1. RPL What about the French Case ?
Seminar for Bologna and Higher education experts : The social dimension of HE
Nov 2010
Sylvie BONICHON
Basile SIRCOGLOU
French Bologna experts

2. What is French VAE
It is the recognition of informal and formal prior learning acquired in various situations
( professionnal, social, voluntary commitment experiences)
It is an individual right written in the French law that entitles people to gain part of or full qualification

3. History… Four important dates and decrees:
1934 Procedure for people who had been working in engineering fields for at least 5 years
1985 VAPP ( Validation des acquis personnels et professionnels) just for HE
This recognition enables candidates who wouldn’t have the entrance required diploma or qualification, to get direct entry to a level of studies in HE

4. History… 1992 ……A step towards VAE 2002
- 5 years of experience required
- grants only part of a diploma
Cancelled and replaced by the 2002 decree.

5. History 2002 Two systems of recognition
- VAE for those who have at least a 3-year professional or professional-like experience
- VES for students who have got a qualification that is not a French university diploma
These two systems give the possibility to obtain part of or a full diploma

6. History
The two systems were implemented in a whole national context of social modernisation of the French system of education
This context has led to the creation of the National Register for Professional Certification ( RNCP), which is our National Qualification Framework

7. Means and tools
Our register (RNCP) in which each qualification is not only described in an academic format but also with learning outcomes and accessible jobs profiles.
This register makes the process of VAE a lot easier for candidates and jurys
Guidance for applicants
Admission files
Experience Portfolio
At the national there are also level working groups sharing experiences and tools

8. Financial context It depends on the candidates’ profiles - workers :
the process can be financed by companies who also have the obligation to grant normally paid days off to the candidates
- job seekers :
the process is financed by regional collectivities or social state services

9. Some figures In 2008, in Higher Education
4,309 VAE Validation for qualifications
- 49% fully awarded
- 41 % at master level
18,474 VAPP Validation for access