Decree No. 2014-1354 of November 12, 2014, concerning various measures relating to the validation of prior learning, was issued pursuant to Law No. 2014-288 of March 5, 2014, relating to vocational training, employment, and social dialogue.
The decree, which entered into force on November 15, 2014, relaxes the eligibility requirements for leave for validation of prior learning, specifically for individuals with fixed-term contracts (CDD). The requirement to have been employed under a fixed-term contract has been eliminated. Now, a fixed-term contract holder must demonstrate twenty-four months of paid employment or apprenticeship, consecutive or not, regardless of the nature of the successive contracts, during the last five years to be eligible for leave (Article R.6422-7-1 of the French Labor Code).
The decree specifies that the leave takes place outside the period of performance of the employment contract and must begin no later than twelve months after the end of the contract (Art. R.64227-2 of the French Labor Code). However, leave for validation of prior learning may be taken, at the employee's request and with the employer's agreement, in whole or in part before the end of the employment contract.
The procedures for supporting candidates in the validation of prior learning process are detailed in the decree (Art. R.6423-1 to R.6423-4 of the French Labor Code). This support is tailored to the candidate's needs. It includes a core module consisting of methodological assistance in describing the candidate's activities and experience in relation to the requirements of the targeted certification framework, in formalizing their validation portfolio, in preparing for the interview with the jury, and, where applicable, in a practical assessment. It may also include assistance with career guidance and finding funding for supplementary training.
Finally, the regional committee for employment, training and vocational guidance and the National Council for Employment, Training and Vocational Guidance are designated to ensure the statistical monitoring of the path of candidates for validation of acquired experience (Art. R.6423-5 of the Labour Code).
