Pass the FIDE Test in Geneva
With Personalized Tuition

Start building your language skills to pass the FIDE test with expert tuition from our experienced teachers. Improve your vocabulary, build confidence in speaking, and learn daily French.

Contact our team today.

Testimonials
What do our students say?
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This is an excellent course. The technique used is very innovative. It motivate and help you understand and encourage to speak in French. The teacher was very patient and helped motivate me to learn, understand and speak in French.
WHO
French classes
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I’ve very much enjoyed the French course. The teacher adapts the course to your personal level and will encourage you to get out of your comfort zone. I was quickly able to order coffee and request basic things at shops. Highly recommended!
Private bank
French classes
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Learning French has been easy and fun—words I would never have used to describe my French classes before in other institutions! I stopped trying to learn the language for years because I thought maybe it just wasn’t for me, but the approach used here makes you believe in yourself.
Psychologist
French classes

The FIDE Test: Your Language Passport to Life in Switzerland

The FIDE test is a standardized test of your French ability that is required when you apply for naturalization, a residence permit, or a settlement permit.

The FIDE test consists of a series of activities and exercises designed to test your French language skills, including a written part, speaking part, reading part, and listening activities. 

The test includes vocabulary and constructions you’re likely to hear around Geneva, such as work related subjects, attending the doctor’s, making a payment, going shopping.

That’s why we take a speaking-first approach at My Linguistics: To help students like you improve first in their speaking and listening confidence, ensuring they meet their objectives in the exam.

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FIDE preparation Lessons From 100 CHF/Hour

At My Linguistics, we specialize in preparing students for the FIDE exam with a proven track record of success. Our tailored packages are designed to meet a variety of needs, from light preparation for those with solid foundations to intensive courses for individuals requiring last-minute support.

With access to a wide range of preparation materials, mock tests, and scenario-based practice, we ensure that you go into your exam fully equipped and confident. Let us guide you there.

FIDE preparation
1 Student
3 hours: 360 CHF

(120 CHF/hour)

Key Benefits:
  • Introduction to the exam (information session)
  • Assessment of current level (mock FIDE test)
  • 2-hour conversational preparation session
  • 1 correction of writing and reading test
  • Platform access not included
FIDE preparation
1 Student
5 hours: 575 CHF

(115 CHF/hour)

Key Benefits:
  • Introduction to the exam (information session)
  • Assessment of current level (mock FIDE test)
  • 4-hour conversational preparation session
  • 2 correction of writing and reading test
  • Platform access included
FIDE – Next level
1 Student
10 hours +

(Pricing based on private class rates)

Ideal for:
  • Individuals needing to pass the FIDE exam urgently but who are significantly below the required level
    Those seeking a fast-tracked combination of general French improvement and exam-specific preparation
  • Platform access included

Why study the FIDE test with My Linguistics

FIDE Success with My Linguistics
Flexible Schedule

Create a French class calendar around your commitments and choose a time that suits you for class.

Speaking-Focussed

Our lessons focus on building confidence and speaking fluently, helping you focus on doing well in the oral part of the exam.

Role-Play Based Learning

Our classes are designed to help you learn French in an active, engaging way, prioritizing the vocabulary you need for daily life.

In-Person Classes

Choose your preferred group French class location: In our Geneva office or a location of your choice.

Beginner to Advanced

No matter what level you’re starting at, your French language course is bespoke to you and your goals.

FIDE Support

Our experts assist you in navigating FIDE, permit requirements, various levels, and administrative questions.

How to join

Easily Pass the FIDE Test

Course Features/ Our Approach to FIDE Test Prep

Our Winning Strategies to FIDE Testing Preparation

At My Linguistics, we’re committed to helping you prepare for the FIDE test. With a focus on speaking, our classes ensure that you spend a significant portion of your time conversing in French and learning the helpful structures you’ll need to demonstrate proficiency in your exam.
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Our structured lessons cover reading, writing, listening, and speaking, using engaging activities to keep you motivated. Through scenario exercises, you’ll practice real-life situations, making learning practical and fun from day one.

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By hacking into your neuro-linguistic processing and making use of your long term memory, we’ll make learning French straightforward, with no tedious text books and no lengthy grammar drills — even for the written part! Then, with dynamic activities and lessons tailored around your unique interests, you’ll rapidly develop the skills you need for life in Geneva.

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Fast Track Your FIDE Success Today

Our friendly French teachers will help you find the perfect class so you can pass the test stress-free. Schedule a free consultation with our FIDE teaching team and start preparing for your exam today.

FAQs

FIDE Test Preparation FAQs

The FIDE test is an official assessment of your French level that is required when you apply for naturalization, a residence permit, or a settlement permit. You can take the FIDE exam in French, Italian, or German. In Geneva, French is required.

My Lingusitcs article on FIDE

The FIDE exam is designed to test your knowledge of French in various everyday situations, like at the shops, attending the doctor, or navigating basic rules. Like all language exams, the test will check your writing, speaking, listening, and reading skills.

At My Linguistics, our Beginner course is an excellent starting point to prepare for the FIDE. With our comprehensive methodology, unique learning approach, and experienced teachers, all of our French language courses are designed to help learners pass the FIDE test. It typically takes around 20 hours to progress from 0 to A1, another 20 hours to advance from A1 to A2, and an additional 40 hours to reach the B1 level.

No, you can sit the FIDE test in Italian, German or French – the languages of the region of Switzerland in which you live. At My Linguistics, we offer FIDE instruction in French, the required language in Geneva. and Vaud.

To pass the FIDE test, you need skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. This includes understanding everyday conversations, engaging in simple discussions, reading basic texts, and writing short messages. For a C permit, A2 in speaking and A1 in writing are required, while naturalization typically demands B1 in speaking and A2 in writing. For a B permit, A1 in speaking is sufficient.

Language proficiency requirements differ based on the type of residence permit. Certain cantons, particularly those in German-speaking regions, tend to impose stricter criteria. In contrast, the cantons of Vaud and Geneva adhere to the minimum standards. Below is a summary of the language levels needed for permits in the Geneva and Vaud regions.

Permis B (Standard Residence Permit):
Required Level: FIDE A1 oral (Speaking & Comprehension)

Permis C (Long-Term Residence Permit):
Regular (after 10 years of residency):
– Speaking & Comprehension: Level A2
– Writing & Reading: Level A1
Anticipated (after 5 years of residency):
– Speaking & Comprehension: Level B1
– Writing & Reading: Level A1

Naturalization:
Required Levels:
Speaking & Comprehension: Level B1
Writing & Reading: Level A2

For more information, visit the SEM page on language requirements.