A compilation of the most frequently asked questions on the SAQ certification Client Advisor Bank.
Is my certificate still valid?
Details anzeigen/ausblendenThe 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.
Can I request an extension of the deadline for submitting my recertification measures?
Details anzeigen/ausblendenYes, you can submit a reasoned request via for a maximum extension of 3 months.
Can my invalid certificate be reactivated?
Details anzeigen/ausblendenIf 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" below under Documents.
Can I switch to another certification program with my certificate (Passerelle)?
Details anzeigen/ausblendenA simplified change (passerelle) is possible with the following certification programs:
CWMA -> PC, IC, Affluent | Passerelle possible without additional examination |
Affluent -> PC, IC | Passerelle possible without additional examination |
IC -> PC | Passerelle possible without additional examination |
CCoB -> SME | Passerelle possible without additional examination |
PC -> IC | Passerelle with written GAP-exam and oral exam possible |
SME -> CCoB | Passerelle with written GAP-exam and oral exam possible |
Affluent -> CWMA | Passerelle with written GAP-exam and oral exam possible |
To do this, the application passerelle must be completed and submitted to SAQ. For more information see the certification program respective.
How can I order a duplicate of my certificate?
Details anzeigen/ausblendenDuplicates of valid certificates can be ordered provided that the certificate holder still meets the requirements for certification. CHF 100 will be charged for the creation of the duplicate. Send the request duplicate to .
My address, employer or personal details have changed since my last SAQ certification How can I report this?
Details anzeigen/ausblendenPlease use our online form so that your details can be updated.
Where can I take recertification measures?
Details anzeigen/ausblendenApart from the courses provided by our partner-organizations there are a variety of other courses accepted for recertification. You can find an overview here.
Which diplomas are accepted as an equivalent for the first certification of an SAQ-certificate?
Details anzeigen/ausblendenNo other qualifications (diplomas, certificates, etc.) will be credited / accepted.
How many attempts do I have at passing the SAQ-exams?
Details anzeigen/ausblendenCandidates are granted 3 attempts for each exam (regular or partial exam).
When can I submit the application for my recertification?
Details anzeigen/ausblendenThe application for recertification can be submitted to SAQ 3 months before the certificate’s expiration date at the earliest. Click here for further information.
Do my passed exams keep their validity if I change employer?
Details anzeigen/ausblendenPassed 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.
In case of maternity leave, am I granted a deadline extension for my recertification?
Details anzeigen/ausblendenMothers are granted an extension of 6 months after the expiration of their certificate to attain all recertification measures needed.
I am an independent asset manager. Can I be SAQ-certified?
Details anzeigen/ausblendenYes, 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.
Documents
Downloads
Wealth Management Advisor CWMA | PDF (231 kB) |
Advisor Affluent Clients | PDF (160 kB) |
Advisor Individual Clients | PDF (179 kB) |
Advisor Private Clients | PDF (179 kB) |
Certified Corporate Banker CCoB | PDF (205 kB) |
Advisor SME Clients | PDF (204 kB) |
Examination regulations | PDF (266 kB) |
General role profiles | PDF (84 kB) |
Guidelines legal remedies | PDF (179 kB) |
Application inspection oral exam | DOCX (139 kB) |
Application objection written exam | DOCX (144 kB) |
Application objection oral exam | DOCX (152 kB) |
Application redress | DOCX (141 kB) |
Application appeal | DOCX (141 kB) |
Leaflet Recertification | PDF (164 kB) |
Overview of providers of recertification measures | PDF (181 kB) |
Recommendation of the Swiss Bankers Association (SBA) | PDF (164 kB) |
Factsheet: Client Advisor Bank | PDF (145 kB) |
Application acceptance of recertification measures | DOCX (126 kB) |
Guidelines on the submission of recertification measures | PDF (127 kB) |
Example submission recertifications measures | XLSX (27 kB) |
Application reactivation | DOCX (139 kB) |
Confirmation employer | DOCX (139 kB) |
Order duplicate | DOCX (132 kB) |
Application passerelle | DOCX (137 kB) |
Guidelines for reactivating an invalid certificate | PDF (209 kB) |