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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: Treuhänder FA Exam

NQF 6

Swiss Qualification Level

SBFI National Qualifications Framework

Grade 4.0

Minimum Passing Grade

TREUHAND|SUISSE (Scale 1-6)

CHF 1,800

Federal Exam Fee

Trägerorganisation Treuhandbranche

50%

Federal Tuition Subsidy

SBFI Bundesbeiträge (Up to CHF 9,500)

605 min

Total Examination Time (Written & Oral)

Prüfungsordnung Treuhand

100

Practice Questions

OpenExamPrep

The Swiss Federal Diploma for Fiduciaries (Treuhänder FA) is Switzerland's core SME advisory and limited-audit qualification (NQF Level 6). Administered by the fiduciary-sector examination body under SBFI oversight, it tests fiduciary advisory, financial accounting, Swiss direct and indirect taxes, limited statutory audit under SER 2022, and company law and AML compliance.

Sample Treuhänder FA Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your Treuhänder FA exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1In Swiss wealth-tax valuation practice for an unlisted operating company, what is the familiar practitioners' method formula using Capitalized Earnings Value (Ertragswert / EW) and Substance Value (Substanzwert / SW)?

A.Enterprise Value = (2 × Ertragswert + 1 × Substanzwert) / 3

B.Enterprise Value = (1 × Ertragswert + 2 × Substanzwert) / 3

C.Enterprise Value = (Ertragswert + Substanzwert) / 2

D.Enterprise Value = (3 × Ertragswert + 1 × Substanzwert) / 4

Explanation: The familiar formula in Swiss inter-cantonal wealth-tax valuation guidance is (2 × EW + SW) / 3 for an operating company. It is an administrative valuation method rather than a statutory universal enterprise-value rule, and transactions may require a purpose-specific valuation.

2A Swiss fiduciary client plans to sell his manufacturing SME. The company reports an adjusted sustainable annual net profit of CHF 300,000. The applicable capitalization rate (Kapitalisierungszinssatz) is 10.0%, and the operating net substance value (betrieblicher Substanzwert) at replacement cost is CHF 1,800,000. What is the Enterprise Value under the Swiss Practitioners' Method (2x EW + 1x SW)?

A.CHF 2,600,000

B.CHF 3,000,000

C.CHF 2,400,000

D.CHF 2,200,000

Explanation: Capitalized Earnings Value (Ertragswert) = Sustainable Profit / Capitalization Rate = CHF 300,000 / 0.10 = CHF 3,000,000. Substance Value = CHF 1,800,000. Enterprise Value = (2 × CHF 3,000,000 + 1 × CHF 1,800,000) / 3 = (CHF 6,000,000 + CHF 1,800,000) / 3 = CHF 7,800,000 / 3 = CHF 2,600,000.

3When valuing an owner-managed Swiss SME using the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) or Capitalized Earnings method, what normalization adjustment (Bereinigung der Erfolgsrechnung) must a fiduciary make regarding the owner-manager's historical compensation?

A.Adjust the recorded compensation to an arm's-length market salary (marktüblicher Unternehmerlohn), adding back any excessive salary or deducting any undercompensated labor

B.Add back 100% of all executive compensation with zero deduction for future management costs

C.Ignore owner compensation because tax returns have already been filed

D.Deduct the owner's private mortgage interest from company revenue

Explanation: In owner-managed SMEs, the reported salary of the owner-manager often reflects tax optimization rather than fair market value (either excessive profit-skimming or artificially low salary). To calculate normalized sustainable operating earnings (bereinigter Betriebsgewinn), the fiduciary must replace the recorded compensation with an objective arm's-length market salary (marktüblicher Unternehmerlohn).

4Under the Swiss Standard on the Limited Statutory Examination (SER 2022), what are the three core types of procedure used by a licensed auditor (Revisor)?

A.Inquiries (Befragungen), Analytical procedures (Analytische Prüfungshandlungen), and Appropriate detailed testing (Angemessene Detailprüfungen)

B.100% full physical inventory counting, forensic software decompilation, and bank vault inspection

C.Confirmation of internal control system operational effectiveness and Key Audit Matters drafting

D.Interrogation of all company employees under oath

Explanation: Under Art. 729a OR and the Swiss Standard on the Limited Statutory Examination (SER / SER 2022), the limited examination is characterized by three core procedures: 1) Inquiries of management (Befragungen), 2) Analytical review procedures (Analytische Prüfungshandlungen), and 3) Appropriate detailed testing of vouchers and balances (Angemessene Detailprüfungen) where indicated by risk.

