European inventory of NQFs 2024 : France

Cedefop's work on qualifications frameworks dates back to 2003. The Centre has contributed to the conceptual development of the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) and has supported its further implementation, working alongside national authorities and stakeholders to introduce and develop national qualifications frameworks (NQFs). This report is part of the European inventory of NQFs, which systematically maps and analyses NQF developments in countries participating in the EQF process. The inventory is updated biennially in close cooperation with the EQF Advisory Group, the European Commission and the European Training Foundation. The report provides a detailed description of the structure of the French NQF and its institutional arrangements. It also examines the framework's implementation and its impact on broader policy areas, focusing on key developments since 2022. The French national professional qualifications framework (NPQF) (Cadre National des certifications professionnelles, CNCP) is one of the first generation of NQFs. In 2018, the eight-level NPQF was introduced, with three level descriptors: complexity of knowledge; level of expertise; and degree of responsibility and autonomy. The framework covers general upper secondary, vocational, professional and higher education qualifications, along with qualifications awarded outside formal education and training. In 2002, the National register of vocational and professional qualifications (Repertoire national des certifications professionnelles, RNCP) was established, covering vocationally and professionally oriented qualifications, including those from higher education. The French NQF was referenced to the EQF in 2010. In 2021, the NPQF was referenced to the EQF and self-certified against the qualifications framework of the European higher education area (QF-EHEA).