Christophe Aebi
Member Module-leading certificate levelDeloitte AG, Basel
Licensed Audit Expert
- Fast track to professional excellence
- Modular, flexible, cutting-edge
- Hands-on learning in a dynamic field
- Future skills for versatile career paths
- Expert recognition with global reach
At a glance
Swiss Federal Diploma
«Dipl. Wirtschaftsprüfer/-in» Expert level with National Qualifications Framework Level 8
Next Intake
1st April 2026 (registration deadline 31st January 2026)
Blended Learning
Asynchronous e-learning combined with on-site or online teaching
Duration
3 years of part-time study plus 1 practical year
Teaching Location
EXPERTsuisse Campus in Zurich, Lausanne or Olten
Tuition Fees
from CHF 19,500 with member discount
Your Pathway to the Swiss Federal Diploma
Certificate level “Fundamentals of Auditing” (LEVEL 1)
This first level of training consists of 12 core modules, usually completed over two years.
The introductory modules are taken in the first year to build a solid foundation for further study.
Core Phase I modules can then be flexibly distributed across the first and second years.
Once completed, the first stage is achieved: the Required Industry Qualification certifies you in the fundamentals of auditing.
Diploma level “Licensed Audit Expert” (LEVEL 2)
In the third year — the practical year — the focus shifts to application: acquired skills are deepened and directly applied in your work environment.
The fourth and final year of training comprises Core Phase II and individually selectable Specialisation Modules (SPM). Alongside three compulsory core modules, you may choose five of seven specialisation modules according to your personal interests.
On completing the programme, you will have all the required skills and a strong foundation to register for the Swiss Federal Diploma Examination, leading to the title of Licensed Audit Expert.
Our innovative auditing training empowers you to shape your studies around your career and lifestyle.
Multiple entry routes – diverse educational backgrounds qualify (see admission requirements)
Direct entry – no entrance exams or preparatory courses required
Flexible study pace – complete 12 modules over two years, arranged to fit your schedule
Strong digital component – at least 30% delivered through self-paced, location-independent e-learning
Choice of format – attend classes on-site or join virtually from anywhere
Tailored expertise – handpick 5 specialisation modules for your final oral diploma examination
Extended flexibility – pause your studies for up to 5 years if needed
We welcome a diverse range of applicants to our program. You are invited to apply if you are one of the following:
University graduates aspiring to a career in auditing (e.g. fiduciaries / trustees, or holders of a bachelor’s or master’s degree)
Industry professionals already working in the sector who wish to advance their qualifications
Internationally licensed audit experts seeking to qualify in Switzerland
Career changers interested in individual modules without pursuing the full diploma
Our program modules are open to anyone motivated by the field of auditing. You may enrol in modules at the Certificate Stage (Level 1) and the Diploma Stage (Level 2); individual module enrolment is also possible.
Most participants register with the goal of sitting the Swiss Federal Diploma Examination, leading to the legally protected title of Licensed Audit Expert (dipl. Wirtschaftsprüfer/-in). Please note that the official eligibility criteria for the diploma examination must be observed.
Professional Experience Requirements
The standard requirement of 4,800 hours of professional experience is acquired over the course of 4 years leading up to the diploma examination. Since the programme itself lasts only 3 years, you may choose to complete the additional practice year either before or during your studies, or to distribute the modules over 4 years instead of 3.
Credit
If you have already completed part-time professional education, such as a bachelor’s degree or a professional certificate, you may receive credit for 1,200 hours of industry-specific professional experience.
Reduction of Professional Experience
If you can provide evidence of 30 ECTS credits in accounting from a previous master’s degree (e.g. accounting, financial reporting, bookkeeping, financial management, financial analysis, etc.), the required professional experience can be reduced from 4 to 3 years (3,600 hours). The 30 ECTS credits must have been completed with a passing grade and must be documented by an official transcript as well as the relevant module descriptions from the university.
The programme starts annually on 1st April.
- 1 April to mid-May:
time- and location-independent e-learning (asynchronous learning) - Mid-May to mid-July:
blended learning (a mix of asynchronous e-learning and synchronous classroom sessions on site or online) - Registration deadline: 31 January
Cost Overview
Federal Subsidies (subject financing)
Upon successful completion of your studies, you are entitled to government support covering 50% of the total training costs (excluding external examination fees), up to a maximum of CHF 10,500.
For the subsidies to be paid out by the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI), the following statutory conditions must be met:
The invoice for the training must be issued to your private address, and your tax residence must be in Switzerland.
The full programme must be completed before taking the diploma examination – the subsidy is granted regardless of the examination result.
Further details on the application process can be found on the SERI website.
Lead Lecturer - Certificate Level
10 Members
Luca Beirer
Member Module-leading certificate levelKantonales Steueramt Zürich, Zürich
Daniel Bläuer
Member Module-leading certificate levelBläuer Anwaltskanzlei, Thalwil
Fabian Hell
Member Module-leading certificate levelDeloitte AG, Zürich
Makedon Jenni
Member Module-leading certificate levelT+R AG, Gümligen
Ralph Maiocchi
Member Module-leading certificate levelPricewaterhouseCoopers AG, Basel
Melanie Mozzetti
Member Module-leading certificate levelEXPERTsuisse AG, Zürich
David Oesch
Member Module-leading certificate levelUniversität Zürich, Zürich
Marco Passardi
Member Module-leading certificate levelAudit Suisse AG, St. Gallen
Jakub Pesek
Member Module-leading certificate levelKPMG AG, Zürich
Apply now: Your career deserves excellence. Start your journey to the Licensed Audit Expert diploma.