5Under Art. 729 Para. 1 & 2 OR, what is the statutory independence requirement (Unabhängigkeit) for an auditor performing a Limited Statutory Examination (Eingeschränkte Revision), and how does it differ from an Ordinary Audit?

A.The auditor in a limited audit must be independent in their state of mind and appearance, but is permitted to participate in bookkeeping and providing other services to the client, provided that separate personnel are involved or appropriate safeguards prevent self-review ('relative independence')

B.The auditor must be strictly independent and is completely barred from providing any accounting or tax advisory services under all circumstances

C.Auditors in limited audits have zero independence obligations and may serve as the company's CEO

D.Independence is required only if the company has foreign shareholders

Explanation: Under Art. 729 Para. 2 OR, the limited audit permits 'relative independence' (mitwirkende Unabhängigkeit): the auditor may assist with bookkeeping and other client advisory services, provided the risk of self-review is mitigated (e.g., separate staff or organizational separation). In contrast, in an Ordinary Audit (Art. 728 OR), assisting with bookkeeping is strictly prohibited.

6What is the standard wording of the audit conclusion (Prüfungsaussage) issued in the audit report of an unmodified Limited Statutory Examination under Art. 729b OR?

A.Negative assurance: 'Based on our limited statutory examination, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the financial statements do not comply with Swiss law and the articles of association'

B.Positive assurance: 'In our opinion, the financial statements give a true and fair view of the financial position'

C.Absolute guarantee: 'We guarantee that the financial statements are 100% free of all errors and fraud'

D.Disclaimer: 'We have not performed any audit procedures and express no conclusion'

Explanation: Under Art. 729b OR and the SER, the limited examination report provides negative assurance (negative Bestätigung): 'Based on our limited statutory examination, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the financial statements... do not comply with Swiss law and the company's articles of incorporation.' Positive assurance is reserved for ordinary audits.

7A Swiss fiduciary assists a sole proprietorship (Einzelunternehmen) in converting into a joint-stock company (Aktiengesellschaft / AG) under the Swiss Merger Act (Art. 53ff FusG / Umwandlung). What are the mandatory tax conditions for this transformation to take place tax-neutrally (steuerneutrale Umwandlung) under Art. 19 DBG?

A.Continuing tax liability in Switzerland, transfer of an active operating business entity at tax book values (Buchwertfortführung), and observation of the statutory 5-year blocking period on selling the acquired shares (Art. 19 Para. 2 DBG)

B.Payment of a flat 10% conversion tax to the cantonal commercial registry

C.Immediate liquidation and realization of all hidden reserves at corporate profit tax rates

D.Transfer can only occur if the company has zero liabilities

Explanation: Under Art. 19 DBG and Art. 8 StHG, converting a sole proprietorship into a corporation is tax-neutral if: 1) Tax liability continues in Switzerland, 2) The assets and liabilities transferred constitute an active operational business (Betrieb oder Teilbetrieb), 3) Transfer occurs at tax book values, and 4) The acquired shares are not sold within 5 years (5-year blocking period / Sperrfrist).

8What happens if a former sole proprietor who converted his business tax-neutrally into an AG sells his AG shares within 3 years of the transformation (violating the 5-year blocking period under Art. 19 Para. 2 DBG)?

A.The previously transferred hidden reserves are retroactively taxed as self-employment income (Einkommen aus selbstständiger Erwerbstätigkeit) in the tax period of the sale, subject to income tax and AHV/IV/EO contributions

B.The share sale contract is declared null and void by the commercial register

C.The buyer must pay a 50% penalty to the Swiss Federal Tax Administration

D.The company's commercial license is automatically revoked

Explanation: Under Art. 19 Para. 2 DBG, violating the 5-year blocking period (Sperrfrist) triggers retroactive taxation (Nachbesteuerung) of the hidden reserves that were transferred tax-neutrally at the time of conversion. The gain is taxed as ordinary earned income from self-employment and is subject to AHV/IV/EO social security contributions.

