I split this post off from the previous thread about getting a C-permit because I thought it would probably be a discussion on its own. I recall we did discuss some of the issues surrounding the language test on that thread - but I think we also went into a bit of detail on the thread about facilitated naturalisation (not applicable to your girlfriend, but the language test parts might be the same).

Anyway, a quick summary as I'm sure a discussion might pop up here.

I have heard that there is a language test, however I was never asked to do one when I got my C permit. Other people I know weren't asked to do one either.

However, like many things in Switzerland, whether or not this is done might simply be down to whether the staff at the local community office were even aware of the procedure, or if they were - whether they decided that wanted to do it.

I'm not aware of whether the "second class" EU states are singled out for special treatment when it comes to the language test. Perhaps a call to the Migrationsamt (dept of Migration) might clear it up?

I checked on their website (yes, German only for immigrants I'm afraid) and found this page. It says yes, they are recongnised but because of a supposed "check of the labour market" special rules apply to them in terms of quotas until 2011. I could find no information about the C-Permit or any language test. I looked through the various articles at admin.ch, but couldn't find anything specifically which referenced the procedures for applying for a C-permit. I also checked around a bit more on the Zurich Migrationsamt website - no information.

Maybe they figure if you are already reading the German text then there's no need for a test

Did anyone else (in the last few years) have to sit a test to get their C-permit?

It's also worth pointing out that if there is a test, it has to be in one of the official languages of Switzerland. Despite what some people might think - Swiss-German is not one of those official languages. So she should have no fear that she will be tested in Swiss-German (if it happens, she would have every right to insist that the examiner speak High-German).