Validation of non-formal and informal learning (Validation des acquis de l'expérience - VAE)

The validation of non-formal and informal learning (Validation des acquis de l’expérience - VAE) is a scheme for allowing professional and personal experience to be recognised with a view to obtaining a qualification or partial validation, gaining access to a training path, or being partially exempted from certain parts of a programme of studies.

It can be applied in respect of the following qualifications:

• CCP - Vocational Capacity Certificate (Certificat de capacité professionnelle)
  DAP - Vocational Aptitude Diploma (Diplôme d'aptitude professionnelle)
  DT - Technician's Diploma (Diplôme de technicien)
  General Secondary School Leaving Diploma (Diplôme de fin d'études secondaires générales)
  Master Craftsmanship in a trade (Brevet de maîtrise de l'artisanat)
  
  
• BTS - Higher Technician Certificate (Brevet de technicien supérieur)
  
  
• access to studies, obtaining credit transfers or exemptions for a Bachelor's or Master's programme

What is it about?

Additional way of accessing diplomas, the VAE allows people to have their experience recognised in order to obtain a qualification or partial validation, to access a training course or to benefit from a partial exemption from certain courses in a study programme.

Validation of non-formal and informal learning (Validation des acquis de l'expérience - VAE) is for anyone, regardless of age, level of study or professional status.

The only prerequisite is a minimum of 3 years or 5,000 hours (continuous or not) of paid, unpaid or voluntary work which is directly related to the requested certification.

Certificates, diplomas and qualifications obtained through validation of non-formal and informal learning (Validation des acquis de l'expérience - VAE) are equivalent to certificates, diplomas and qualifications obtained through other testing methods and give the same entitlements.

Process to follow

The request for VAE requires personal work. The candidate must compile a portfolio containing evidence of all his or her knowledge, competencies and skills as set out in the programme of the qualification sought.

Further information on the validation of non-formal and informal learning (Validation des acquis de l'expérience - VAE) process according to the qualification sought: qualification in respect of general secondary education and the Master Craftsmanship, Higher Technician Certificate (Brevet de technicien supérieur) University Diploma (Diplôme Universitaire).