01
No grounds for refusal
None of the impediments of art. 8 para. 2 of the Weapons Act may apply to you: certain convictions, danger to yourself or others, and so on.
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GUIDE · PPA EXAM
Requirements, procedure, costs, registration by canton: the reference guide to passing the Swiss carrying permit exam — from the first form to the permit in your pocket.
In Switzerland, anyone who wishes to carry a firearm in publicly accessible places must hold a weapons carrying permit (art. 27 of the Federal Weapons Act, WA/LArm). It is distinct from the acquisition licence: it covers carrying the weapon, loaded and accessible, in public.
It is mainly required of armed private-security agents, cash-in-transit couriers and people who can credibly demonstrate a genuine need to protect themselves or others against a tangible danger. The permit is valid for 5 years throughout Switzerland.
None of the impediments of art. 8 para. 2 of the Weapons Act may apply to you: certain convictions, danger to yourself or others, and so on.
You must credibly show a need to carry a weapon to protect yourself, other people or property against a tangible danger — typically in the context of private security work.
You must pass an exam proving that you can handle a weapon safely and that you know the legal provisions on its use. That exam is what this guide is about.
TEST 01 · THEORY
TEST 02 · PRACTICE
The exam is organised under the responsibility of the cantons — generally the weapons bureau of the cantonal police of your canton of residence. That is where you file your application and register for the exam.
For the other cantons and official federal information, see fedpol's weapons-carrying page.
The theory exam is a multiple-choice questionnaire. Here are two illustrative examples (written by us, not taken from the official catalogue) to give you an idea of the format:
Self-defence within the meaning of the Criminal Code notably requires:
ANSWERArt. 15 SCC requires a current or imminent unlawful attack. A feeling of insecurity or a past threat is not sufficient.
The weapons carrying permit is valid for:
ANSWERThe carrying permit is valid for 5 years (art. 27 Weapons Act) throughout Switzerland.
The fee is CHF 70 for the theory exam and CHF 70 per weapon type for the practical exam — so generally CHF 140 in total, excluding ammunition and any cantonal fees.
One hour, in writing. It covers self-defence and necessity (Criminal Code), federal weapons legislation and cantonal provisions.
From an official catalogue of around 106 questions published by the federal authorities. On PPA Suisse you can study the entire catalogue with a clear explanation for every question.
With the competent authority of your canton of residence — generally the weapons bureau of the cantonal police, which will give you the session dates and details.
5 years, throughout Switzerland. Renewal requires a new application to the cantonal authority and, as a rule, passing the exam again.
By working through the official question catalogue until you master it. PPA Suisse offers the 106 official questions with explanations, timed mock exams and a study programme built around your exam date.
106 official questions explained, timed mock exams, a personalised programme. In English, French, German and Italian.
See the plansOfficial sources: Weapons Act (SR 514.54), Weapons Ordinance (SR 514.541), fedpol. Provided for information only — the official texts and cantonal authorities prevail.