A cybersecurity specialist with a federal vocational diploma (Brevet fédéral) is a highly specialized professional working in medium- and large-sized private companies or government agencies. Their responsibilities include the proactive protection of information and communication systems against cyberattacks and the reactive management of security incidents; they may lead small teams or be responsible for specific work packages within projects.
A cybersecurity specialist with a federal vocational diploma (Brevet fédéral) is a highly specialized professional who works in medium- and large-sized private companies or government agencies.
Accreditation, European registries, Swiss quality standards, and the institute's partners
The official duration is 24 months. The program follows a blended format: 92 hours of recorded theoretical modules and 182 hours of live online classes, alternating every two weeks. The program culminates in a three-part federal exam, which is taken in person in Bern.
Preparatory course — 8,000 € (4 semesters at 2,000 € each). Federal Exam — 3,300 CHF (2026 rate, includes issuance of a certificate and review of case materials). Retakes by section: Cybersecurity — 1,900 CHF, Projects and Economics — 900 CHF, Leadership and Communication — 700 CHF.
The program's core competencies align with the modules of the federal cybersecurity exam.
Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI), ICT infrastructure security audits, attack detection and response, vulnerability and patch management.
Security incident management, digital forensics, and malware analysis; interpretation of security datasets.
Requirements engineering, ICT cost management, solution evaluation and procurement recommendations, project management.
Leading and managing a small team, providing technical consulting and training, and demonstrating professional communication skills during an oral exam.
Would you like to find out if you meet the admission requirements?
Get adviceUpon successful completion of the federal exam, graduates are awarded the qualification “Professional Bachelor’s Degree, Specialization in Cybersecurity”—a specialist with a federal vocational diploma (Brevet fédéral). The exam is administered by the industry organization ICT-Formation professionnelle Suisse, and the qualification is awarded by the Swiss Confederation. SIIL offers a preparatory course for this exam.
SIIL Status and Documents
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External experts evaluated the educational processes, the management system, internal quality assurance, and other aspects of the institute’s operations. The result was institutional accreditation by the IAAR (certificate AA 0298).
Check the SIIL in the IAAR registryIAAR is a member of ENQA and is registered with EQAR. The status of the accreditation agency itself can be verified in European sources.
The official duration of the program is 24 months (274 hours of instruction). The federal exam consists of three parts and is taken in person in Bern.
Schedule: 92 hours of recorded theory modules and 182 hours of live online classes, alternating every two weeks.
Official documents open in a new tab—you can review and save them on your own.
Admission is possible if one of the following four conditions is met: a CFC in ICT + 2 years of experience in information security; or a CFC or high school diploma + 4 years of experience in ICT (including 2 years in information security); or 6 years of experience in ICT (including 2 years in information security); or cyber training in the Swiss Armed Forces + 1 year of experience in information security.
Fill out the form on the website—an SIIL academic advisor will contact you to discuss your background and language proficiency (French, German, or Italian; and, starting in 2027, English).
Proof of education (CFC or equivalent) and professional experience. International applicants are responsible for obtaining their own visas and covering their travel expenses; SIIL can assist with the visa process.
Signing of the contract, access to the SIIL platform, and the start of the preparatory course. Classes begin on February 1, 2027.
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