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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: Dipl. Wirtschaftsprüfer HFP Exam

NQF 8

Swiss Qualification Level

SBFI National Qualifications Framework

Grade 4.0

Minimum Passing Grade

Trägerorganisation Wirtschaftsprüfer (Scale 1-6)

CHF 2,200

Federal Exam Fee

Prüfungsordnung Wirtschaftsprüfer

50%

Federal Tuition Subsidy

SBFI Bundesbeiträge (Up to CHF 10,500)

520 min

Total Examination Time (Written & Oral)

Prüfungsordnung Wirtschaftsprüfer

100

Practice Questions

OpenExamPrep

The Swiss Federal Advanced Diploma for Public Auditors (Dipl. Wirtschaftsprüfer HFP) is an NQF Level 8 audit and assurance credential. Overseen by the EXPERTsuisse examination body under SBFI supervision, it evaluates auditing standards and methodology, financial reporting and consolidation, tax, audit oversight and ethics, financial analysis, valuation, and IT audit. FAOA/RAB licensing remains a separate regulatory process.

Sample Dipl. Wirtschaftsprüfer HFP Practice Questions

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

1Under Swiss Auditing Standard PS 701 (ISA 701 / Key Audit Matters - KAM), what is the mandatory requirement for communicating Key Audit Matters in the auditor's report of an Ordinary Audit for listed entities?

A.The auditor must describe those matters that, in their professional judgment, were of most significance in the audit of the current period's financial statements (e.g. areas of high assessed risk of material misstatement, significant management estimates, and effects of significant transactions), explaining why the matter was considered a KAM and how it was addressed in the audit

B.The auditor must list all minor bookkeeping typos found during the audit

C.KAM communication is strictly prohibited in Swiss audit reports

D.The auditor must reproduce the entire general ledger verbatim in the audit report

Explanation: Under ISA / Swiss PS 701 (Key Audit Matters / Bedeutsamste Prüfungssachverhalte), for listed entities (and entities voluntarily adopting ISA 701), the auditor's report must detail Key Audit Matters: those issues of highest significance chosen from matters communicated to the Audit Committee/Board. For each KAM, the report explains why it was significant and the audit procedures performed to address it.

2Under Swiss Auditing Standard PS 320 (ISA 320 / Materiality in Planning and Performing an Audit), what is 'Performance Materiality' (Toleranzwesentlichkeit)?

A.The amount or amounts set by the auditor at less than materiality for the financial statements as a whole to reduce to an appropriately low level the probability that the aggregate of uncorrected and undetected misstatements exceeds overall materiality

B.The maximum fee the auditor can charge the client

C.The speed at which audit software processes transactions

D.The statutory tax rate applicable to corporate profits

Explanation: Under ISA / Swiss PS 320 Para. 9, Performance Materiality (Toleranzwesentlichkeit) is set at a lower threshold (typically 50% to 75% of overall materiality / Gesamtwesentlichkeit) to create a safety margin. It ensures that the accumulation of individual undetected or uncorrected smaller errors does not aggregate to exceed overall materiality.

3Under Swiss Auditing Standard PS 315 (ISA 315 Revised / Identifying and Assessing the Risks of Material Misstatement), what is the definition of a 'Significant Risk' (Bedeutsames Risiko)?

A.An identified risk of material misstatement for which inherent risk is assessed close to the upper end of the spectrum because of the degree to which inherent-risk factors affect likelihood and magnitude

B.Any risk that the company's factory roof will leak in heavy rain

C.The risk that employee salaries will increase with inflation

D.A risk that can only be assessed by cantonal tax authorities

Explanation: Revised ISA/PS 315 defines a significant risk through its position near the upper end of the spectrum of inherent risk, based on likelihood and magnitude as affected by inherent-risk factors. The older phrase 'requires special audit consideration' should not be used as the current definition.

4Under Swiss Auditing Standard PS 240 (ISA 240 / The Auditor's Responsibilities Relating to Fraud in an Audit of Financial Statements), what are the two mandatory presumed fraud risks that the auditor must assess in every audit engagement?

A.1) Fraud in Revenue Recognition (Improper revenue recognition / fiktive Umsatzerlöse); and 2) Risk of Management Override of Controls (Übersteuerung von Kontrollen durch das Management)

B.1) Embezzlement of office paper; and 2) Employee tardiness

C.1) Tax rate increases; and 2) Bank interest rate fluctuations

D.1) Cyberattacks from foreign hackers; and 2) Electric power outages

Explanation: Under ISA / Swiss PS 240: The auditor must maintain professional skepticism and operate under two rebuttable/non-rebuttable statutory fraud presumptions: 1) There is a presumed risk of fraud in revenue recognition (ISA 240 Para. 26); 2) Management is always in a unique position to override internal controls (ISA 240 Para. 31), requiring journal entry testing and review of accounting estimates for bias.

