FMS exam Basel: Your chance to get into the Fachmaturitätsschule
The Fachmaturitätsschule (FMS) in Basel is an important educational pathway that opens doors to diverse and promising professional fields. Particularly in areas such as health, social work and education, the FMS provides an excellent foundation for a successful career. But what if your grades are not quite good enough for direct entry? This is where the FMS exam comes into play - your second chance to make your dream of the FMS come true!
What is the FMS exam?
The FMS exam is a special entrance exam offered by the Basel-Stadt Department of Education. It is aimed at pupils in the 3rd secondary class who have narrowly failed the regular admission criteria for the FMS. This exam offers motivated young people the opportunity to demonstrate their potential and secure a place at the FMS despite initial hurdles.
The idea behind this exam is to give talented and dedicated students a fair chance, even if their previous school grades may not reflect the full picture of their abilities. It is a recognition that academic potential is not always expressed in school grades and that motivation and commitment are equally important factors for future educational success.
Who can take part?
You can apply for the FMS exam Register if you meet the following criteria:
- You attend the 3rd secondary school class in Basel-Stadt or the surrounding region.
- You just missed the regular admission criteria for the FMS. This usually means that your grade point average is only slightly below the required value.
- You will receive a recommendation from your class teacher. This recommendation is crucial, as your teacher is best placed to assess your development and potential.
- You are ready to take on this additional challenge and invest the necessary time and energy in preparation.
- You have a serious interest in one of the professional fields for which the FMS offers training.
It is important to emphasize that participation in the FMS exam is voluntary. It should be seen as an opportunity, not an obligation or a burden.
Examination procedure and contents
The FMS exam is carefully structured to give you a comprehensive picture of your skills. It consists of two main parts:
1- Written exams:
- German: This exam usually consists of two parts. Firstly, your text comprehension is tested by answering questions about a given text. Secondly, your ability to express yourself in writing is tested through an essay or another form of text production.
- Mathematics: Your basic mathematical knowledge and problem-solving skills are tested here. The tasks can range from simple arithmetic operations to more complex text tasks.
2- Oral examination:
- This takes place in a foreign language, usually French or English. The aim here is to demonstrate your language skills, your ability to express yourself and your understanding of the foreign language.
The exam content is based on the secondary school curriculum. However, it is important to note that it is not just pure factual knowledge that is tested, but also your ability to apply this knowledge and solve more complex problems.
Important dates for 2025
The following dates have been set for the 2025/2026 school year:
- Registration deadline: January 6 to February 18, 2025 (4 p.m.)
- Exam date: Friday, March 21, 2025
- Catch-up date: Thursday, March 27, 2025 (only with medical certificate)
It is extremely important to keep an eye on these dates and not to miss the registration deadline. Late registrations can generally not be considered.
Tips for successful preparation
Thorough preparation is the key to success in the FMS exam. Here are some detailed tips to help you:
- Create a detailed learning plan: Divide the learning material into small, manageable units. Schedule fixed study times and stick to them. Include all exam subjects in your plan.
- Practice regularly and consistently: Consistent learning over a longer period of time is more effective than intensive learning shortly before the exam (so-called "cramming"). Regularly repeat material you have already learned to consolidate it.
- Use available preparation materials: The Department of Education often provides exercises and old exams. Make intensive use of these. Textbooks and online resources can also be helpful.
- Form learning groups: Learning together can be motivating and helps to look at the material from different perspectives. Explain the material to others - this consolidates your own understanding.
- Take care of your health: Make sure you get enough sleep, especially in the time before the exam. Eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly to increase your ability to concentrate.
- Practice exam situations: Practice solving tasks under time pressure. For the oral exam: practise speaking in the foreign language, e.g. by conversing with classmates or reading aloud.
- Seek support: Talk to your teachers about areas where you feel insecure. Consider tutoring in subjects that you find particularly difficult.
How much does the exam preparation course for the Fachmittelschule (FMS) cost?
The costs for the FMS preparation course in Basel vary depending on the provider and type of course. Prices range from CHF 30 to CHF 59 per lesson for private lessons, depending on whether they are one-to-one, semi-private or trio private lessons. For group lessons, the prices are CHF 33 per lesson for one subject and CHF 29 per lesson for two subjects.
The FMS: your springboard to the future
The Fachmaturitätsschule offers you numerous advantages and opportunities:
- Practical training: The FMS combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience in your chosen professional field.
- Specialized baccalaureate: After successfully completing the FMS, you have the opportunity to obtain a specialized baccalaureate. This opens the door to further studies at universities of applied sciences.
- Broad spectrum of professional fields: The FMS prepares you for careers in areas such as health, social work, education, design and art.
- Good preparation for further studies: The FMS teaches you important skills and work techniques that will benefit you later in your studies.
- Personal development: During your time at FMS, you have the opportunity to deepen your interests and develop your personality.
Conclusion: seize your opportunity
The FMS exam is more than just a test - it is your opportunity to make your dream of a baccalaureate school come true. It requires commitment and perseverance, but the potential rewards are great: a sound education in a professional field that inspires you and opens up a wide range of future prospects.
This exam gives you the chance to surpass yourself and give your future a new direction. Even if you don't pass the exam, the preparation process alone will help you enormously in your personal and academic development. You will develop learning strategies, boost your self-confidence and gain valuable experience for your future educational path.
Are you ready to take on this challenge? The FMS exam could be the first step on your path to a fulfilling professional future. It offers you the opportunity to show your true potential and lay the foundations for a successful career.
Dare to take this opportunity and show what you're really made of! The future is open to you - it's up to you to shape it.
