06/22/2026, 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.