What is an RNCP certification?
What is an RNCP certification?
"Professional certifications, registered with the RNCP (National Directory of Professional Certifications), serve to validate the skills and knowledge acquired that are necessary for the performance of professional activities."
This is the definition provided by France Compétences, the national regulatory body for professional certifications. An RNCP certification is one of several types of professional certifications. Its official name is “Titre à finalité professionnelle.”
These professional certifications are classified by qualification level and field of activity.
What is the purpose of the RNCP?
The RNCP is the National Directory of Professional Certifications. It lists all training programs and certifications accredited by France Compétences. It contains descriptive profiles for each training program, detailing the skills acquired and the occupations that can be pursued with this certification, which is recognized nationally and can be obtained through initial or continuing education.
This directory is updated regularly. It is available to everyone online (https://www.francecompetences.fr/). This recognition demonstrates that the skills taught meet the expectations of the professional world. All qualifications registered with the RNCP are eligible for the Validation of Prior Learning (VAE) process.
What is the difference between a degree and a vocational qualification?
For example, upon earning a bachelor’s degree, you will hold a three-year post-secondary degree in your chosen field of study—law, economics, humanities, etc.—and have earned 180 ECTS credits.
This qualifies you to specialize in various sectors related to your field of study. A professionally oriented degree, such as that in interior design, certifies that you have the skills, abilities, and knowledge to practice as an interior designer.
The Different Qualification Levels
Qualification levels within the European Union are now graded from Level 1 to Level 8. Level 1 corresponds to a middle school diploma, and Level 8—the highest level—is equivalent to a 5-year or 8-year post-secondary degree.
The Classification of Qualification Levels
Years of Study After the Baccalaureate French Diploma and Degree
European nomenclature
Bac+8 RNCP Level 8 Qualification (formerly Level I)
Doctorate
Bac+5 RNCP Level 7 Qualification (formerly Level I)
Master's Degree
Bac+3 RNCP Level 6 Certification (formerly Level II)
Bachelor's Degree
2 years of post-secondary education RNCP Level 5 Certification (formerly Level III)
BTS and DUT
The Level 5 degrees listed below are equivalent to two years of post-secondary education:
BTS (Advanced Technician's Certificate)
DUT (University Diploma in Technology)
DU (University Diploma)
DEUST (Diploma in Scientific and Technical University Studies)
DMA (Diploma in Applied Arts)
TP (Professional Certification)
DEJEPS (State Diploma in Youth, Community Education, and Sports)
DEES (State Diploma in Special Education)/li>
DEASS (State Diploma for Social Work Assistants)
DECESF (State Diploma in Social and Family Economics Counseling)
DEEJE (State Diploma in Early Childhood Education)
Audiologist (State-Certified Audiologist)
BM (Master's Certificate, Level III, accredited by certain trade sectors and/or chambers of trades)
DNAP (National Diploma in Visual Arts)
MOF (Best Craftsman of France)
BM (Master's Certificate)
The Level 6 degrees listed below are equivalent to a BAC+3 and BAC+4:
Bachelor's Degree
Professional Bachelor's Degree
Bachelor's Degree
DEES (European Diploma of Higher Education)
DNTS (National Diploma in Specialized Technology)
Master 1 or M1
Post-High School Computer Science School
The Level 7 degrees listed below are equivalent to or higher than a BAC+5:
Professional Master's Degree
Research Master's Degree
Master's in Education
Specialized Master's Degree
College of Computer Science
MBA (Master of Business Administration)
Doctorate
Why are state-recognized credentials important?
The registration of a professional qualification with the RNCP means that it is recognized by the government.
More and more educational programs are available, and the best way to assure students of their quality is to make it known that they are accredited. Indeed, offering a state-recognized degree is a key guarantee for schools and universities, although, of course, many other criteria must also be taken into account.
This recognition is also important for many companies. Students who have completed a program that is not accredited may face greater difficulties finding employment than others. Students are advised to consult the RNCP and find out whether the program they wish to pursue is accredited before beginning their studies. State recognition allows institutions to offer high-quality training to their students, who can then present their program on the job market as proof of the level of education and skills they have acquired.
Similarly, these career-oriented degrees facilitate partnerships with foreign schools and universities.
