Question 1

What is a ZSR number, how do I apply for it and what are the costs?

Accepted Answer

A ZSR number is the registration number in the official paying agent register of the Swiss healthcare system. You need this number so that your customers can claim prevention contributions on their subscription or course costs from the health insurance companies.The number is issued by SASIS AG, a subsidiary of the health insurance association santésuisse. SASIS AG charges a one-off fee of CHF 324 incl. VAT for the application. Those who submit the application themselves must also expect a high administrative effort and a processing time of up to three months.QualiCert eliminates this effort for you: we apply for the ZSR number as part of the initial certification directly and in the shortest possible time. The fee is already included in your initial certification fee - you save costs, time and bureaucracy. The annual costs for the ZSR number are also already included in your re-certification fee with QualiCert.

Question 2

What is a certificate?

Accepted Answer

A certificate is the formal confirmation from an independent certification body that an institution fulfils the requirements specified in a standard or normative document. It is a conformity assessment by a third party. A certificate always refers to a clearly defined scope, has a period of validity and is maintained through regular reviews.A certificate from QualiCert confirms that an institution fulfils the quality and safety criteria defined in a standard. This is based on various standards, for example the FitSafe standard for fitness and health centres or the CourseActive standard for course providers.QualiCert works as an independent third party - neutral and without conflicts of interest in the industry. This means that the certificate fulfils national and international requirements and is recognised as proof.For you, this means that your certificate verifiably proves that your company fulfils the required standards - a clear proof of quality with real value.

Question 3

What do I have to do to get my gym certified?

Accepted Answer

The first step is simple: register for initial certification using the QualiCert online form. You will then receive all the important documents and information about the process, an overview of all the requirements and a list of the evidence to be submitted. This allows you to check whether your centre already meets the criteria and where there is still potential for optimisation.Our experts will support you right from the start - from the first step of registration and preparation to the successful on-site audit. This means you start the certification process with the best possible support and will soon be able to present your customers with a recognised quality certificate.

Question 4

How long does the initial certification process as a fitness centre take?

Accepted Answer

The process is quick if your fitness studio or fitness centre has already documented its operating documents well - for example, emergency and safety concepts or evidence of employees. As soon as you have submitted the required documents in full, QualiCert can usually arrange an appointment for the on-site audit within a month.As soon as the audit has been completed and any outstanding issues from the on-site evaluation have been resolved, you will usually receive your certificate within 2 weeks.

Question 5

How high are the certification fees for a fitness studio?

Accepted Answer

The certification fees are clearly regulated and transparent for you to understand. The initial certification fee is the same for all gyms and fitness centres.The annual recertification fee depends on the size of your business. The categorisation is based on objective criteria and is clearly defined as part of the certification process.You can find a detailed overview of all fees in the Fees section of our website at .

Question 6

What happens to the initial certification fee if my gym or fitness centre does not meet the requirements?

Accepted Answer

The initial certification fee is divided into three stages (CHF 100, CHF 750 and CHF 650). Depending on how far the process has progressed, only the instalments paid up to that point will be charged.A complete certification procedure can therefore not be cancelled free of charge - but you will never lose the entire amount at once.Tip: If you are unsure whether your gym or fitness centre meets the requirements, contact QualiCert in advance. This way, you will be optimally prepared for your certification procedure.

Question 7

What counts as a separate training station?

Accepted Answer

A separate training station is a training device or training area on which a person can perform strength or endurance training. Dumbbells or barbells are not counted.The exact classification of the size of your gym or fitness centre takes place during the on-site audit.

Question 8

Am I a course provider?