5Under Swiss Auditing Standard PS 500 (ISA 500 / Audit Evidence) and PS 505 (ISA 505 / External Confirmations), which type of audit evidence possesses the highest degree of reliability (Zuverlässigkeit von Prüfungsnachweisen)?

A.Original documentary evidence obtained directly by the auditor from independent third parties outside the entity (e.g., direct bank balance confirmations and direct external accounts receivable confirmations)

B.Oral statements made by the company's CEO during lunch

C.Photocopies of internal sales invoices prepared by the client's junior bookkeeper

D.Unverified estimates published on internet blogs

Explanation: Under ISA / Swiss PS 500 Para. A31: Audit evidence is more reliable when: 1) Obtained from independent sources outside the entity (external confirmations / ISA 505), 2) Generated under effective internal controls, 3) Obtained directly by the auditor (physical inspection/direct confirmation) rather than indirectly, 4) In documentary/written form rather than oral representations, and 5) Original documents rather than photocopies.

6Under Swiss Auditing Standard PS 570 (ISA 570 Revised / Going Concern) and Art. 725-725b OR, how must an auditor report when there is a Material Uncertainty regarding Going Concern that is Adequately Disclosed in the financial statements?

A.Issue an Unmodified Opinion (clean report) containing a separate section titled 'Material Uncertainty Related to Going Concern' (Wesentliche Unsicherheit im Zusammenhang mit der Fortführung der Unternehmenstätigkeit) drawing attention to the note disclosure

B.Issue an Adverse Opinion (Abweichendes Prüfungsurteil) and demand immediate bankruptcy

C.Disclaim the opinion entirely and refuse to sign the report

D.Conceal the going-concern uncertainty to prevent alarming creditors

Explanation: Under ISA / Swiss PS 570 (revised) Para. 22: If adequate disclosure about a material going-concern uncertainty is made in the financial statements, the auditor expresses an unmodified opinion but includes a dedicated separate section with the heading 'Material Uncertainty Related to Going Concern' (Wesentliche Unsicherheit im Zusammenhang mit der Fortführung der Geschäftstätigkeit) referencing the note.

7Under Swiss Auditing Standard PS 705 (ISA 705 / Modifications to the Opinion in the Independent Auditor's Report), what is the difference between a 'Qualified Opinion' (Einschränkung) and an 'Adverse Opinion' (Abweichendes Prüfungsurteil / Negatives Prüfungsurteil)?

A.A Qualified Opinion is expressed when misstatements are material but NOT pervasive to the financial statements ('except for'); An Adverse Opinion is expressed when misstatements are BOTH material AND pervasive, fundamentally distorting the financial statements as a whole

B.A Qualified Opinion is given only to banks, while an Adverse Opinion is given to retail shops

C.An Adverse Opinion means the auditor was not paid their fee

D.There is no difference; both terms are identical in Swiss auditing practice

Explanation: Under ISA / Swiss PS 705: 1) Qualified Opinion (Einschränkung / 'except for'): material misstatement or inability to obtain audit evidence that is NOT pervasive (confined to specific elements); 2) Adverse Opinion (Abweichendes Urteil): misstatements are both MATERIAL and PERVASIVE (durchdringend), rendering the financial statements as a whole misleading.

8Under PS 890, which condition can prevent the auditor from confirming that the financial-reporting IKS exists?

A.A material element of the documented, risk-appropriate IKS is absent, not implemented, unknown to responsible staff, or not demonstrably in use

B.When the company's coffee machine breaks down

C.When the company fails to achieve its annual budget profit target

D.When an employee arrives 5 minutes late to work

Explanation: PS 890 supports the statutory conclusion on existence of the financial-reporting IKS. The criteria include documentation, design appropriate to the entity's risks, implementation, staff awareness, and use; the separate engagement does not give an opinion on operating effectiveness throughout the period.

9Under PS 890, what reporting consequence follows if the auditor cannot confirm that the financial-reporting IKS exists?

A.Modify the separate IKS conclusion to state that the existence requirement was not met, while assessing the financial-statement opinion separately

B.The auditor must issue an unmodified clean report to the General Meeting and conceal the IKS deficiency

C.The auditor must immediately dissolve the company in bankruptcy

D.The auditor must pay a fine to the cantonal government

Explanation: A failure of the PS 890 existence criteria modifies the IKS conclusion. The financial-statement opinion is a separate conclusion and depends on whether sufficient evidence was obtained and the statements are materially misstated; the IKS report does not assert year-long operating effectiveness.

