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    • Jul 1, 2023
    • 3 min read

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 the CEC, their importance in the evaluation of diplomas, the means of obtaining the diploma supplement a posteriori as well as as the impact of this ranking for management IT professionals.


The CNC and the CEC: Two Essential Frames of Reference

The National Qualifications Framework (CNC) and the European Qualifications Framework (CEC) are crucial benchmarks for the evaluation and classification of diplomas and certifications in Switzerland and in Europe.

The CNC is a qualification assessment system in Switzerland, which classifies diplomas according to eight levels ranging from level 1 to level 8. Each level represents an increasing degree of skills and of knowledge, allowing employers and institutions to recognize the value of candidates' qualifications.


The levels of the CNC professional training

​Level 1

​Professionals respond to simple requirements in a defined field of activity with stable structures. They carry out their tasks by following the instructions received.

​Level 2

​Professionals fulfill basic requirements appropriately in a defined field of activity with stable structures. They accomplish most of their tasks by following the instructions received.

​Level 3

​Professionals fulfill specific requirements independently in a still delimited work area with partially flexible structures.

Level 4

Professionals identify and address specific tasks within a large and evolving scope of work.

Level 5

Professionals identify and analyze specific, broad tasks in a complex, specialized and constantly evolving work context.

Level 6

Professionals identify, analyze and evaluate specific tasks, issues and processes within a broader work context. The requirements structure is characterized by its complexity and perpetual changes.

Level 7

Professionals handle unusual and complex tasks and problems and lead processes responsibly in a strategy-based work context. The requirements 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 requirements structure is characterized by unusual and very demanding issues.

The detailed description of the levels can be found in the annex of the ordinance on the national qualifications framework for vocational training diplomas.



"According to the EU EQF Recommendation establishing the EQF, bachelor's degrees are attached to level 6, master's degrees to level 7 and doctorates to level 8 of the EQF. "

The CEC, for its part, serves as the basis for the CNC and therefore has a similar scale with eight assessment levels, allowing a comparison of diplomas across different European countries . This facilitates the mobility of workers and students within the European Union by ensuring mutual recognition of qualifications.


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 management IT in Switzerland. It is the organization ICT Vocational Training/ICT Berufsbildung which is in charge of this professional training course.

The classification of the Federal Diploma of Higher Education in IT and Management at level 6 of the CNC and the CEC attests to a high degree of specialization and advanced skills in the field of IT Management. This recognition is equivalent to a bachelor's level diploma in Switzerland and Europe, which reinforces the value and appeal of the patent on the international scene.

Training in Switzerland
Training in Switzerland

Obtainment of diploma supplements subsequently:

If you took your exams before 2023 you can request diploma supplements by following the procedure described on the link below:


Impact on Business IT Professionals:

The classification of the Federal Certificate of Management IT at level 6 of the CNC and the CEC opens new perspectives for management IT professionals. This international recognition broadens professional horizons and offers career opportunities on a global scale. Holders of the patent can now consider key positions both in Switzerland and abroad, thus strengthening their credibility on the job market. Perhaps this will even open the door to additional studies at HES and 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 the CEC is a major advance for the field of management IT in Switzerland. This international recognition is equivalent to a bachelor's degree, strengthening the reputation and value of the qualifications of business IT professionals on the international scene. With this equivalence, exciting new opportunities open up for patent holders, making the future fertile ground for the development of thriving careers.


ps: In 2024 the "ICT-Application Development Specialist." as well as "ICT-Platform Development Specialist." should also be classified in the CNC. I imagine they will surely achieve a similar level.


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