Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (VAE) and Practice (VAP):
In summary, Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (VAE) is a route to a qualification, while Accreditation of Practice (VAP) gives the right to enter a training course without having obtained the required entry qualification.
Accreditation of Prior Experience (VAE or VAP)
This is an individual initiative which enables an applicant to:
- Obtain, either wholly or in part, a qualification, title or professional certification (under French law, VAE: Décret n°2002-590 du 24/04/2002),
- Request direct access to a higher education training course without having to provide evidence of the level of study or qualifications and titles normally required (under French law, VAP: Décret n°85-906 du 23/08/1985).
Who can benefit from Accreditation of Prior Experience (VAE or VAP)?
Any person who has worked for at least 3 years, continuously or otherwise, whether self-employed, or as an employee or a volunteer, in a profession or role that is directly related to the content of the qualification sought. The following are examples of eligible groups:
- employees (on fixed-term, permanent or interim contracts),
- self-employed (professionals, business and tradespeople),
- civil servants, local government officials,
- job-seekers, whether or not currently in receipt of benefits,
- volunteers with experience in charities or trades unions.
What are the benefits to businesses?
Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (VAE) offers the opportunity to develop new strategies for qualifications and new, more flexible training routes. It provides a tool for human resource management. VAE-related expenses are chargeable to training budgets.
Accreditation of Prior Practice (VAP) offers the opportunity to develop new strategies for qualifications and new, more flexible training routes. It provides a tool for human resource management. VAP-related expenses are chargeable to training budgets.
What conditions must candidates meet?
Candidates must have interrupted their initial higher education studies at least two years prior to applying, and
Be aged at least 20 at the date on which they propose to restart their studies.
Candidates who were enrolled on a course of study and who failed to satisfy examination requirements for progressing to the following year of study may not request accreditation for admission to this year of study until a minimum of 3 years has elapsed.
Candidates must have worked in a salaried, non-salaried or voluntary basis and for a cumulative period of at least 3 years, continuously or otherwise, in a profession or role that is directly related to the content of the qualification sought. The experience gained must prove, either wholly or in part, possession of the knowledge, skills and aptitudes required to obtain the qualification sought.
How to request Accreditation of Prior Experience (VAE)
By sending a formal request to: Service Formation Permanente de l’Université Blaise Pascal de Clermont-Ferrand. Contact: Mme Céline Choumeau, celine.choumeau@univ-bpclermont.fr, tel. 04 73 31 71 50
By seeking the support of the University VAE Department
By enrolling at Blaise Pascal University when submitting your VAE or VAP application
What are the different stages of a VAE application?
Pré-VAE or VAP pre-application: compiled by the candidate, this specifies the objective (partial or complete accreditation of a qualification) and enables the eligibility of the request to be checked and verified
VAE or VAP application: If the request is deemed eligible, a formal VAE or VAP application is made: this enables your knowledge and skills to be analysed, and a precise, expert evaluation to be made by those responsible for the qualification. At this stage a proposal may be made that the candidate return to study or training
VAP board: The board approves access without the usual qualifications to the course of study or training requested.
VAE board: The candidate presents his or her request to a board composed of professionals and teaching staff.
The board decides on the extent of the approval granted to the candidate. The University informs the candidate of the final decision: full approval for the qualification, partial approval for five years (with a proposal for additional studies or training), no approval granted (the candidate may be directed towards an alternative qualification).
Who can offer financial support?
VAE and VAP costs are eligible for inclusion under the French personal training account (CPF) system and may be met by various stakeholders (State, Region, jobseekers’ and funding organisations e.g. Unedic, OPCA, businesses etc.) who contribute to continuing professional development expenses through various initiatives which they finance.
Esepac is a recognised professional training provider: N° 83430162243