Accepted Answer

The course provider is the legally responsible organiser. This is the legal or natural person who, in accordance with the Swiss Code of Obligations, as the contractual partner of the customer, is liable for ensuring that the contractually agreed consideration for the customer's participation fees is provided. Contractual partners can be companies according to the Swiss Code of Obligations, e.g. AG, GmbH, sole proprietorship, etc., but also natural persons as self-employed persons.You are a provider in terms of the criteria if you can/must answer "YES" to one or both of the following questions:
From a legal perspective, are you one of the two contractual partners1,2 for the participants in the courses you run and are you therefore liable for the fulfilment of the obligation3 "course service"?Do you pay yourself the compensation for leading your courses from the income from the participation fees?
If you have answered "YES" to one or both of these questions, you are not only the course leader but also the legally responsible organiser (= provider) of your courses and must be certified in accordance with the criteria. The certification procedure can be applied for by e-mail.
If you have answered "NO" to both questions above, please inform the institution that is the legally responsible organiser of your courses that health insurance contributions for course participants will only be paid if, in addition to you as a certified course instructor, the provider is also certified.
1 Swiss Code of Obligations (OR) Art 1
2 According to the Swiss Civil Code (ZGB) Art 13, a contractual partner can be anyone who has the capacity to act. In accordance with CC Art 12ff, this is the case for natural persons with capacity of judgement and maturity / for legal persons in accordance with CC Art 54 with legal recognition.
3 Contractual liability in accordance with the Swiss Code of Obligations (OR) Art 97ff

Question 9

When is a course recognised?

Accepted Answer

A course is deemed to be recognised if both the qualification of the course leader and the certification of the provider are available.

In concrete terms, this means

The course leader has a valid certification as a course instructor.
The course provider is recognised as a provider by the relevant certification body.

Only if both requirements are met can participants claim contributions towards the course costs from their health insurance provider.

Question 10

How long does the initial certification process as a provider take?

Accepted Answer

The procedure is quick once your documents have been submitted in full. As soon as QualiCert has received everything and the fee has been paid, you will usually receive a response within one to two weeks.Our experts will support you right from the start - from registration to successful certification. This means you will soon be able to offer your participants a recognised, certified course.

Question 11

How long is the certification as a provider valid for?

Accepted Answer

Certification as a provider is generally valid for the current fixed two-year period. At the end of this period, re-certification takes place, during which QualiCert reviews your course programme, further training courses and the certification of all course instructors, among other things.This keeps your recognition up to date - and your participants can always rely on the quality of your courses.

Question 12

What liability insurance do I need as a provider?

Accepted Answer

All providers require suitable liability insurance for certification:Fitness studios or providers in the commercial register → Business liability insurance in the registered nameAssociations → Association liability insurance in the statutory association nameIndividuals (self-employed persons) → usually professional liability insurance; depending on the activity and income, business or personal liability insurance may also be recognisedThis ensures that you as a provider are adequately insured and that your participants can rely on the highest level of safety.

Question 13

I am self-employed. Can I be certified as a provider?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in addition to companies such as AGs, GmbHs or sole proprietorships, natural persons can also be certified as self-employed persons. This means that your activity is officially recognised and you can offer your customers courses with a quality certificate. All you need to do is provide proof of a VAT number.

Question 14

What do I do if I am still missing documents for certification?

Accepted Answer

No problem - missing documents are no obstacle to your certification. QualiCert provides you with help documents and templates with the exact requirements when you register.These describe how the documents should be created - for example, for a code of ethics or a contract. This means you know exactly what content is expected and can prepare the documents yourself.

Question 15

What advantages do I have with QualiCert certification?

Accepted Answer

Certification by QualiCert brings you numerous advantages as a certified organisation:Your customers or members receive prevention contributions from the health insurance companies.The certificate, seal of approval and confirmation documents make your quality visible.You create trust and clearly differentiate yourself from non-certified programmes.You fulfil binding standards and requirements and therefore have legal security.You can obtain the ZSR number from QualiCert quickly and at no additional cost.Regular audits and inspections ensure that your quality is permanently assured.Clear specifications and supporting documents make it easier to prepare the documentation.As a QualiCert customer, you benefit from personalised advice at all times - whether you have questions about the certification process, how to deal with health insurance companies or how to implement infrastructural requirements.In this way, you demonstrate quality both internally and externally - and secure a clear competitive advantage.

Question 16

How long is the certification as a fitness studio or fitness centre valid for?

Accepted Answer

Certification as a fitness studio or fitness centre is valid for one year. In order to maintain recognition, recertification takes place every year. This includes an annual on-site audit, during which numerous requirements are checked - in particular employee qualifications, emergency and safety concepts and other operational requirementsThis ensures that your certification remains up to date at all times - and that your members benefit from the highest quality and safety in the long term.

