Information Technology
Short descriptions for international candidates, covering the four SIIL preparatory programmes. Each covers the profession, course structure, hours, price for the 4 semesters, and the federal exam fee — which is separate and paid directly to the examining organisation.
AI BUSINESS SPECIALIST (AIBS) — FEDERAL PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE
The profession
As an AI Business Specialist with Federal Professional Certificate, you stay at the forefront of the latest developments in artificial intelligence. Through clear strategies and intelligent guidelines, you set your organisation on the path to success. You uncover new fields of application and business opportunities that others overlook. You lead the development and introduction of AI-based solutions and make sure your colleagues stay up to date with the latest developments. You are the driving force behind change and learning within your organisation — a pivotal role, because the quality of AI depends first and foremost on the people behind it. The Federal Professional Certificate attests to your skills, gives you good career prospects, and guarantees that you gain new knowledge that is valuable in practice.
The course
This preparatory course is delivered by SIIL and is designed for international candidates preparing for the Swiss federal exam. It runs over 24 months (4 semesters) for a total of 274 teaching hours (92 h of pre-recorded content + 182 h of live online sessions), in a blended format alternating between pre-recorded modules and live online sessions. The SIIL preparatory course fee for the full 4 semesters is EUR 8’000. This does not include the federal exam fee, which is set and collected separately: it is paid directly by the candidate to the responsible examining organisation, not to SIIL, and is due at a different point in the process (after admission to the exam is confirmed). The federal exam fee for AIBS is CHF 3’000 (confirmed tariff, ict-berufsbildung.ch).
CYBER SECURITY SPECIALIST (CSS) — FEDERAL PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE
The profession
As a Cyber Security Specialist with Federal Professional Certificate, you are the go-to reference for all cybersecurity matters within companies and public institutions. You analyse current threats, identify vulnerabilities, and initiate the appropriate protective measures. You lead small teams and take responsibility for sub-projects. The Federal Professional Certificate attests to your cybersecurity skills, guarantees career opportunities, and gives you valuable practical knowledge.
The course
This preparatory course is delivered by SIIL and is designed for international candidates preparing for the Swiss federal exam. It runs over 24 months (4 semesters) for a total of 274 teaching hours (92 h of pre-recorded content + 182 h of live online sessions), in a blended format alternating between pre-recorded modules and live online sessions. The SIIL preparatory course fee for the full 4 semesters is EUR 8’000. This does not include the federal exam fee, which is set and collected separately: it is paid directly by the candidate to the responsible examining organisation, not to SIIL, and is due at a different point in the process (after admission to the exam is confirmed). The federal exam fee for CSS is CHF 3’300 (2026 tariff).
DIGITAL COLLABORATION SPECIALIST (DCS) — FEDERAL PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE
The profession
As a Digital Collaboration Specialist with Federal Professional Certificate, you are the driving force behind digital transformation in your working environment. You specialise in implementing digital strategies and are responsible for the professional use of digital products dedicated to communication, administration, or other business areas. Thanks to your technical understanding combined with methodical know-how and a strong customer orientation, you ensure that your clients and colleagues are able to meet the challenges of everyday digital life. The Federal Professional Certificate is particularly well suited to people with a background in business or management.
The course
This preparatory course is delivered by SIIL and is designed for international candidates preparing for the Swiss federal exam. It runs over 24 months (4 semesters) for a total of 274 teaching hours (92 h of pre-recorded content + 182 h of live online sessions), in a blended format alternating between pre-recorded modules and live online sessions. The SIIL preparatory course fee for the full 4 semesters is EUR 8’000. This does not include the federal exam fee, which is set and collected separately: it is paid directly by the candidate to the responsible examining organisation, not to SIIL, and is due at a different point in the process (after admission to the exam is confirmed). The federal exam fee for DCS is CHF 2’900 (2026 official tariff). Late registration: CHF 250. Withdrawal fees: CHF 300 (up to 6 weeks before the exam) or CHF 400 (later, with valid reason).
INFORMATION SECURITY MANAGER (ISM) — FEDERAL DIPLOMA
The profession
As an Information Security Manager with Federal Diploma, you are the trusted point of contact for everything related to IT security. Your systems are secure, your firewalls impenetrable, and any system vulnerability is immediately eliminated under your watch. Your role includes analysing and advising companies on how to protect their IT networks against cyberattacks. You develop appropriate strategies and systems, and you raise employees’ awareness of security matters.
The course
This preparatory course is delivered by SIIL and is designed for international candidates preparing for the Swiss federal exam. It runs over 24 months (4 semesters) for a total of 274 teaching hours (92 h of pre-recorded content + 182 h of live online sessions), in a blended format alternating between pre-recorded modules and live online sessions. The SIIL preparatory course fee for the full 4 semesters is EUR 8’000. This does not include the federal exam fee, which is set and collected separately: it is paid directly by the candidate to the responsible examining organisation, not to SIIL, and is due at a different point in the process (after admission to the exam is confirmed). The federal exam fee for ISM is CHF 3’400 (2024 tariff, per public ict-berufsbildung.ch sources) — not independently confirmed against the official 2026 publication.
A note on all four programmes
None of these preparatory course fees include the federal exam fee. The federal exam is organised and invoiced directly by the responsible examining organisation (ICT-Formation professionnelle Suisse, or ICT-Formation professionnelle Suisse / Société suisse des employés de commerce for DCS) — never by SIIL. Candidates pay this fee themselves, directly to that organisation, once their admission to the exam is confirmed.
