KV Reform: International English certification for KV apprentices
KV Reform: International English certification for KV apprentices
The KV Reform changes how English qualifications are integrated into commercial apprenticeships. From 2026, many KV graduates will complete their apprenticeship without recognised proof of their English level. Swiss Exams helps KV schools close this gap with a structured Business English programme.
Support your KV programme with Business English certification
Help your apprentices graduate with an internationally recognised English qualification for today’s workplace.
KV Reform: Changes to English qualification
The KV reform indicates that an external English certificate is no longer automatically included in the apprenticeship framework. As a result:
- Many apprentices may graduate without an English grade or an internationally recognised certificate
- Only BM or elective pathways still include formal English certification
- Schools and employers lack a shared external standard to assess and compare graduates’ English proficiency
Cambridge Linguaskill Academy: Online course and exam for Swiss commercial apprenticeships
Swiss Exams, Switzerland's largest provider of Cambridge English exams, has developed a dedicated preparation and certification programme for commercial vocational schools (KV), built on Cambridge Linguaskill Business — the modern successor to the Cambridge English Business (BEC) exams. The programme equips KV apprentices with the practical Business English skills demanded by today's workplace.
The Linguaskill Business Academy programme includes
Cambridge Linguaskill Business certificate
- Official Cambridge English exam with international recognition
- Assesses Business English proficiency
- Multilevel assessment (B1–C2) aligned with the CEFR
- Adaptive test: every candidate receives a certificate reflecting their level (no failing grade)
- Digital exam delivered at a Swiss Exams test centre
- Results within 3–5 working days
- Modular structure allowing candidates to retake individual skills
Linguaskill Preparation Course
- 15 hours of structured live online preparation over 8 weeks
- Sessions are scheduled at 17:30, outside regular school hours
- Free placement test
- Theory and practice lessons
- Learning materials and mock tests
- Recording access
Flexible option: 6-week theory-focused course (with exam), as an alternative to the full 8-week programme (combining theory and practice)
Why schools choose Linguaskill Business
- Demonstrates practical Business English skills relevant for workplace communication
- Supports further education and international mobility
- Multilevel format with transparent, CEFR-aligned results
- Strengthens apprentices’ employability
How schools are implementing Linguaskill Business
Vocational institutions in Switzerland are introducing Cambridge Linguaskill Business into their programmes to support students’ career readiness.
Case study: Talent Campus Bodensee
Talent Campus Bodensee prepares students for professional life with Linguaskill Business.
"If you're looking for a modern, flexible way to prepare students for a Business English certificate, Linguaskill is exactly the right choice."— Oliver Suter, Talent-Campus Bodensee, SportKV
Career impact of Linguaskill Business
Beyond curriculum integration, Cambridge research highlights Linguaskill impact on career development:
- 72% of candidates report positive career impact
- 80% feel more confident using English at work
- 64% say preparation improved their English proficiency
These findings underline the practical value of an internationally recognised English qualification for KV graduates entering the workforce.
Programme timeline by graduation year
The Academy is structured to support both current and future commercial apprenticeship graduates, allowing schools to offer English qualifications at the most appropriate stage of training.
2026 graduates
- Courses starting in July and September
- Qualification completed after QV exams
- Learners can focus fully on their final apprenticeship assessments first
2027 and later cohorts
- Courses starting in May during the second year of apprenticeship
- Qualification completed before the final year
- Reduced assessment pressure in the third year
Programme schedule and course dates
May/June 2026
Sessions: 5, 12, 19, 26 May, 2, 9, 16, 23 June
Registration deadline: 12 April 2026
July/August 2026
Sessions: 21, 28 July, 4, 11, 18, 25 August, 1, 8 September
Registration deadline: 28 June 2026
September/October/November 2026
Sessions: 1, 8, 15, 22 September, 13, 20, 27 October, 3 November
Registration deadline: 9 August 2026
Programme Fee — Linguaskill Business Academy
Full Online Sprint Course & Exam
CHF 820 per student
(includes 8-week preparation course + official Cambridge exam)
Online Sprint Theory Course & Exam
CHF 540 per student
(includes 6-week theory-focused course + official Cambridge exam)
Preparation takes place outside regular school hours, enabling KV schools to offer an additional internationally recognised qualification without disrupting the existing timetable.
Request information for your school
Need a quick overview?
Download the Linguaskill Business Academy one-pager — all key information for KV schools at a glance.
Bring certified English assessment into your KV programme
Swiss Exams supports vocational schools in implementing Cambridge Linguaskill Business within commercial apprenticeship programmes. Our team guides you through curriculum alignment, scheduling and exam delivery.