Everything you need to know about the FMS entrance exam in the canton of Bern
The FMS entrance examination in the Canton of Bern is a crucial step for students who wish to enter the Fachmittelschule course. This FMS examination takes place annually between the end of February and the beginning of March, and Registration must be completed online by February 15.
Registration and requirements for the FMS exam
Pupils in the 9th school year who have not received a recommendation for an exam-free transfer can register for the FMS entrance exam Register. This applies to both public and private schools. It is important that the students have not yet reached the age of 18 on May 1 before entering the Fachmittelschule.
Exam subjects and assessment of the FMS entrance exam
The FMS examination comprises written examinations in German and mathematics (120 minutes each), an oral examination in French (15 minutes) and a vocational aptitude interview (15 minutes). These examinations result in four grades. To pass the exam, you must achieve at least 16 points, with no more than one mark below 4.
Examination workloads and dates for the FMS examination
The FMS entrance examination is based on the elementary school curriculum up to the first semester of the 9th school year. The next examinations are scheduled for February 24 to 28, 2025. After the registration deadline (February 15), candidates will be informed of the location and date of the examinations.
Special regulations for the FMS entrance examination
There are special regulations for pupils with poor language skills or diagnosed disabilities. They can apply to Registration for appropriate measures to compensate for disadvantages.
Direct entry to the second year through the FMS exam
In special cases, direct entry into the second year of the Fachmittelschule is also possible. In this case, a separate FMS entrance examination must be taken, which may cover the entire school curriculum of the compulsory school period and the first year of specialized secondary school.
How much does the exam preparation course for the Fachmittelschule (FMS) cost?
The costs for the FMS preparation course in Bern vary depending on the provider and type of course. Prices range from CHF 30 to CHF 59 per lesson for private lessons, depending on whether they are one-to-one, semi-private or trio private lessons. For group lessons, the prices are CHF 33 per lesson for one subject and CHF 29 per lesson for two subjects.
For further information and specific questions about the FMS entrance examination, please contact the Department of Education and Culture of the Canton of Bern.