9Under the Swiss Anti-Money Laundering Act (Geldwäschereigesetz / GwG Art. 2 Para. 3), when is a Swiss fiduciary (Treuhänder) legally classified as a Financial Intermediary (Finanzintermediär) subject to statutory GwG due diligence duties and supervisory affiliation?

A.When the fiduciary professionally accepts, holds, manages, invests, or transfers third-party assets; a title such as nominee director alone is not sufficient without the covered financial activity

B.Whenever the fiduciary prepares a standard monthly bookkeeping ledger without payment execution rights

C.Only if the fiduciary operates a licensed commercial banking branch

D.Only when the fiduciary handles physical cash exceeding CHF 1,000,000

Explanation: Art. 2 Para. 3 GwG focuses on professionally accepting, holding, helping invest, or transferring third-party assets. Bank-payment authority, asset-management or escrow activity can trigger the regime; pure bookkeeping or holding a corporate office without the covered asset activity does not do so by title alone.

10Under the GwG and CDB 20 (Agreement on the Swiss banks' code of conduct with regard to the exercise of due diligence / VSB 20), what is the statutory purpose of 'Form A' (Formular A)?

A.To declare and verify the identity of the ultimate beneficial owner (wirtschaftlich Berechtigter) of the assets

B.To calculate the cantonal corporate income tax rate

C.To apply for a Swiss VAT registration number

D.To register trademarks with the Federal Institute of Intellectual Property

Explanation: Form A (Formular A) is the standard declaration used under Swiss AML/due diligence regulations to establish and document the identity of the natural person(s) who is the ultimate beneficial owner (wirtschaftlich berechtigte Person) of the funds held in a bank account or fiduciary structure.

About the Treuhänder FA Exam

The Treuhänderin / Treuhänder mit eidgenössischem Fachausweis is the established Swiss federal qualification for fiduciary practitioners advising SMEs on accounting, tax, audit, and business matters. First-time sittings under this examination end in 2026; the successor Berufsprüfung Fachfrau/Fachmann in Treuhand und Beratung begins in 2027, while repeat sittings remain available under the transition rules. The 2026 examination is offered in German, French, and Italian and combines four written papers with an oral advisory examination. This English-language multiple-choice bank is a study adaptation by OpenExamPrep—not an official translation, format simulation, or substitute for written case and oral practice—and preserves essential Swiss terminology.

Assessment

Five equally weighted parts: Rechnungswesen (180 min written), Steuern (100 min written), Revision (100 min written), Unternehmens- und Wirtschaftsberatung (180 min written), and Unternehmens- und Wirtschaftsberatung (45 min oral).

Time Limit

605 minutes of total examination time (560 min written plus 45 min oral)

Passing Score

Overall grade of at least 4.0 (scale 1.0 to 6.0), where 4.0 is the pass mark under the Prüfungsordnung

Exam Fee

CHF 1,800 for first-time candidates in 2026; eligible preparatory courses may qualify for the federal tuition subsidy (Schweizerischer Treuhänder-Verband (TREUHAND|SUISSE), under SBFI supervision)

Treuhänder FA Exam Content Outline

25%

Fiduciary Advisory & Corporate Consulting

SME business consulting, corporate structuring, succession planning (Nachfolgeplanung), business valuation methods, contract negotiation, corporate reorganizations, and crisis/insolvency management.

25%

Financial Accounting & Management Reporting

Swiss Code of Obligations accounting law (OR Art. 957-963b), Swiss GAAP FER for SMEs, hidden reserves, closing entries, financial statement analysis, liquidity management, and cost accounting.

25%

Swiss Direct, Cantonal & Value Added Tax

Direct Federal Tax (DBG) and Cantonal/Communal Tax Harmonization (StHG) for individuals and legal entities, corporate profit/capital taxes, real estate capital gains tax, Swiss VAT (MWSTG), and Withholding Tax (VStG).

15%

Limited Statutory Audit (SER) & Assurance

Swiss Standard on the Limited Statutory Examination (Standard zur Eingeschränkten Revision / SER 2022), audit procedures (Befragung, analytische Prüfungshandlungen, Detailprüfungen), reporting, independence requirements, and FAOA / RAB licensing.

