FIDE Test Exam Structure
This FIDE test guide explains the FIDE exam structure in Switzerland with an interactive overview of the oral parts "Parler and Comprendre" and the written part "Lire et ecrire". It gives a quick first overview, then lets you open official-style examples when you want more detail.
FIDE Test Oral Exam Structure
Consits of three main questions, though it is common to begin with an introductory question.
This is a common warm-up prompt.
* not listed in the official speaking structure, but often asked as an introductary question.
1-2 minutes about your name, where you live, languages, work, family, or hobbies.
Describe people, situations, and actions shown in an image.
The examiner may also ask where the person is and what may have happened.
Play a short phone call to arrange, postpone, or cancel an appointment.
The examiner gives the situation, then you role-play the caller.
Answer follow-up questions about habits and preferences, an experience or event, and a process or behaviour.
These questions usually stay close to the same topic as the image or phone simulation.
Examiner proposes a level based on the candidates performance so far.
*candidate may choose the other level, however has to sign a document indicating the choice.
Candidate continues with the selected level (either A1-A2 or A2-B1)
Candidate has to describe a given image. This usually has a sequence of images to describe an event. Examiner look for your ability to name places, describe communicative situations, and actions on pictures.
Then candidate has to do the dialogue with the examiner. Examiner look for your ability to react in common everyday contact situations
Example scenarios:
- Post office: send parcel
- Doctor: confirm appointment
- Public transport: ask for next bus
- Administration: opening hours
Then the examiner asks basic open-ended questions (usually on the same topic as the image), to check your everyday vocabulary.
Candidate gets 2 topics, chooses 1, then gives opinion + answers questions.
For the selected topic, you will be asked a few questions testing your ability to use different tenses (past, future, conditional) and to make comparisons (advantages vs disadvantages).
You are expected to:
- describe an experience
- describe a process or procedure
- explain positive and negative sides of a situation
- give an opinion on a hypothetical situation
Example topics: Health, Travel, Apartment, Continuing education
Difficulty follows chosen level from Section 2.
- A1-A2 users will do the first two sets (A1 & A2 Levels)
- A2-B1 users will do the last two sets (A2 & B1 Levels)
For each level, 2 situations with 3 texts (so 6 audios per level, 12 audios for the full test).
Examiner reads the question and plays the audio.
Candidate can listen to the same audio 2 times, and take notes as needed.
Short clips (25–35 words). Usually straightforward.
Choose the correct illustration out of three options (a, b, or c).
Medium-length clips (30–45 words). May contain distractor information.
Choose the correct illustration out of three options (a, b, or c).
Longer clips (35–55 words). Contains distractor information.
Must answer orally. The examiner will note it down for you.
Key Facts About Parler and Comprendre
The oral part of the FIDE test lasts about 40 minutes.
In Parler, there are two examiners: one leads the conversation and the other observes. In Comprendre, there is one examiner.
All oral exams start with the A2 block. After that, the exam continues with A1 in A1-A2 or with B1 in A2-B1.
In Comprendre, the examiner writes the answers for you, so you do not write anything. In A1 and A2, you answer orally with A, B, or C. In B1, you answer orally in a full sentence.
Want to try a realistic FIDE test example before the real exam? Try our interactive FIDE mock test.
The written part, Lire et ecrire, lasts 60 minutes. The FIDE exam is made up of three modules out of a total of six; you complete either modules 1-3 (A1-A2) or modules 4-6 (A2-B1). You can choose the written level independently from the oral part. Before starting, the examiner explains the tasks and you may ask questions.
Each written track contains three modules, and each module combines reading work with a writing task.
A1-A2
Max: 48 marks
Module 1
- •
Task 1: identify information in a text and copy it into an SMS. (max. 8 marks)
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Task 2: fill in a form with personal details. (max. 5 marks)
Module 2
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Task 3: find specific information in a text and underline it. (max. 5 marks)
- •
Task 4: fill in a form with personal information and add questions or remarks. (max. 11 marks)
Module 3
- •
Task 5: find information in two texts and transfer it into a partly completed list. (max. 5 marks)
- •
Task 6: reply to an email by covering the required points. (max. 14 marks)
18.5/48
39%
36.5/48
76%
A2-B1
Max: 59 marks
Module 4
- •
Task 7: find information in two texts and transfer it into a partly completed list. (max. 5 marks)
- •
Task 8: reply to an email by covering the required points. (max. 14 marks)
Module 5
- •
Task 9: choose the correct summary of a text twice from three options. (max. 6 marks)
- •
Task 10: write a simple formal letter by covering the required points. (max. 9 marks)
Module 6
- •
Task 11: choose the correct statement for four short texts from three options. (max. 8 marks)
- •
Task 12: write an informal email by covering the required points. (max. 17 marks)
23/59
39%
43/59
73%
The written modules start with more guided tasks and become more demanding step by step. Practice helps most when you get used to finding key details quickly and covering every point in the writing prompt.
That’s the complete FIDE exam structure. For the next step in your preparation, use the practice material our website. Please reach out to us if you have specific question. Good Luck with your exam!
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