eduQua:2021 – Quality label for further education providers in Switzerland
Are you interested in the continuous development of your education establishment and do you want to proactively meet the needs of the times? As part of the certification process, you will receive feedback on your quality management system from our auditors. In addition, you will examine your own educational-, management- and communication processes as well as your educational offers and customer needs by means of a self-evaluation. Through the analyses, feedback and ideas, you recognise opportunities and possibilities for potential developments and ensure the quality required by yourself and by third parties.
Accreditation by the Swiss Accreditation Service (SAS)
Recognised internationally for access to markets worldwide
We have been certifying management systems since 1983
Around 7 000 customers trust our Services
Quality management for educational institutions according to eduQua
The eduQua label gives certified further education establishments an advantage on the market. The thoughts and exchanges surrounding certification have a positive effect on the quality of the further education establishments. Certification is also an advantage vis-à-vis the authorities. In many cantons, an audited quality management system is a prerequisite for receiving public money. The eduQua certificate is considered a suitable and widespread proof of quality.
Target groups of eduQua
Education establishments
Validity period of the certificate
3 years - there is an annual interim audit.
Recognition of the SQS certificate
eduQua:2021 is a quality label for continuing education institutions in Switzerland recognized by the Swiss Accreditation Service SAS. The SQS is accredited as a certification body for eduQua:2021.
Responsible for the product and there for you
Severin Cucco
Do you have any questions about the standard or our service? Would you like to know more about the certification process and the costs? Or may we provide you with a concrete offer for the certification?
We are happy to help you. Our account management team and I, as the product manager, will be happy to forward your questions to our experienced auditors. We want to make it as easy as possible for you to access certified management systems.
Please let us know how we can support you. We look forward to hearing from you!
Kind regards
Severin Cucco
Proof of andragogical quality assurance and customer orientation
With the eduQua:2021 label, continuing education institutions demonstrate that they meet the eduQua:2021 quality standards. This strengthens the confidence of participants and sponsors, as it requires optimal alignment with the needs of learners and the world of work.
Recognition and market access
The eduQua certificate is a widely recognized proof of quality for continuing education providers in Switzerland. In many cantons, such a certificate is also a prerequisite for receiving public funds or subsidies. A successful certification facilitates access to government funding programs and can give you a competitive advantage.
Continuous improvement and professional structures
As part of the eduQua certification process, you can systematically create, review and further develop your institution-specific processes. This results in clear structures and processes that reduce errors and lead to continuous quality improvement. This optimization process increases both participant satisfaction and team efficiency and motivation.
If you feel fit for the standard, you are welcome to use the form above to register for certification. Otherwise, your path to eduQua certification could look like this:
#1 – Building up the system
Implement your management system in accordance with the requirements of the standard so that you are ready for your first external certification audit by SQS.
#2 – Registration for the certification
After registering for certification, you can benefit from a preliminary talk or pre-audit. The pre-audit identifies system-relevant gaps and enables efficient certification.
#3 – Auditing
We first review your system documentation, assess your readiness for certification and draw up a detailed audit plan together with you. Our auditors then visit your company to assess the relevant test objects and the maturity degree of the management system and compile a report.
#4 – Certificate with a three-year validity
If the report is positive, you receive the certificate in digital and printed form. You can communicate it internally and externally for three years. Annual audits ensure compliance with the standard and enable continuous improvements. A comprehensive recertification takes place after three years.
How long does it take to obtain an eduQua certificate?
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It depends on various factors such as company size, complexity and degree of preparation. Well-structured documentation and preparation speed up the procedure considerably. By initially comparing the requirements (e.g. specifically the necessary documents) with your current implementation status, you can make a very accurate initial personal assessment.
How often does an eduQua certificate need to be renewed?
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A certificate is generally valid for three years. While the first audit is called a certification audit, it is based on a preliminary documentary review (Stage 1). If this review is positive, the on-site certification audit (Stage 2) follows. In the second and third years, so-called surveillance audits take place. After three years, a recertification audit is carried out and a new cycle begins.
What are the costs associated with an eduQua certification?
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The costs vary depending on the size and complexity of the organization. With eduQua, the number of participant lessons per year is decisive. We would be happy to provide you with a customised offer based on your completed eduQua certification application.
What is the difference between eduQua:2021 and other quality labels for continuing education providers?
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eduQua:2021 focuses particularly on andragogical quality assurance, customer orientation and the continuous development of the institution (on an effective quality management system for continuing education organizations). At the same time, the label is widely used in Switzerland and is recognized by many authorities and funding agencies.
Does SQS also offer consultancy services?
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No, our core competence is certification. However, if required, we will be happy to connect you with external experts or organise training courses so that you can optimally prepare for certification.
What role does the certification body play in eduQua certification?
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SQS, as a certification body, independently verifies whether your management system meets the standard requirements and issues the certificate if the result is positive.
How can an education provider verify the validity of an eduQua certificate?
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Each SQS certificate is given a unique registration number. This number can be used to verify the validity of the certificate via our online directory. To the query
Can a continuing education institution have several certifications at the same time?
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What happens if a provider does not meet the requirements of eduQua:2021?
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If non-conformities are identified during an audit, the educational institution is given a deadline to implement corrective measures. If these measures are not successfully implemented, the certificate cannot be awarded or renewed.
Are there any special requirements for online- or blended- learning programs?
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eduQua:2021 takes current developments in the continuing education landscape into account. Providers using e-learning or hybrid learning formats must ensure that these concepts meet the required quality criteria, particularly regarding didactic planning, support and feedback processes.
How does an eduQua-certified quality management support the image of a continuing education provider?
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An eduQua:2021 certificate signals to participants, partners and authorities that your institution is systematically committed to quality and is constantly evolving. This promotes confidence in your offerings and can make a decisive contribution to your positioning in the education market.