10%

Company Law, Labor Law & Social Security

Swiss corporate law (AG, GmbH), commercial register rules, contract law, employment contracts, Swiss social security system (AHV/IV/ALV/BVG payroll administration), and Anti-Money Laundering (GwG) compliance for fiduciaries.

How to Pass the Treuhänder FA Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Overall grade of at least 4.0 (scale 1.0 to 6.0), where 4.0 is the pass mark under the Prüfungsordnung
Assessment: Five equally weighted parts: Rechnungswesen (180 min written), Steuern (100 min written), Revision (100 min written), Unternehmens- und Wirtschaftsberatung (180 min written), and Unternehmens- und Wirtschaftsberatung (45 min oral).
Time limit: 605 minutes of total examination time (560 min written plus 45 min oral)
Exam fee: CHF 1,800 for first-time candidates in 2026; eligible preparatory courses may qualify for the federal tuition subsidy

Keys to Passing

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Treuhänder FA Study Tips from Top Performers

1Master Limited Statutory Audit (SER 2022): Know the specific audit scope under Art. 729a OR, the three mandatory audit procedures (inquiry, analytical procedures, appropriate detailed testing), auditor independence requirements (Art. 729 OR), and report wording (unmodified report, qualification, or non-issuance).

2Apply Swiss SME Valuation Methods: Practice the Swiss Practitioners' Method (Praktikermethode / Mittelwertmethode: weighting earnings value 2x and asset value 1x), Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) models, and EBIT/EBITDA multiple adjustments for owner salaries and hidden reserves.

3Calculate Swiss Real Estate Capital Gains Tax (Grundstückgewinnsteuer): Understand monistic (Zürcher Modell) vs. dualistic cantonal tax systems, calculation of investment costs, depreciation recaptures, and holding period tax deductions/surcharges.

4Navigate Swiss Corporate Restructuring: Learn the conditions for tax-neutral transfer of assets, spin-offs (Spaltung), and transformations (Umwandlung) of sole proprietorships into corporations under Art. 19/61 DBG and the Merger Act (FusG).

5Ensure GwG Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Understand fiduciary duties as financial intermediaries under the Swiss Anti-Money Laundering Act (GwG), including client identification (KYC / Form A), clarification of economic background, and reporting obligations to MROS.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Treuhänder mit eidg. Fachausweis?

The Treuhänderin / Treuhänder mit eidgenössischem Fachausweis is a federally recognized qualification (Berufsprüfung) in Switzerland, accredited by the SBFI at Level 5 of the National Qualifications Framework. It qualifies practitioners to lead fiduciary offices, advise SME owners on accounting and tax, and conduct limited statutory audits.

Does this qualification grant statutory auditor licensing in Switzerland?

Yes. Holders of the Treuhänder FA credential meet the statutory education requirements under the Audit Oversight Act (Revisionsaufsichtsgesetz / RAG) to apply for licensing as an Approved Auditor (Zugelassene/r Revisor/in) with the Federal Audit Oversight Authority (FAOA / RAB) upon proving the required professional audit experience.

What are the admission requirements for the Federal Examination?

Candidates must hold an EFZ commercial apprenticeship diploma, a gymnasiale Maturität, or an equivalent higher credential, plus at least 4 years of qualified professional practice in the Swiss fiduciary, accounting, or tax advisory sector (or 3 years with another higher vocational certificate; 6 years without EFZ).

How is the Federal Examination structured and scored?

The 2026 examination comprises four written parts totaling 560 minutes—Rechnungswesen 180, Steuern 100, Revision 100, and Unternehmens- und Wirtschaftsberatung 180—plus a 45-minute oral advisory part. The overall pass mark is 4.0.

Are preparatory courses subsidized by the Swiss Federal Government?

Yes. Under the SBFI federal tuition subsidy program (Bundesbeiträge für eidgenössische Prüfungen), the Swiss Confederation reimburses 50% of eligible course fees (up to CHF 9,500 for Berufsprüfungen) directly to candidates after sitting the official examination.

Why are practice questions provided in English on OpenExamPrep?

Many international businesses and cross-border clients in Switzerland require fiduciary and tax consulting in English. This practice bank adapts Swiss statutory provisions (OR, DBG, StHG, MWSTG, SER) into comprehensive English-language practice questions to assist candidates in mastering core principles.