FAQs
All information about our courses and current dates can be found on our website under Training: https://www.swissoutdoorassociation.ch/en/node/116
All information about our courses and current dates can be found on our website under Training: https://www.swissoutdoorassociation.ch/en/node/116.
In exceptional cases, groups can arrange an extra course that is not listed on our website directly with the course leader. Please contact us using the following form or contact the head of the relevant section directly at https://www.swissoutdoorassociation.ch/en/node/107.
All the information you need about the course can be found directly on the course page under "Details" and "Course description". If you have any further questions, please contact the course leader. Contact details are given on each course page.
Please also remember to bring the necessary documents listed under "Admission requirements" on the first day of the course.
YES. For all our courses we generally require First Aid Level 1 in accordance with European guidelines. In Switzerland, this corresponds to a valid BLS/AED AND a first aid course.
To take part in our courses/exams, first aid courses must have been completed no more than two years ago, regardless of the validity periods stated on the certificates.
Foreign course certificates are accepted if the course content meets the guidelines.
Courses may have a maximum online share of 75%.
Only the Tripleader course requires neither a BLS/AED nor a first aid certificate.
Yes, you can still take part in the course or exam. However, you will only receive the official certificate once you have handed the BLS-AED/first aid certificate and all other documents required for completion to the course leader during the course or sent them to us electronically. The requirements for your course can be found on the relevant course page.
Yes, if you are insured through your employer, that is enough. Please confirm that you have accident insurance by ticking the relevant box when registering on our website.
Our SOA courses are not (purely) training courses but exam courses in which you are assessed. Clearly defined minimum requirements in technique and practice therefore apply, and they are the same for all participants. The relevant proof of experience is compulsory and must also be brought to the course. Without it, you unfortunately cannot be admitted to the course.
Please contact the leader of the course you did not pass directly to arrange a possible resit date.
Please be patient, especially if the course took place only recently, as the certificates and cards still have to be issued. If you need your certificate by a particular date, please contact us briefly using our form.
Please also check whether you have already handed all the necessary documents/proof to the responsible course leader (all the necessary documents are listed on the relevant course page). We only issue your certificate once we have received all your documents, even if you have already passed the course in the meantime.
Have you already received your card and certificate?
If yes: Please report the error to us immediately using our contact form.
If no: please be patient. As soon as your documents have been issued and sent, you will be added to the list of qualified guides.
Please also check whether you have already handed all the necessary documents/proof to the responsible course leader (all the necessary documents are listed on the relevant course page). We only issue your certificate once we have received all your documents, even if you have already passed the course in the meantime.
Certificates are always sent to the member organisation, which then passes them on to you. If your company is not an SOA member, we always send the certificate and card to the address given in the registration.
You can find out whether your foreign training or diploma is recognised in Switzerland on the website of FOSPO (BASPO, the Federal Office of Sport) in the list of recognised foreign certificates of competence: https://www.baspo.admin.ch/de/aktuell/themen--dossiers-/gesetz-ueber-risikosportarten/merkblaetter-und-links.html
No. Only people who have completed SOA training or an SOA exam receive an SOA certificate. If you wish, we can issue a letter of recognition for a fee of CHF 50. In principle, however, you do not need this if your foreign certificate of competence is recognised in Switzerland.
You can find out whether your foreign training is recognised in Switzerland using the FOSPO (BASPO, Federal Office of Sport) list: https://www.baspo.admin.ch/de/aktuell/themen--dossiers-/gesetz-ueber-risikosportarten/merkblaetter-und-links.html
More information on equivalence
DE: https://www.swissoutdoorassociation.ch/de/soa-ausbildungen/aequivalenzpruefung
FR: https://www.swissoutdoorassociation.ch/fr/soa-ausbildungen/equivalence
EN: https://www.swissoutdoorassociation.ch/en/node/116/aquivalenzprufung
You can lodge an appeal within 30 days.
You can send us an email at office@swissoutdoorassociation.ch.
Please give your full name, your current postal address and which exam you took in which year.
Each set (certificate and card) costs CHF 50 processing fee.