Question 17

I was previously certified via a package partner. Can I now be certified individually as a provider?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a change is possible - however, previous certification via a flat-rate partner is not sufficient as proof. A complete procedure is required for individual certification.Among other things, QualiCert checks the qualifications of all course instructors as well as the other requirements for your course programme. This ensures that your individual certification meets the same quality standards as all other provider certifications.

Question 18

Which further training courses can I attend for re-certification as a course instructor?

Accepted Answer

The further training does not necessarily have to be subject-specific - topics relating to prevention such as exercise, nutrition, relaxation or prevention concepts are also valid.

However, BLS CPR training or further training courses and courses aimed at end consumers are not recognised. It is important that the further training is offered by an institution whose core business is professional training and further training.

The detailed requirements for further training courses are set out in the further training regulations. You will automatically receive these with every initial or re-certification.

Question 19

Do I have to send in my training certificates on an ongoing basis?

Accepted Answer

No. You do not have to send in your training certificates on an ongoing basis. QualiCert will check them collectively as part of your re-certification.

Question 20

What happens to the initial certification fee if I do not fulfil the requirements as a course provider and instructor?

Accepted Answer

The initial certification fee primarily covers the work involved in checking your documents and qualifications. These services also apply if certification cannot be granted.

If you are unsure whether you fulfil the requirements, please contact QualiCert in advance. We will be happy to provide you with guidance so that you are optimally prepared for the certification process.

Question 21

How does the annual recertification as a fitness studio or fitness centre work?

Accepted Answer

Re-certification takes place every year and consists of two parts:Sur-dossier audit - you update your documents, in particular the employee list, so that the qualifications can be verified at any time.Unannounced on-site audit - QualiCert checks numerous requirements directly at your gym or fitness centre, for example employee qualifications, BLS-AED certificates, emergency and safety concepts, equipment fleet, maintenance and hygiene. You will then receive a detailed written audit report.In this way, we ensure that your gym or fitness centre permanently complies with the Fit[Safe] standard - and that your members can always rely on the highest quality and safety.

Question 22

What happens if points for improvement are identified during the audit?

Accepted Answer

You will receive a detailed evaluation report after the audit.If there are any open points, the necessary improvement measures are clearly described in the report. You will find out exactly what evidence or adjustments are still required and will be given a deadline for submitting them.Our team of experts is always on hand to advise you on the specific implementation - so that the requirements are clearly understood and you can implement them step by step.

Question 23

How does recertification as a provider and course instructor work?

Accepted Answer

Re-certification for providers takes place every two years via the digital QualiCert platform. You will be guided through the process step by step:Upload evidence - You upload the required documents and proof of qualification to the platform and confirm the information.Pay the fee - Once the process is complete, you will automatically receive the invoice for the recertification fee.QualiCert checks - QualiCert checks all the documents submitted, the courses offered and the information on the provider's website. It is also a prerequisite that all managers are validly certified for their course areas.If all conditions are met, the re-certification is issued for the new two-year period - and you can continue to offer your courses with official certification.If you have any questions or uncertainties, QualiCert's team of experts will be happy to advise you at any time.

Question 24

Who is available to answer my questions during the certification process?

Accepted Answer

QualiCert's team of experts is always available to answer any questions you may have throughout the certification process.You will receive personalised advice - be it on the preparation of documents, proof of qualification, requirements of the standard or queries when contacting health insurance companies.You can contact us by phone or email - we will provide you with fast, uncomplicated and solution-orientated support.

Question 25

Are there any additional costs for QualiCert apart from the initial and recertification fees?

Accepted Answer

No. With QualiCert, all services are included in the price - with no hidden additional costs. As a premium provider, the entire service package is included - even if we advise or support you on site, there are no additional costs.The fees includeCarrying out the initial and re-certification proceduresTravelling expenses for auditors, postage and shipping costsAdministration, receipt and maintenance of your ZSR numberSupport with questions or problems with health insurance companiesFree advice on safety, quality and standard requirementsSupport from QualiCert as a competence centre at any timeProvision of all documents, quality seals and communication materials

Question 26

When do I no longer have to provide proof of further training for recertification?

