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Accreditation of prior experiential learning (APEL):

Key features of the French system

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APEL: definition• A way of validating non-formal and informal learning(see CEDEFOP definition of these concepts)

• Validation takes the form of certification(certification = process of formally validating knowledge and/or competences, following a standard assessment procedure, resulting in the issuance of a certificate/diploma)

• A specific certification process...(the validation process differs from the post-training one)

• ... for the same result than initial or continuing education/training(the certification body issues the same certificate/diploma than that which is awarded to people who have graduated from initial education or continuing training)

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The aims of APEL• The founding rationale :

• 30% of adults do not have any diploma but have experience

• The economy needs identified skilled workers

• The lack of validated qualification jeopardises professional evolution

• Not everyone can/wants to access continuing training

Hence, experienced workers should be given a chance to obtain a diploma on the sole basis of their experience-acquired knowledge and competences

• APEL generates validated qualifications, but also:• develops analytical skills, as it implies reflection upon one’s situation;

• fosters self-confidence and willingness to face new challenges.

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A short history of APEL in France• 1985: a decree allows the validation of experience-acquired skills and competences in order to enter a higher education curriculum

• 1992: creation of the VPS scheme (validation of professional skills): part of a diploma can be obtained on the sole basis of experience-acquired skills

• 2002: “Social modernisation Act” creates:

• a right for any individual with three-year experience to engage in the APEL process;

• a National list of professional certificates (NLPC)

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The NLPC: a tool for APEL, and more• Why such a list? Because, amongst the large number of certificates/diplomas, users (i.e. individuals and employers) and financers must identify those which are really useful.

• Only NLPC-registered certificates are eligible to the official APEL process. Conversely, only APEL-accessible certificates are registered

• What is the registration process?

• State-issued certificates (vocational education diplomas, university degrees, Minstry of Employment ‘professional titles’...) are registered by law

• Other certificates must come under multi-criteria scrutiny.

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The 4 stages of the APEL process

1. Information and guidance• What? Information about the aims of APEL and the process to follow; help in choosing the target certificate, which must be consistent with both the experience and project of the individual

• Who? Certification bodies, Region-funded guidance centres (800 PRCs)...

2. Filling the #1 booklet• What? Providing the certification body with information that will determine eligibility of application (mainly proving the 3-year experience in the field)

• Who? The individual (can be assisted in some cases by an accompaniment structure)

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The 4 stages of the APEL process3. Filling the #2 booklet

• What? After the application is acknowledged as eligible, the candidate must elaborate a comprehensive file describing his professional occupations, skills and competences. The law provides that an employed person can benefit from a day off so as to prepare this document.

• Who? The individual can be accompanied in certain cases (Ministry of Employment certificates, job seekers in some cases, regional schemes...).

4. Final validation by jury• What? In some cases, this step merely consists in an interview based on the #2 booklet. In other cases, this step includes a work-situation assessment.

• Who? The certification body (issuing authority)

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Key figures• 90 000 individuals are welcomed each year in APEL guidance centres

• 60 000 are deemed eligible

• 55 000 access the final validation stage. Among them:• 50% obtain the full certificate/diploma

• 35% obtain a part of certificate

• 15% fail

• 70% of candidates are women

• 70% of candidates are employed / 30% are job seekers

• 70% seek a 1st level qualification

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Major challenges• Develop information/guidance (see next slide)

• Shorten the process (9 months on average)

• Generalise accompaniment throughout the process

• Involve companies and social partners

• Involve the employment public service (Pôle Emploi)

• Finance juries better

• Simplify of the ‘certification landscape’ and increase its coherence

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Focus: APEL information and guidance• Not enough candidates in comparison with the potential (5M)

• Multiple actors, including competent specialists...

• ... but not always co-ordinated

• First-level info/guidance services not always APEL-prone

• Low visibility in Government communication

Need for better regional co-ordination, better appropriation of APEL by 1st level guidance services, frequent campaigns in the media and the improvement of the dedicated website (www.vae.gouv.fr)

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Thank youfor your attention