Private certifications surge in French apprenticeship programs

The total number of apprenticeship contracts initiated has risen from 305,300 in 2017 to 890,100 in 2024. While state-issued certifications remain dominant, with 676,400 contracts in 2024 compared to 286,100 in 2017, the growth in private certifications is notable. These privately issued certifications, registered in the National Directory of Professional Qualifications (RNCP), have multiplied by fourteen.

The expansion of private certifications is particularly concentrated in higher education levels (bac+3 and bac+5). In 2024, 84% of contracts preparing for private certifications targeted these advanced levels, compared to 25% for state-issued certifications.

The Ministry of Higher Education remains the largest public certifier, accounting for 34% of all contracts started in 2024, up from 31% in 2017. The Ministry of Labor represents 10% of contracts, a substantial increase from 1% in 2017.

The 2018 reform altered the funding of apprenticeship training centers, linking it to the number of contracts. The Dares notes that this growth in enrollment has not been matched by a proportional increase in certifications, with the average number of contracts per certification rising from 180 in 2017 to 290 in 2024. Distinguishing between state-issued and privately registered certifications is important for both employers and apprentices, as access to apprenticeships requires registration in the RNCP, though the recognition and registration processes differ. The Dares findings cover contracts started up to 2024 and do not predict future trends.