VBV Recertification 2026
Preparatory courses for existing insurance intermediaries – secure your place now
Important: the first wave of recertification examinations starts on 23 March 2026. Anyone in Group 1 must pass the examination by 22 August 2026 – otherwise they risk being deactivated in the FINMA register.
What is VBV recertification – and who does it affect?
Since the revision of the Insurance Supervision Act (VAG), all unbound insurance intermediaries entered in the FINMA register must regularly take a recertification examination. This requirement applies regardless of previous professional experience or training.
The examination is based exclusively on the officially recorded admission profile – meaning the profile registered with FINMA, not the activity you are currently carrying out.
Key Facts about the Recertification Examination
Examination format
Written, online, with proctoring (location-independent)
Duration
30 minutes – no aids permitted
Examination invitation
From 23 March 2026 by email via myVBV
Group 1 deadline
22 August 2026
Profiles
All lines | Life | Non-life | Supplementary health insurance
Retakes
Included – no additional examination fees
Examination Content “All Lines” 2026 – What You Need to Know
The recertification examination covers current topics from the insurance industry. Some content has been newly added for 2026:
Law & Compliance
Cyber insurance (NEW)
Property insurance
Liability and asset insurance
Personal insurance & health
Current media releases
Our Preparatory Courses for VBV Recertification
Maklerzentrum Academy has developed tailored courses that prepare you specifically for the recertification examination – practical, efficient and taught by experienced lecturers.
Format:
Online via Microsoft Teams
Languages:
German and French
Lecturers:
Experienced industry experts
Basic course (4 days)
The basic course covers all examination-relevant content in a structured and compact format. Ideal for intermediaries who want to learn efficiently and with clear focus.
- 4 training days online via Microsoft Teams (every Thursday and Friday)
- All examination-relevant topics for “All Lines” 2026
- Learning materials and examination strategies included
- Price: CHF 750 per person
Course with revision day (5 days)
Add an optional 5th revision day (always on Wednesdays) to the basic course. On this day, we review all topics comprehensively – for maximum confidence before the examination.
- Basic course (4 days) plus 1 revision day
- Comprehensive revision of all examination topics
- Price: CHF 900 per person (5 days in total)
Downgrading: adjust your admission profile
If you work exclusively in one area (for example, only health insurance), you have until 22 August 2026 to voluntarily downgrade your profile (so-called “downgrading”). This can simplify examination preparation.
All lines →
Supplementary health insurance
All lines →
Non-life
All lines →
Life
Important:
Downgrading must be requested personally (not by the employer) by post to the VBV. If your scope of activity is expanded again later, the corresponding admission examinations must be taken again. The application form is available from the VBV (Laupenstrasse 10, 3008 Bern).
Available Course Dates – Choose Your Session
Book one of the following course periods now. Places are limited – we recommend registering early, as the examination deadline ends on 22 August 2026. Choose a course that leaves you at least 2–3 weeks to prepare before the examination.
Frequently Asked Questions about VBV Recertification
Everything you need to know about VBV recertification – answered in detail.
Who is the course suitable for?
For insurance intermediaries who want to prepare specifically for their VBV recertification examination – especially if their examination is due in 2026 and they want to learn in a structured, efficient way with clear guidance.
By when do I need to pass the recertification examination?
If you belong to the first group of people, you must successfully complete the examination by no later than 22 August 2026.
Which examination do I have to take?
What matters is the officially recorded admission profile in myVBV or in the register. What counts is not the area you currently work in, but the profile officially recorded for you.
Why is the examination based on the admission profile and not on my current activity?
For recertification, the registered admission profile is binding. For example, anyone currently working only in the health sector but officially recorded under the All Lines profile must generally also take the All Lines examination – unless an eligible downgrading request has been submitted in advance.
How does the recertification examination work?
The recertification examination is written, takes place online with proctoring, lasts 30 minutes and is completed without aids.
What does the course cost?
The 4-day basic course costs CHF 750. If you also book the optional revision day, the full 5-day course costs CHF 900.
Is the VBV annual fee included in the course price?
No. The annual fee of CHF 100 is charged directly by the VBV and is not included in the course price.
Do I have to pay the annual fee before I can take the examination?
Yes. Payment of the annual fee is a prerequisite for taking the recertification examination. Anyone wishing to take the examination before 30 April 2026 must have paid the fee before the examination date.
What happens if I miss the deadline?
If the recertification examination is not passed within the deadline, a negative report is sent to FINMA and the entry in the industry register is deactivated. Outstanding annual fees also continue to accumulate.
Can I retake the examination if I do not pass?
Yes. The recertification examination can be repeated. According to the VBV, retakes are included in the annual fee of CHF 100, so no additional examination fees apply.
Do I need the revision day?
The revision day is optional, but clearly recommended if you would like to review all topics once more in a compact format before the examination and sit it with greater confidence.
Is there a downgrading option?
Yes. Anyone currently holding the All Lines profile can, under certain conditions, apply for downgrading to Supplementary Health Insurance, Non-Life or Life. According to the VBV, the application must be submitted by post.
How should I prepare for the examination?
The VBV recommends preparing via the digital learning path in myVBV, especially using specialist checks, learning modules and the media library. Maklerzentrum Academy courses specifically complement this preparation and help you revise the relevant content in a structured way and approach the examination with confidence.
Is the sample exam in myVBV enough as preparation?
No. The sample exam is there to familiarise you with the examination environment. It is not sufficient for subject preparation. What matters is the learning path in myVBV and focused preparation of the content.
Is myVBV in competition with Maklerzentrum Academy?
No. myVBV is the official learning and examination environment of the VBV. There you will find the learning path, specialist checks, the media library and the technical examination environment. Maklerzentrum Academy complements this official foundation with a structured preparatory course, experienced lecturers, clearly prepared content and targeted revision. Our course is therefore not an alternative to myVBV, but a useful addition for anyone who wants guided and efficient preparation for the recertification examination.
In which language is the teaching delivered?
The courses are offered either in German or in French.