Published on 3 March 2026

Types of screening

Security screenings of individuals comprise various types of checks, all of which are carried out in accordance with the implementing provisions of the ISG and VPSP. Depending on the legal basis, these checks are designed to address different levels of protection requirements. A distinction is made between the following checks:

• Screenings in accordance with the ISG

  The personnel security screening under the ISG is intended to assess whether a person could pose a risk to information security when performing a security-sensitive activity as part of their role or assignment (Art. 27 ISG in conjunction with Art. 5 ISG). A security-sensitive activity refers to the processing of “confidential” or “secret” information, access to IT resources classified as “high-protection” or “very-high-protection”, or access to security zones (particularly protection zones 2 or 3 of military installations).
  
  For a more detailed definition of the aforementioned types of access see Art. 5 ISG (Terms).

  These screenings are carried out not only for federal personnel but may also be initiated for third parties, cantonal employees, or members of the Armed Forces (see Who requires a personnel security screening?). Depending on the sensitivity of the access, a distinction is made between a basic personnel security screening and an extended personnel security screening.

• Trustworthiness screenings

  Trustworthiness screenings aim to protect the essential interests of the federal government, such as preventing financial damage or harm to its reputation, regardless of whether a security-sensitive activity is being performed. These screenings are regulated by special legislation, including: Federal Personnel Act (Bundespersonalgesetz, BPG, Art. 20b), Federal Act on the Army and the Military Administration (Bundesgesetz über die Armee und die Militärverwaltung, Militärgesetz, MG, Art. 14), Asylum Act (Asylgesetz, AsylG, Art. 29a), Federal Electricity Supply Act (Bundesgesetz über die Stromversorgung, StromVG, Art. 20a).
  
  Again, a distinction is made between basic and extended personnel security screening, depending on the extent of potential damage.

• Security screenings in accordance with the military law

  Members of the Armed Forces or conscripts undergo a security screening if there are grounds for non-recruitment, exclusion, or demotion within the Armed Forces (Art. 23 para. 2 lit. d MG), or if a person is being considered for promotion or appointment (Art. 103 MG).

• Assessment of the potential for danger or abuse in accordance with the military law

  Members of the Armed Forces may not be issued personal weapons if there is a potential for danger or abuse (Art. 113 MG). All persons recruited into the Armed Forces undergo such an assessment.

• Reliability screenings

  Persons employed in positions essential to nuclear safety and the security of nuclear facilities must undergo periodic reliability screening (Art. 24 KEG).