Advanced Qualification

Counsellor with an Advanced Federal Diploma

Our 5-year effort has been crowned with success, having attained a decisive
achievement with regard to the positioning of Psychosocial Counselling within
the Swiss professional education system.

With the introduction of the advanced qualification (HFP) the SGfB is the first professional association to succeed in establishing a meaningful and for those seeking advice valuable orientation in the vast field of professional counselling.

The Examination Regulations took effect on June 28 2013 and the Swiss Association for Counselling SGfB has been charged by the government with organising and conducting this federal professional examination in psychosocial studies. The State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SBFI) has lifted the time limit of the examination regulations for HFP counsellor in the psychosocial field with effect from 1 January 2018.

A successful exam entitles to the state-approved professional title «Counsellor with Advanced Federal Diploma». This professional title identifies its holder as qualified specialist in the field of psychosocial counselling.

The exams 2019 will be held from 24 to 26 September.  


Exam dates 2020
14th -16th September 2020 (oral examination)
registration deadline 04.05.2020

Exam dates 2021
14th -16th September 2021
registration deadline 03.05.2021

For a transitional period of 2 years, both regulations (28.06.2013 and 13.12.2017) will be activated.
Repeating exams of 2016 and 2017 according to the examination regulations of 28.6.2013.

Examination regulations from 13.12.2017 valid from 01.01.2018 s. website in German, French or Italian

Guidelines for examination regulations from 13.12.2017 s. website in German, French or Italian



Assessment sheets for the examination 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 see website in German, French or Italian

Charter of professional activities

Code of Ethics

Description of counselling

Examination regulations from 28.06.2013, valid till 01.01.2018 is only for persons who intend to repeat the exam

For the announcment of the Advanced Federal PET Diploma see website in German, French or Italian

For the application for the Advanced Federal PET Diploma see website in German, French or Italian

Guidelines for examination regulations from 28.06.2013, valid till 01.01.2018 is only for persons who intend to repeat the exam

Personal Competencies

Proposal for supervisory coaching processes see website in German

Specification of the professional activities