Applying for an SRK: the complete roadmap for European physiotherapists

Dreaming of a career as a physiotherapist in the mountains of Switzerland? Then the recognition of your foreign diploma by the Schweizerisches Rotes Kreuz (SRK) is your first important step. This process can seem complex, but with the right guidance and a clear step-by-step plan, it becomes a lot clearer. At takeoff, we'll guide you through each phase, so you can start your Swiss adventure carefree.

Why is SRK recognition so important?

The profession of physiotherapist is legally protected in Switzerland. This means that you can only hold this title and work with an officially recognized qualification. The SRK must ensure that all professionals meet the same high standards as in Switzerland and Europe. For you as a physiotherapist, this is a guarantee of quality: you will end up in a system where your expertise is valued.

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The complete SRK roadmap: from application to recognition

Before you get to your adventure as a physiotherapist in Switzerland starts, you have to go through the SRK recognition process. We'll take you through all the steps.

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Step 1: The SRK PreCheck - The mandatory first step (4-6 weeks)

The PreCheck is the first step in the actual recognition procedure and is mandatory for everyone. The good news? This step is free and, in the vast majority of cases, simply a formality for physiotherapists with a European education.

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What happens during the PreCheck?

• The SRK checks whether your physiotherapy diploma meets the basic requirements
• Within 4-6 weeks, you will receive a confirmation that you can move on to the next step
• For most European physiotherapists, this is a positive outcome
• You will receive immediate information about the next steps

What documents do you need for the PreCheck?

The exact documents vary by training country and person. Often, these are:

• Your physical therapy degree
• Course overview/grade list
• Curriculum vitae
• Copy of ID
• Any additional documents depending on your situation

At takeoff, our platform gives you a personalized overview of exactly which documents you need, including sample documents. We review your documents and even submit the PreCheck on your behalf.

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Step 2: Compiling your complete file (2-6 weeks)

After a positive PreCheck, you have a maximum of 24 months to submit your complete application.

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The good news? No need to wait! During the PreCheck phase, you can already start collecting and translating all the necessary documents. This way, you don't lose valuable time and the process runs much smoother.

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At takeoff, you will immediately receive a personalized checklist with exactly the documents you need via our platform. This way, you immediately know where you stand and you can get to work in a focused way.

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Documents you need frequently:

• Detailed study documents (diploma, grade lists, course overview)
• Detailed description of your course content with exact number of teaching hours per subject
• Certificate of Current Professional Status (CCPS): proof that you are authorized to work in your country of origin
• B2 language certificate in German, French or Italian (may also be provided later)
• Personal documents (ID, resume)
• All documents professionally translated into English, German, French or Italian

Tip: Start your B2 course in advance! Even if the certificate may be later, it is useful to permanently develop your language skills. Curious about other practical issues? Also read about what you earn as a physiotherapist in Switzerland.

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Step 3: Submission and Payment

Once you have completed all documents, you can submit them to the SRK. The real recognition process only starts when everything has been received and the first payment has been made.

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The SRK has a clear cost structure in two phases:

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Phase 1 - When submitting your file:

• Teilentscheid: 600 CHF
• You pay this immediately when you submit your complete documentation

Phase 2 - Upon successful completion:

• Final recognition: 330-400 CHF
• You only pay this at the end when everything has been approved

Extra costs (if required):

• PreCheck: always free
• Additional (language) courses: variable costs

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Step 4: The SRK's assessment (3-4 months)

The SRK performs a detailed analysis that looks at theoretical knowledge, practical skills and total length of study. In Switzerland, the standard physiotherapy course is 4 years (5400 hours), including approximately 3,960 hours of theoretical-practical training and 1,440 hours of clinical internships.

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During this phase, there is little you can do except wait patiently. The SRK assesses:

• Your theoretical knowledge (anatomy, physiology, pathology, etc.)
• Practical skills you've developed during internships
• Whether your course meets Swiss standards in terms of duration and content

Step 5: The decision and possible next steps

After the assessment, you will receive one of these results:

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Full recognition ✅ Congratulations! Your degree is considered to be fully equivalent to a Swiss education. For full recognition, you always need a B2 language certificate, so it must be submitted before you get this status.

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Partial recognition ⚠️ Good news too! With partial recognition, you can immediately start working as a physiotherapist in Switzerland. Most physical therapists receive partial recognition initially, usually because they have not yet submitted a B2 language certificate. So this is quite normal and no cause for concern.

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Possible next steps in case of partial recognition:

• Provide a B2 language certificate (most common)
• Adaptation course (a few weeks to months)
• Adaptation internship in a Swiss practice
• Eligibility test

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Getting partial recognition does not mean that your education is less - it is often minor adjustments to the Swiss system or simply the absence of your B2 certificate.

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Realistic timeline: When can you start?

Unaccompanied: 9-12 months

• PreCheck: 4-6 weeks
• Document collection: 2-3 months
• SRK review: 3-4 months
• Any compensatory measures: 3-6 additional months

With takeoff guidance: 6-9 months

Thanks to our experience and systematic approach, we can often significantly shorten the process and, above all, make it much more predictable.

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Want to learn more about the SRK recognition?

Want to know more about the SRK process? Also read our other articles:

• What is an SRK and why is it so important? - Everything about the SRK recognition process and why it's essential
• This is how we help you with your SRK application- Discover how takeoff completely unburdens you during the process
• SRK PreCheck: Your first step to working in Switzerland - Everything about the mandatory first phase
• The 5 biggest mistakes when requesting SRK (and how to prevent them) - Prevent common mistakes that lead to delays

Ready for takeoff?

Do you want to start your SRK recognition right away? Create a free account on our platform and let us help you take the first step towards your career in Switzerland!

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now registering

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Do you have any questions about the SRK process? Feel free to contact us: we'll answer all your questions and give you a clear picture of your options.

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