France: strengthening quality assurance to boost trust in VET

France has launched a national action plan to improve quality and combat fraud in continuing vocational education and training (CVET). Presented in July 2025, the plan brings together regulatory, quality assurance and control measures to strengthen trust in training provision, protect learners and ensure better use of public funding. It is the first initiative of this scale developed through a fully interministerial approach.

Reforms introduced since 2018 have increased participation and diversified provision. However, they have also revealed weaknesses, including uneven training quality, misleading information for learners and fraudulent practices by a minority of providers. The strategy address these issues by reinforcing quality requirements across the CVET system.

Reinforcing quality assurance and oversight

A central pillar of the plan is the strengthening of quality assurance. Training providers face clearer obligations, supported by robust oversight mechanisms. The quality certification system Qualiopi, which conditions access to public or mutualised funding, is reinforced through new indicators, particularly for apprenticeship training. These indicators relate to pedagogical organisation, learner support, transparency of outcomes and prevention of occupational risks.

The scope of Qualiopi is extended. Training providers preparing learners for nationally recognised vocational qualifications (certifications professionnelles) are required to hold the Qualiopi certification even when their activities are financed solely through tuition fees.  Quality audits are also strengthened. On-site audits become systematic, auditors must be certified, and stricter ethical rules apply. France Compétences takes on a stronger coordination role to support the regulation of certification bodies and promote consistent audit practices.

The action plan introduces a new authorisation requirement for CVET providers delivering training leading to national VET diplomas at levels 3 to 5 of the European Qualifications Framework, from the professional skills certificate (CAP, level 3) at upper secondary level to the higher technician diploma (BTS, level 5) delivered through short-cycle higher education programmes. Previously, such training could be offered without prior approval, limiting public authorities’ capacity to monitor content and delivery. Under the new framework, providers must demonstrate that they have adequate pedagogical, technical and supervisory resources. This authorisation mechanism strengthens public oversight while reinforcing the link between training provision and labour market needs.

Coordinated controls and zero tolerance for fraud

To complement quality assurance reforms, the plan introduces a zero‑tolerance policy on fraud. Legal provisions adopted in 2025 empower public authorities to suspend or refuse the registration of training providers in cases of suspected fraud, including the use of false documents and misleading practices. A key feature of the plan is stronger coordination of controls. Information-sharing between ministries, funding bodies, quality-certification bodies and inspection services is strengthened through shared data systems. This approach aims to target inspections more effectively, reduce duplication for compliant providers and focus enforcement on higher-risk cases.

The action plan puts learner protection and the credibility of vocational pathways at the centre of the reform. It introduces measures to improve access to reliable information on training outcomes, including employability indicators, and to curb abusive commercial practices. Reporting mechanisms for learners and professionals are easier to use. By combining higher quality standards, clearer authorisation procedures and coordinated anti-fraud measures, France seeks to strengthen confidence in its VET system.

Read more

• Cedefop, & ReferNet. (2025). Quality assurance national framework for CVET providers and Apprentices Training Centres: France. In Cedefop, & ReferNet. (2025). Timeline of VET policies in Europe (2024 update) [Online tool].
• Plan qualité et lutte contre la fraude dans la formation professionnelle
  [Quality and anti-fraud plan in vocational training]
• Delabarre, V. (2026, January 6). Qualiopi - Processus certifié [Qualiopi  - Certified process]. Centre Inffo.