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It can be a real lever for development or retraining, whether you're an employee, self-employed, jobseeker or looking for new prospects. But while it's a valuable approach, it also comes at a price. What support are you entitled to? How can you finance your VAE depending on your professional situation? This article gives you a clear, up-to-date overview of the possibilities.

• Article lié : Qu’est-ce-que la validation des acquis de l’expérience ?

Understanding the cost of VAE

Getting your skills recognised through VAE involves anticipating several types of cost. Firstly, registration fees vary widely depending on the certifying body and the level of diploma sought. At university, they range from 200 to 500 euros. At business or engineering schools, the cost can rise to several thousand euros a year, and even up to 30,000 euros for the most selective courses.

To this can be added the cost of mentoring. Although this service is optional, it is often recommended as it significantly increases the chances of obtaining full validation. Coaching generally costs between €400 and €2,000.

Other costs are often overlooked when preparing for a VAE, such as those relating to travel, accommodation and teaching aids. Lastly, there may be a charge for the presentation to the validation panel: expect to pay an average of 300 euros.

Financing options depending on your status

You are an employee

As an employee in the private sector, there are several ways in which you can finance all or part of your VAE. The first is the Personal Training Account (CPF). VAE is still eligible under the CPF via code 200, but only services offered by organisations listed as ‘France VAE’ are now financed. It is therefore essential to check the eligibility of the service provider before making your application.

Another solution: your company's skills development plan. If your employer agrees to include VAE in this scheme, all the costs may be covered, and your pay will continue to be paid.

VAE leave has also changed. You can now take up to 48 hours' paid leave, which can be split between the two, to prepare your application or appear before the selection board. The request must be made at least 30 days before the start of the process. The employer has 15 days in which to respond; if no response is received, the request is deemed to have been accepted. This leave is treated as time actually worked.

If you are a jobseeker

If you are registered with Pôle emploi, you can benefit from a number of funding solutions. Your advisor can mobilise aid to cover the costs of registration, support and even the ancillary costs associated with logistics. The CPF also remains accessible, even during periods of unemployment.

Many regions also support the VAE process through schemes such as the Chéquier VAE, Pass VAE or Passeport VAE. These regional aids may cover part of the costs, but the conditions vary from region to region. We recommend that you consult the website of your regional council or that of the official portal.

You are self-employed

The self-employed and liberal professions are also entitled to support in financing their VAE. They should contact the Training Insurance Fund (FAF) of their choice. FIF-PL is responsible for the process for the liberal professions, while AGEFICE is responsible for shopkeepers, self-employed managers and microentrepreneurs. Each fund has its own eligibility criteria, reimbursement ceilings and application procedures.

If no funding is available, the investment can still be financed personally. In the event of partial validation by the jury, additional training can be financed by an OPCO or an Opacif, in order to validate the missing blocks of skills.

What's new: the legal framework

Significant changes to the VAE framework. The decree of 10 April 2024 extends the duration of VAE leave to 48 hours and imposes a new composition of juries, with an independent chairman and a gender balance. In addition, the decree of 27 December 2023 shortened the administrative deadlines: the application must be sent 30 days before the start of the VAE process, and the employer must respond within 15 days. Any postponement is now limited to one month.

On the CPF side, only service providers listed on the France VAE portal can offer eligible courses. These tighter controls are designed to ensure the quality and transparency of the support offered to candidates.

VAE represents an investment, but it also opens up a host of career opportunities. There are numerous funding schemes, tailored to each status, and supported by a strengthened legal framework. Whether you're employed, self-employed or looking for work, there's a solution to lighten or even cover the cost of the process.