal certificate of vocational education and training is thus acquired.

The 3-or-4-year basic vocational education is also completed with a qualification process, generally a final examination that leads to a federal certificate of vocational education and training. The vocational qualifications acquired during practical training are examined, together with the vocational education and general education. An individual practical assignment is a part of the final examination in some vocational programmes.

Those who pass the vocational baccalaureate examination and who possess a federal certificate of vocational education and training receive a federal vocational baccalaureate.

Earning a qualification as an adult

Adults can also earn a certificate of basic vocational education and training. The Federal Law on Vocational Education and Training leaves many options open for providing evidence of skills. In addition to the conventional procedures, individual approval procedures are also possible. In this context, professional or non-professional practical experience acquired outside the usual educational courses can be accredited as appropriate.