Accepted Answer

Persons who have reached the age of 60 before 1 January of the period of validity for which re-certification is requested are exempt from the continuing education requirement.

However, QualiCert recommends that you continue to attend further training courses voluntarily even after reaching this age limit. In this way, you can stay up to date professionally and ensure the quality of your services in the long term.

Question 27

Can a certification be rejected despite fulfilling the criteria?

Accepted Answer

Yes, QualiCert reserves the right to reject an initial or re-certification even if the formal requirements and criteria are met. This applies in particular if there are indications that applicants do not offer a guarantee of irreproachable professional practice.

Question 28

Can I have my CrossFit box certified like a fitness centre?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a CrossFit box is now treated in the same way as a traditional fitness centre. The prerequisite for certification is that CrossFit providers also fulfil all the requirements of the FitSafe standard. If this is the case, your box can be officially certified.

Question 29

Can a fitness centre with unsupervised times be certified?

Accepted Answer

Yes, fitness centres with unsupervised times can also be certified in accordance with the Fit[Safe] standard. The prerequisite is that all specific requirements for unsupervised training times are consistently implemented (e.g. rules of conduct, instruction, access system, video surveillance, emergency organisation).Important: The Fit[Safe] standard stipulates a certain minimum level of supervised opening hours by qualified staff. A completely unsupervised operation is not permitted. QualiCert does not certify fitness centres that do not offer any supervised opening hours.

Question 30

I am self-employed - why do I need both the course instructor and the course provider certification?

Accepted Answer

If you are a self-employed person who both leads the courses and is responsible for organising and running them, you will need both certifications.The course instructor certification confirms your personal qualifications and methodological expertise.The course provider certification ensures that your offer and your organisation meet all quality and safety requirements.Only with both certifications can your course participants claim prevention contributions from the health insurance companies. Instructor certification alone is not enough - certification as a course provider is also always required.

Question 31

I have completed my training abroad. Can my diplomas be recognised?

Accepted Answer

Yes, QualiCert examines and evaluates diplomas and training certificates from all countries and in all languages. The aim is to treat all applicants fairly and equally - regardless of their country of origin or language of instruction.It is important that the documents submitted contain sufficient information to enable QualiCert to assess whether the quantitative and qualitative requirements of the relevant standard have been met.If the content and scope of the training are comprehensible and meet the required standards, foreign diplomas will also be recognised.If documents are missing or unclear, QualiCert will request additional information or evidence to ensure a fair and transparent assessment.

Question 32

Which courses can be certified under the Fitness Method?

Accepted Answer

All health-promoting courses that are based on scientific training principles and aim to improve endurance, strength, flexibility, coordination or body awareness can be certified under the "Fitness" method. These include, for example, group courses, personal training, Pilates, functional training, circuit training and HIIT.This does not include all courses that have their own methods, such as yoga, aqua training, postnatal gymnastics or back exercises - these have their own certification areas, which are listed on the website under Instructors/Methods.

Question 33

I teach Pilates and personal training, are these several methods?

Accepted Answer

No, Pilates and personal training are both class types within the "Fitness" method. They may not be certified as separate methods. Certification in the area of fitness covers both course types.

Question 34

Am I a course provider?

Accepted Answer

You are a course provider if you are a natural or legal person (e.g. sole proprietorship, association, limited liability company) legally responsible for the planning, organisation and implementation of health-promoting courses. This applies regardless of whether you run the courses yourself or use other certified instructors. Course providers bear overall responsibility for the programme, compliance with quality standards and contract fulfilment vis-à-vis participants.

Question 35

Why should I be certified by QualiCert?

Accepted Answer

Certification by QualiCert brings you numerous advantages: you will be recognised by health insurance companies, including a ZSR number, and increase your visibility and credibility with customers. The strong Swiss quality label stands for certified safety, professionalism and trust - and helps you to position yourself clearly in the market.You benefit from legal certainty, a transparent process, personalised advice in four languages (German, French, Italian and English) and access to the latest norms and standards. Certification promotes your quality development, strengthens customer loyalty and offers you marketing advantages. You become part of a recognised network, gain the trust of authorities and institutions and are ideally positioned for future requirements in the healthcare sector.

