22.06.2026, 14:35

We revised the wording to make it shorter, clearer, and easier to understand, while keeping the original intention and objectives unchanged.


New petition description:

Addressed to
VSSU (Verband Schweizerischer Sicherheitsdienstleistungs-Unternehmen)

State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI / SBFI)

ThisThe isSwiss notsecurity onlyindustry aboutrelies heavily on an international workforce. Many dedicated professionals speak good conversational German, French, or Italian but may struggle with the academic-level language proficiency required for this qualification. Achieving a C1 level in a foreign language requires considerable time and resources, and many experienced professionals are therefore unable to access totraining education.that Itcould isdirectly aboutimprove safetytheir knowledge and prevention. The tragic fire in Crans-Montana demonstrated how quickly incidents in high-occupancy venues can become fatal when prevention or emergency response fails. In critical infrastructure and other high-risk environments, language barriers can delay decisions, reduce clarity, and increase risk to human life.performance.

AtBy the same time, Switzerland’s universities already reflect international realities, with many degree programs offered fully or largely in English. If English is accepted at advanced academic levels, it should also be available for a federal professional qualification focused on practical safety, operational readiness, and life-saving responsibilities.Knowledge should not be limited by language barriers. Offeringmaking the FSB/SFB qualification available in English,English alongside Switzerland’s national languages, we would improvenot understanding,lower strengthenstandards. We would simply make high-quality professional education accessible to more capable security standards,officers.

Better-trained supportofficers Switzerland’smean internationalbetter workforce,prevention, better decision-making, better protection of critical infrastructure, and enhanceultimately publicsafer safety.workplaces and communities. In a crisis, this knowledge can save the lives of clients, members of the public, and the officers themselves.

We respectfully request that VSSU, in cooperation with SERI/SBFI, initiate:

• Official English-language learning and exam materials
• The option to complete written examinations in English
• A clear and realistic implementation roadmap

ProvidingSwitzerland has become a major hub for international technology companies and critical infrastructure. Global firms such as Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, Meta, and IBM are investing billions of Swiss francs in infrastructure, operations, and long-term growth in Switzerland. In these international environments, English is commonly used as the working language.

Security professionals working in critical infrastructure sites and high-occupancy venues are expected to follow international standards, communicate clearly under pressure, and respond effectively to emergencies. Yet the Federal professional qualification for security officers (FSB/SFB) is currently offered only in German, French, and Italian. While these languages are essential and should remain available, the absence of an English option benefits professionals, employers, and the public, while reinforcing Switzerland’s role ascreates a safebarrier andfor globallyprofessionals connectedwho country.operate daily in English-speaking environments.

16.02.2026, 15:31

Dear supporters,

Thank you very much for signing the petition.

I would like to share some positive news. In December 2025, the Swiss authorities amended the law to allow federal professional examinations to be offered in English. This means that from later this year, there will be no legal barrier to offering the FSB diploma in English. The next step is for the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) and the responsible bodies to actually implement and offer the FSB diploma in English.

Some of you do not live in Switzerland, but we are globally connected. You may one day visit Switzerland for a conference, a concert, or a holiday. When that happens, you will hopefully benefit from professional, well-trained front-line security personnel. This is exactly what this initiative is about, improving access to professional training and raising service standards for everyone.

I was truly encouraged to see support from people with diverse and inspiring backgrounds, including a university professor from Berlin, a Swiss Airways flight instructor, a security training provider with over 30 years of United Nations experience, and many professionals who work in the security industry or engage with security personnel on a daily basis.

So far, we have gathered 25 signatures, and every single signature counts. I will continue to promote this petition whenever I get the opportunity. I work full time, and alongside this I am currently travelling across 26 cantons for a personal photography project, so time is tight, but I will keep pushing this forward. If you are able to share the petition with others or collect a few more signatures, that would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you once again for your support. I will keep you posted over the coming months with any updates.

Kind regards,
Shuvaseesh Das