Certificate Level
Year 1: Introductory Phase
Year 2: Core Phase I
Diploma Level
Year 3: Core Phase II and Specialisation Modules
Lead Lecturer - Diploma Level
9 Members
Luca Beirer
Member Module-leading diploma levelKantonales Steueramt Zürich, Zürich
Reto Eberle
Member Module-leading diploma levelStiftung für Fachempfehlungen zur, St. Gallen
Sarah Göktepe
Member Module-leading diploma levelErnst & Young AG, Zürich
Florian Häller
Member Module-leading diploma levelKPMG AG, Zürich
Marco Passardi
Member Module-leading diploma levelAudit Suisse AG, St. Gallen
Jakub Pesek
Member Module-leading diploma levelKPMG AG, Zürich
Anna Katharina Rieder
Member Module-leading diploma levelEidgenössische Finanzmarktaufsicht FINMA, Bern
Esther Wegmüller
Member Module-leading diploma level
Abetare Zymeri
Member Module-leading diploma levelDeloitte AG, Zürich
Online Information Events
Online information event, 30 September, 2025, 10.00 -10.30 a.m.
Professional Qualification «Auditing»
Online information event, 30 October, 2025, 11.00 - 11.30 a.m.
Professional Qualification «Auditing»
Online information event, 25 November, 2025, 3.00 - 3.30 p.m.
Professional Qualification «Auditing»
Dates 2026
Teaching Methods
Our program offers diverse teaching methods to help you develop professional expertise. A growing portion of the curriculum consists of self-paced learning modules that you can complete anytime, anywhere, providing maximum flexibility to fit your schedule. Important: This learning format requires strong self-motivation and discipline. You'll need to work through the asynchronous content independently to build the foundational knowledge essential for your professional development.
In addition to self-paced learning units, scheduled courses are also offered, either as in-person sessions on site or virtually via Zoom. These classes give you the opportunity to interact directly with lecturers, coaches, and fellow students. During the synchronous sessions, the foundations you have acquired are reinforced and applied in practice.
Each module is designed and guided by a team of experienced instructors and coaches with a strong practical focus. These recognised experts provide you with focused support in acquiring the competencies required for the demanding role of a Licensed Audit Expert.
For each module, you will receive a structured study plan that serves as your roadmap, answering key questions to guide your learning:
What are the core topics and concepts?
How does this knowledge apply to real-world professional situations?
What are the key learning objectives for this module?
Which learning materials and resources are provided?
Your study plan is your personal guide throughout the program, providing a clear framework to help you organize and master your learning.
Professional Qualification
The highest qualification - NQF level 8
The diploma as Licensed Audit Expert is classified by the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) at the highest level of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), Level 8.
This classification confirms that the profession involves highly complex situations requiring in-depth and specialised expertise. The three-year programme, combined with four years of professional practice, forms the basis for obtaining this nationally and internationally recognised title.
NQF Level 8 stands for the following qualifications:
In-depth, specialised, systematic and strategy-oriented expertise in all areas of auditing
Ability to link complex, strategy-oriented interrelationships both within and beyond the profession
Interdisciplinary analysis and evaluation of highly demanding issues, as well as the development of sound forecasts and recommendations
Leadership of expert teams in complex, interdisciplinary and innovative assignments
Development of constructive solutions that take into account economic, legal and ethical dimensions
Shaping and managing complex work contexts
With the diploma at NQF Level 8, you earn a qualification at the very top of professional education in Switzerland – highly respected in practice and recognised on the international labour market.
Information regarding the Required Industry Qualification
EXPERTsuisse Ltd's Required Industry Qualification confirms the skills acquired in the first twelve modules. Virtual and written performance assessments test the content of the first two years of Professional Qualification. Upon successful completion, graduates receive the certificate "Certified in Fundamentals of Auditing".
Regulations: All relevant provisions are set out in the VIVERSA regulations for the industry qualification.
The 12 certificates of achievement in Part 1 are virtual single-choice tests. These take between 15 and 30 minutes (total duration: approx. 5 hours) and are completed in the Zurich and Lausanne areas.
The certificate of achievement, part 2, is a written examination which focuses on the application. The examination tasks require networked thinking and the combined application of content from different subject areas. The examination takes place on site in the Zurich and Lausanne area, lasts 270 minutes and is usually taken at the end of the 2nd year of study.
Part 1: Certificate of achievement starter 2026 15.07.2026 Part 1: Certificate of achievement starter 2026 16.07.2026 Part 2: Certificate of achievement 06.08.2026
Information regarding the Swiss Federal Diploma Examination
All relevant information - from admission requirements and specialist practice to dates and registration forms - are available on the website of the sponsoring body of the Advanced Professional Examination for Certified Public Accountants.
Graduates who studied according to the 2009 examination regulations and passed the module examinations as a whole between 2018 and 2025 can apply for the title "Certified in Fundamentals of Auditing".
In this case, please contact branchenabschluss@expertsuisse.ch and submit documentation that you have passed the module examinations as a whole. EXPERTsuisse will confirm the certification retroactively with a corresponding document for a fee of CHF 200.
Further information can be found in the regulations for the industry certification, which are filed in VIVERSA
.
Downloads & Links
- Registration form for the «Fundamentals of Auditing» certificate level 2026 (German)pdf (197.56 KB)
- Anmeldeformular Diplomstufe Wirtschaftsprüfung 2026pdf (188.35 KB)
- Timeline for the 2026 introduction phase (in German)pdf (96.52 KB)
- Datenplan 1. & 2. Jahr kombiniert 2026pdf (102.17 KB)
- Data plan for core phase I 2026 (in German)pdf (101.57 KB)
- Data plan for core modules 2026 (German)pdf (87.91 KB)