The Ranking of the Federal Diploma of Higher Education in IT and Management - International Recognition
The Ranking of the Federal Diploma of Higher Education in IT and Management - International Recognition
The world of professional training in Switzerland took a significant step forward on July 1, 2023 with the official classification of the Federal Diploma of Higher Education in IT and Management at level 6 of the CNC (National Framework of Certifications) and the CEC (European Qualifications Framework). This international recognition opens new opportunities for patent holders, who now benefit from equivalence with a Bachelor level diploma in Switzerland and Europe.
In this blog post, we will explore the concepts of the CNC and CEC, their importance in diploma evaluation, how to obtain diploma supplements retroactively, and the impact of this ranking for management IT professionals.
The CNC and CEC: Two Essential Reference Frameworks
The National Qualifications Framework (CNC) and the European Qualifications Framework (CEC) are crucial references for evaluating and classifying diplomas and certifications in Switzerland and Europe.
The CNC is a Swiss qualification evaluation system that ranks diplomas into eight levels, from level 1 to level 8. Each level represents an increasing degree of competence and knowledge, allowing employers and institutions to recognize the value of candidates’ qualifications.
CNC Vocational Training Levels
| Level 1 | Professionals meet simple requirements in a defined work area with stable structures. They perform their tasks following given instructions. |
|---|---|
| Level 2 | Professionals meet basic requirements appropriately in a defined work area with stable structures. They perform most of their tasks by following given instructions. |
| Level 3 | Professionals meet specific requirements autonomously in a still-defined work area with partially flexible structures. |
| Level 4 | Professionals identify and handle specific tasks in a broad and evolving work area. |
| Level 5 | Professionals identify and analyze extensive specific tasks in a complex, specialized, and constantly evolving work context. |
| Level 6 | Professionals identify, analyze, and evaluate extended specific tasks, problems, and processes in a broad work context. The requirement structure is characterized by its complexity and constant changes. |
| Level 7 | Professionals handle unusual and complex tasks and problems and lead processes responsibly in a strategy-based work context. The requirement structure is characterized by perpetual and unpredictable changes. |
| Level 8 | Professionals acquire scientific knowledge or develop innovative solutions and procedures in a complex field of activity. The requirement structure is characterized by unusual and highly demanding problems. |
A detailed description of the levels can be found in the appendix of the Ordinance on the National Qualifications Framework for Vocational Training Diplomas.
Source: https://www.sbfi.admin.ch/sbfi/en/home/education/mobility/cnc-vocational-training/levels.html
“According to the CEC Recommendation of the EU establishing the CEC, Bachelor’s degrees are classified at level 6, Master’s degrees at level 7, and doctorates at level 8 of the CEC.”
The CEC serves as the foundation for the CNC and follows a similar eight-level scale, allowing for diploma comparisons across different European countries. This facilitates the mobility of workers and students within the European Union by ensuring mutual recognition of qualifications.
More information on the CEC is available here: https://www.sbfi.admin.ch/sbfi/en/home/education/mobility/cnc-vocational-training/european-qualifications-framework.html
The “Federal Diploma of Higher Education in IT and Management” at Level 6:
The Federal Diploma of Higher Education in IT and Management is a high-level professional certification in the field of Business IT in Switzerland. The organization ICT Vocational Training Switzerland is responsible for this vocational training program.
The classification of The “Federal Diploma of Higher Education in IT and Management” at Level 6 of the CNC and CEC confirms a high degree of specialization and advanced skills in Business IT. This recognition equates it to a Bachelor’s degree in Switzerland and Europe, enhancing the value and appeal of the diploma internationally.
Obtaining Diploma Supplements Retroactively
If you completed your exams before 2023, you can request diploma supplements by following the procedure described in the link below:
Impact on Business IT Professionals
The classification of the Federal Diploma of Higher Education in IT and Management at level 6 of the CNC and CEC opens new career opportunities for Business IT professionals. This international recognition broadens career prospects and provides job opportunities worldwide. Diploma holders can now aim for key positions in both Switzerland and abroad, strengthening their credibility in the job market. Perhaps this will even open doors to further studies at Universities of Applied Sciences and traditional universities (an academic Master’s degree?).
Conclusion
The classification of the Federal Diploma of Higher Education in IT and Management at level 6 of the CNC and CEC is a major advancement for the Business IT field in Switzerland. This international recognition equates it to a Bachelor’s degree, enhancing the reputation and value of Business IT professionals’ qualifications globally. Thanks to this equivalence, exciting new opportunities open up for diploma holders, making the future a fertile ground for flourishing careers.
PS: In 2024, the “ICT-Application Development Specialist” and “ICT-Platform Development Specialist” Federal Diplomas should also be classified under the CNC. I imagine they will likely receive a similar level.
Sources:
- ICT Vocational Training Switzerland: https://www.ict-berufsbildung.ch/formation-continue/brevet-federal/informaticienne-de-gestion
- National Qualifications Framework (CNC) - SERFI: https://www.sbfi.admin.ch/sbfi/en/home/education/mobility/cnc-vocational-training.html
- European Qualifications Framework (CEC) - European Commission: https://www.sbfi.admin.ch/sbfi/en/home/education/mobility/cnc-vocational-training/european-qualifications-framework.html
- Federal Diploma Revisions: https://www.ict-berufsbildung.ch/association/avenir-et-developpement/revision-des-brevets-federaux