Question 36

Is my data secure with QualiCert?

Accepted Answer

Yes, your data is particularly secure with QualiCert. QualiCert is certified in accordance with the Swiss Hosting label. This means thatAll customer data is stored and processed 100% in Switzerland.All applications, personal data and business data are hosted exclusively in Swiss data centres.Data protection and data security are fully subject to Swiss law.Your data is protected against access from abroad - neither foreign organisations nor governments can access it or demand it.Technical and organisational measures ensure that your data remains in Switzerland.Complete protection is also guaranteed during maintenance or administration.Regular checks:Compliance with all Swiss Hosting criteria is continuously monitored and contractually guaranteed.With the Swiss Hosting Label, QualiCert offers you maximum data security, the highest level of confidentiality and full control over your data - guaranteed in accordance with Swiss standards.

Question 37

Will my company be visible in the official QualiCert directory and in the search engine after certification?

Accepted Answer

After successful certification, your company will automatically be listed in the official QualiCert directory on the homepage of our website. There you benefit from a unique search engine with a modern radius search that filters specifically for certified providers. Interested parties can find your offer quickly and easily - including location, website and contact details.This exclusive visibility is a particular advantage of QualiCert certification: you present your certified quality, are actively found by customers and partners and clearly stand out from the market. This makes you part of a network that stands for transparency, trust and the highest standards.

Question 38

Does QualiCert fulfil all the requirements of an independent certification body?

Accepted Answer

Yes, QualiCert is an independent certification body that works in accordance with the international standard SN EN ISO 17065:2012. This standard defines the requirements for a neutral "third party" in the certification process:Neutrality and independenceExpertise as an audit institutionObjective and valid proceduresNo commercial activity in the certified industryQualiCert is 100% privately financed and does not carry out any commercial activities of its own in the certified sectors. This means that it is free from conflicts of interest and guarantees an objective audit.The organisation has been officially approved by the Association for Quality in Training and Exercise (QTB) for certification according to its standards, as it meets all requirements (see SN EN ISO 17065:2012).

Question 39

What makes QualiCert the leading certification body for health-promoting programmes?

Accepted Answer

QualiCert has outstanding expertise and over 30 years of experience in the certification of health-promoting services. The organisation is recognised throughout Europe as the market leader and specialises in the objective assessment and certification of health-related services and structures.The organisation's track record speaks for itself:Over 30,000 in-depth on-site assessments have been successfully carried out - fitness centres are evaluated annually on site to ensure compliance with standards.More than 100,000 sur dossier certifications have been carried out using validated, reproducible and tried-and-tested procedures.Digital tools ensure an error-free, efficient and audit-proof assessment.The testing processes are transparently documented and fulfil the highest standards of quality and objectivity.This extensive experience and the verifiable quality of the certification procedures guarantee a practice that fulfils both the requirements of the standards and the expectations of the providers.Expertise is a key prerequisite for official approval by the Association for Quality in Training and Exercise (QTB) - in accordance with the requirements of SN EN ISO 17065:2012.

Number of areas	Application in the first year of the current validity period	Application in the second year of the current validity period
one area	CHF 205.00 incl. VAT	CHF 165.00 incl. VAT
two areas	CHF 265.00 incl. VAT	CHF 195.00 incl. VAT
three areas	CHF 315.00 incl. VAT	CHF 215.00 incl. VAT
four areas	CHF 345.00 incl. VAT	CHF 235.00 incl. VAT
five or more areas	CHF 360.00 incl. VAT	CHF 245.00 incl. VAT

Number of areas	Total amount
one area	CHF 130.00 incl. VAT
two areas	CHF 230.00 incl. VAT
three areas	CHF 320.00 incl. VAT
four areas	CHF 365.00 incl. VAT
five areas or more	CHF 390.00 incl. VAT

Instructor certification

Important Note

Procedure

Not yet certified

Submit your application

Checking the basic requirements

Finalisation & confirmation

Already certified

Verify information

Evaluation

Certification confirmation

Criteria for initial and re-certification

Fees

Questions & Answers