FAQ – Frequently asked questions

The period of validity of your certificate is indicated on the document itself. In case you are no longer in possession of your certificate, our will gladly be of assistance. In order for the certificate to keep its validity, certificate holders must fulfill the requirements given in the examination regulations.

Yes, you can submit a reasoned request via for a maximum extension of 3 months.

If you no longer meet the certification requirements, the certificate held becomes immediately invalid (e.g. you leave an eligible role). The certificate can be reactivated at a later date. You will find all information on reactivation in the "Reactivation Guidelines" and the "Reactivation Application".

A simplified change (passerelle) is possible with the following certification programs:

To do this, the application passerelle must be completed and submitted to SAQ. For more information see the certification program respective.

Duplicates or other formats of valid certificates can be ordered provided that the certificate holder still meets the requirements for certification. Send the request duplicate to .

Please use our online form or, if you havea login, directly in the SAQ Self-Service-Portal.

Apart from the courses provided by our partner-organizations there are a variety of other courses accepted for recertification. You can find an overview here.

No other qualifications (diplomas, certificates, etc.) will be credited / accepted.

Candidates are granted 3 attempts for each exam (regular or partial exam).

If a candidate has failed the written examination or partial examination three times, they can start the qualification procedure again at the earliest after a waiting period of twelve months. Partial examinations that have already been passed lose their validity.

If a candidate has failed the oral examination three times, he/she may only start the oral examination procedure again after a waiting period of twelve months at the earliest.

After 3 failed examinations, the candidate is barred for 12 months. The blocking period applies at segment level. The 6 certification programs are divided into 3 segments: Wealth Management (CWMA and Affluent), Corporate (CCOB and SME), Retail (PC and IC).

Example: If a CWMA exam is failed 3 times, these candidates are blocked for 12 months for CWMA and Affluent exams. They are immediately re-admitted to the other programs.

The application for recertification can be submitted to SAQ 3 months before the certificate’s expiration date at the earliest. Click here for further information.

Passed SAQ-exams (partial exams or regular exams) have a validity of 3 years no matter the current employer. However, completed written partial exams cannot be transferred if the examination organization changes.

Mothers are granted an extension of 6 months after the expiration of their certificate to attain all recertification measures needed.

Yes, if your role matches the CWMA profile defined by SAQ and if your employer is a member of a self-regulation organization or has an authorisation by FINMA.

No. Only completed learning hours (training courses) that were completed during the term of the currently valid certificate will be taken into account for recertification.

The expert pools are administered by our mandated exam providers. If you are interested, please contact the exam providers directly.