10Under the Swiss Federal Audit Oversight Act (Revisionsaufsichtsgesetz / RAG Art. 7 & 8), which audit firms are subject to Ongoing State Oversight (Laufende Aufsicht) by the Federal Audit Oversight Authority (FAOA / RAB)?

A.State-Supervised Audit Firms (Staatlich beaufsichtigte Revisionsunternehmen): audit firms that audit Public Interest Entities (Publikumsgesellschaften: listed companies, bond issuers, and FINMA-regulated financial institutions)

B.All fiduciary bookkeeping firms with more than 1 employee

C.Only foreign audit firms operating without Swiss licenses

D.Audit firms that audit agricultural farms exclusively

Explanation: Under Art. 7 & 8 RAG: The FAOA (RAB / Eidgenössische Revisionsaufsichtsbehörde) exercises direct ongoing comprehensive supervision (inspections, quality control reviews) over 'State-Supervised Audit Firms' (staatlich beaufsichtigte Revisionsunternehmen) that perform statutory audits for Public Interest Entities (listed entities, bond issuers, FINMA-licensed banks/insurers).

About the Dipl. Wirtschaftsprüfer HFP Exam

The Diplomierte/r Wirtschaftsprüferin / Wirtschaftsprüfer mit eidgenössischem Diplom is Switzerland's federal advanced professional qualification for audit and assurance. Under the 2026 examination order, candidates complete a 7.5-hour integrative written case and a three-part oral Professional Judgement examination. Candidates may sit in German, French, Italian, or partly in English under the official language rules. The diploma satisfies an educational element relevant to FAOA/RAB licensing, but licensing remains a separate regulatory process with its own practice and other requirements. This English-language multiple-choice bank is a study adaptation by OpenExamPrep—not an official translation, format simulation, or substitute for integrated case writing, presentation, simulated stakeholder interaction, or oral professional judgment.

Assessment

Part 1 is a 450-minute written integrative case covering financial-statement audits, special audits, and related services. Part 2 is an approximately 70-minute oral Professional Judgement assessment comprising a presentation of an anonymized practice situation, a technical discussion across four areas, and a simulated stakeholder conversation with reflection.

Time Limit

520 minutes in total (450 minutes written and approximately 70 minutes oral)

Passing Score

Overall grade of at least 4.0, with no more than 0.5 weighted grade point below 4.0

Exam Fee

CHF 2,200 for the 2026 diploma examination (Trägerorganisation für die höhere Fachprüfung für Wirtschaftsprüferinnen und Wirtschaftsprüfer (EXPERTsuisse), under SBFI supervision)

Dipl. Wirtschaftsprüfer HFP Exam Content Outline

35%

Auditing Standards (Swiss PS / ISA) & Audit Methodology

Swiss Auditing Standards (Schweizer Prüfungsstandards PS), International Standards on Auditing (ISA), ordinary audit vs. limited statutory examination (SER), risk assessment (ISA 315/330), materiality determination, fraud risk (ISA 240), internal control system (IKS) audit under Art. 728a OR, substantive analytical procedures, audit sampling, Key Audit Matters (KAM / ISA 701), and audit reporting (ISA 700/705/706/720).

25%

Financial Accounting & Consolidated Reporting (Swiss GAAP FER / IFRS)

Swiss Code of Obligations accounting law (OR Art. 957-963b), Swiss GAAP FER, IFRS, consolidated group financial statements (FER 30 / IFRS 10/3), deferred taxes (IAS 12 / FER 11), revenue recognition (IFRS 15), financial instruments (IFRS 9), impairment of assets (IAS 36 / FER 20), and business combinations.

15%

Tax Law for Statutory Auditors (Deferred Taxes & Reorganizations)

Direct Federal Tax (DBG) and Cantonal Tax Harmonization (StHG) for corporations, determination of taxable profit from statutory commercial accounts (Massgeblichkeitsprinzip), participation relief (Beteiligungsabzug), hidden profit distributions, restructuring tax law (Art. 61 DBG / FusG), Swiss VAT (MWSTG), and Federal Withholding Tax (VStG).

15%

Audit Oversight Act (RAG), Company Law (Aktienrecht) & Ethics

Swiss Audit Oversight Act (Revisionsaufsichtsgesetz / RAG), Federal Audit Oversight Authority (FAOA / RAB) licensing criteria, auditor independence rules (Art. 728/729 OR), EXPERTsuisse Code of Professional Conduct (Berufskodex / IESBA Code of Ethics), statutory auditor liability (Art. 755 OR), notifications of capital loss and overindebtedness (Art. 725a/b OR), and special statutory audits.

10%

Financial Analysis, Valuation, IKS & Risk Management

Corporate financial statement analysis, Going Concern evaluations (ISA 570 / Art. 958a OR), business valuation principles (DCF, Multiples), IT audit and automated general controls (ITGC), cybersecurity risks, and enterprise risk management.

