SES is calculated according to Largo et al. (1990, Dev. Med. Child Neur., 32:30-45) by means of a six-point score of both maternal education and paternal occupation. The lowest possible SES score for either the mother or the father is 1, the highest 6. The overall SES score is a simple addition of the 2 individual scores resulting in a value between 2 and 12.
In 2018, coding was standardized to synchronize areas of profession with years of education. Please use the following SES Scoring Table.
Mother's highest education (1 - 6) +
Father's current occupation (1 - 6) =
SES total score (2 - 12).
Classification according to education or duration of education (mother: acquired, father: current situation)
Nr | BAG Education Levels | Years | SES |
12 | University | 19 | 1 |
11 | University of applied science / Polytechnic | 16 | 2 |
10 | HTL, HWV, HFG, Technical college etc. | 16 | 2 |
9 | Higher level job training | 14 | 2 |
8 | College of education / Lehrerseminar | 13 | 2 |
7 | Matura, Berufsmatura, Secondary Education with diploma | 13 | 2 |
6 | Apprenticeship | 12 | 3 |
5 | Diploma middle school (Swiss only) | 11 | 3 |
Job requiring minimal training | 9-11 | 4 | |
3 | Regular school without job training | 9 | 5 |
2 | No education, unfinished regular school | 0-8 | 6 |
1 | Unknown / not possible to grade | - | 9 |
Note: For professionals who manage more than 10 workers in their own firm, as head of division, site manager or production manager, use the classification 'manager' which corresponds to category 2.