1. VALIDATION OF EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
THE FRENCH ROAD
Anne Marie Charraud
Michel Feutrie
CNCP

2. Three steps… 1985 : validation for access
1992 : validation for credits
2002 : validation for qualification

3. 1985 : validation for access
A decree authorising access to all levels of higher education on the basis of prior learning and/or personal and professional experience
In 2003, universities examined application forms and gave a positive answer to 14930
These arrangements still remain

4. 1992 : validation for credits
A law in 1992 and 4 decrees signed by four ministries : Education (1993), Higher Education (1993) Agriculture (1993) and Youth and Sports (1999)
Allowing to award credits on the basis of professional experience
At least a five years work experience was required
It was not possible for the jury to award a full diploma by this way, candidates had to participate in at least one module or unit

5. 2002 : validation for qualification
A law and two decrees (a general one and a specific one for HE)
Which establish a new right for individuals :
They can claim for validation of their experience, if they have been in paid, unpaid or voluntary employment or activity for at least 3 years
Learning and training organisations have to give them an answer

6. From V.A.P. to V.A.E. What is changing ?
Learning and training organisation are allowed to award a full qualification (degree, diploma,certificate) on the basis of individual experience,
by this way VAE is opening up a new road towards qualifications by comparison with schooling, apprenticeship, or further education which no longer calls for learning or training

7. 2 The whole experience of an individual, and not only professional/work experience, should be taken into account.
Duration of experience required is reduced from 5 years to 3.

8. 3 All types of qualifications are affected :
state diplomas
qualifications awarded by accredited organisations
professional certificates/diplomas awarded by professional organisations
These qualifications must be registered in a national list (Répertoire National des certifications professionnelles) established by a new State Commission (Commission Nationale de Certification Professionnelle)