Special Licences

A special licence is required for the professional practice of the following activities: bathing water disinfection, pest control, use of plant protection products and wood preservatives as well as the handling of refrigerants.

Special licence for the disinfection of water in public baths

Baths with synthetic pools which are used by the general public, for example as indoor or open-air swimming pools, but also as swimming baths in hotels or leisure facilities, are classified as public baths or shared baths. Professionals, who are responsible for the hygienic quality of the bathing water, require a special licence.

Learning objectives, Course contents
In addition to a general knowledge of chemicals, storage, disposal and safety data sheets a special licence holder understands the essential properties of disinfectants (chlorine chemicals) and how these may be safely employed. The special licence holder understands the interactions between the various hygiene parameters and the bathing water, and is able to carry out basic measurements for the control of the quality of the bathing water.
The detailed learning objectives for the award of the special licence are defined in the Ordinance “Disinfection of Water in Public Baths and Swimming Pools” (SLO-DSP), in Annex 1.
Acquiring the special licence:
- Pass an examination in a recognised examination centre. Multi-day courses are offered in preparation for the exam.
- Managers with at least six years of professional experience and proven knowledge may apply to the FOPH for confirmation of their professional experience.

Further information:

Liste Trägerschaften Prüfungsstellen (Document)

Special licence for general pest control

A special licence is required for the professional/commercial use of insecticides, rodent control products or plant protection products for crop protection for customers.

Learning objectives, Course contents
In addition to general knowledge of the dangers associated with chemicals and the legal bases, professionals should possess specific knowledge of the biology of pests, of the toxic effects of the products employed for pest control and of their correct use and disposal.
The detailed learning objectives are defined in the Ordinance “General Pest Control” (Annex 1).
Acquiring the certificate
- Passing an examination in a recognised examination centre or in a recognised educational establishment in the EU/EFTA. Multi-day courses are offered in preparation for the exam.
- Managers with at least six years of professional experience and proven knowledge may apply to the FOPH for confirmation of their professional experience.

Further information:

Liste Trägerschaften Prüfungsstellen (Document)

Limited special licence for pest control with fumigants

A special licence is required if fumigants are employed for pest control. In view of the particular dangers associated with these products, a comprehensive technical knowledge is required. This includes inter alia fundamental and specific toxicological knowledge of the various fumigants as well as a command of measurement methods for monitoring concentrations in enclosed spaces. The special licence is granted for a limited period of five years and at the end of this period must be renewed in a recognised examination centre.

Acquisition of the skills:
Passing an examination in a recognised examination centre or in a recognised educational establishment in the EU/EFTA.

Further information:

Liste Trägerschaften Prüfungsstellen (Document)

Special licences for plant protection products, wood preservatives and refrigerants

The Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) is responsible for these special licences.

Further training obligations for special licence holders:

In addition to the legally prescribed duty of care, the Chemical Risk Reduction Ordinance (ORRChem) stipulates that each special licence holder is obliged to regularly undergo further training. The recognised bodies and examination centres regularly offer courses.

Further information:

Offers for training and further training