How to Pass the Dipl. Wirtschaftsprüfer HFP Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Overall grade of at least 4.0, with no more than 0.5 weighted grade point below 4.0
Assessment: Part 1 is a 450-minute written integrative case covering financial-statement audits, special audits, and related services. Part 2 is an approximately 70-minute oral Professional Judgement assessment comprising a presentation of an anonymized practice situation, a technical discussion across four areas, and a simulated stakeholder conversation with reflection.
Time limit: 520 minutes in total (450 minutes written and approximately 70 minutes oral)
Exam fee: CHF 2,200 for the 2026 diploma examination

Keys to Passing

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Dipl. Wirtschaftsprüfer HFP Study Tips from Top Performers

1Master the distinction between Ordinary Audit (Ordentliche Revision) and Limited Statutory Examination (Eingeschränkte Revision): Know statutory thresholds under Art. 727 OR (Balance sheet total CHF 20M, Turnover CHF 40M, 250 FTEs), independence requirements (strict independence under Art. 728 OR vs. relative independence under Art. 729 OR), and reporting depth (positive assurance with KAM under ISA 700/701 vs. negative assurance under SER 2022).

2Audit Internal Control Systems (IKS) under Art. 728a OR: Understand the statutory requirement for ordinary audits to confirm the existence of an IKS for financial reporting, testing design effectiveness (Angemessenheitsprüfung) and operational effectiveness (Wirksamkeitsprüfung) across key transaction cycles.

3Navigate Statutory Board Duties on Capital Loss & Overindebtedness (Art. 725a-c OR): Master the auditor's duties under the 2023 Swiss company law reform, including monitoring the board's liquidity planning, reporting statutory capital loss (half of share capital and legal reserves no longer covered), and notifying the bankruptcy court in cases of overindebtedness without subordination (Rangrücktritt).

4Draft Key Audit Matters (KAM) under ISA 701 / PS 701: Practice identifying matters of most significance in the audit of the current period, describing why the matter was considered significant (e.g., goodwill impairment, revenue recognition, complex tax provisions), and summarizing how the audit addressed the matter.

5Execute Special Statutory Audits: Know legal requirements and reporting standards for statutory capital increases (Kapitalerhöhungsbericht Art. 652f OR), capital reductions (Kapitalherabsetzungsprüfung Art. 653m OR), qualified company formations (Sacheinlagen/Sachübernahmen), and early liquidation distributions (Art. 745 OR).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Dipl. Wirtschaftsprüfer mit eidg. Diplom?

The Diplomierte/r Wirtschaftsprüferin / Wirtschaftsprüfer is a Swiss federal advanced professional qualification in audit and assurance, classified at Level 7 of the Swiss National Qualifications Framework. The diploma satisfies an educational element relevant to registration as a Licensed Audit Expert (Revisionsexperte), but FAOA/RAB registration is a separate process with statutory practice and other requirements.

Who oversees and conducts the Swiss Federal Auditor Examination?

The examination is conducted by the Trägerorganisation für die höhere Fachprüfung für Wirtschaftsprüferinnen und Wirtschaftsprüfer, founded and managed by EXPERTsuisse, operating under the regulatory supervision of the SBFI and in close coordination with the Federal Audit Oversight Authority (FAOA / RAB).

What are the admission requirements for the Wirtschaftsprüfer Federal Examination?

Under the 2026 examination order, candidates need a recognized higher qualification, the examination body's industry qualification or an accepted equivalent, at least four years and 4,800 productive hours of qualifying practice, and an integrity-compatible criminal-record status. Candidates should check the official order for the detailed evidence and transition rules.

How is the Federal Examination structured and evaluated?

Under the 2026 order, the diploma examination consists of a 450-minute integrative written case and an approximately 70-minute three-part oral Professional Judgement assessment. The overall pass mark is 4.0, with no more than 0.5 weighted grade point below 4.0.

Are preparatory courses subsidized by the Swiss Federal Government?

Yes. Under the SBFI federal subsidy scheme for higher vocational education (Bundesbeiträge für eidgenössische Prüfungen), the Swiss Confederation reimburses 50% of eligible tuition fees (up to CHF 10,500 for Höhere Fachprüfungen / HFP) directly to candidates upon completing the official exam.

Why are practice questions provided in English on OpenExamPrep?

International auditing in Switzerland relies extensively on English-language International Standards on Auditing (ISA), IFRS, and global audit methodologies used across the Big 4 and major audit networks. This practice bank adapts Swiss auditing standards (PS), Swiss company law (OR), and regulatory oversight requirements into comprehensive English-language practice questions.