20 validation of learning from experience in higher education

Validation of learning from experience (VAE) is an access route to qualifications. In 2014, 4,267 people obtained all or part of a higher education degree through recognition of the skills acquired by experience (i.e. 3% of degrees awarded at university).

The VAE system in universities or the National Centre of Industrial Art and Design (CNAM) has undergone rapid development. From the start of the VAE (Law of 17 January 2002) until 2005, there was increased use of the system (chart 20.01). Since 2007, the number of VAE awarded at the initial assessment is around 4,000 per year, within an upper or lower range of about 200.

In 2014, out of the 4,267 VAE beneficiaries, 72% were full VAE (61% were awarded at the initial assessment and 11% at the post-initial assessment). These full qualifications awarded by the VAE represent 3% of qualifications awarded in universities. 28% of the remaining VAE beneficiaries obtained a partial VAE from the initial assessment.

Nearly all the admissible candidates requested support (around 6,500 people).

With 39% of beneficiaries, the vocational Bachelor's and Master's degree are the most sought after VAE qualifications (table 20.02). The vocational Bachelor's degree is most frequently awarded in full at the initial assessment (45%) while the Master's is awarded partially at the initial assessment (48%) or fully after one or more partial validations (51%).

Just over one VAE beneficiary in three was awarded a qualification in Economics, Management and Economic and Social Administration (chart 20.03). Vocational Bachelor's degrees are more common in this discipline (46%). Fundamental andapplied sciences and other human and social sciences are the two other fields most likely to be awarded through VAE: one VAE beneficiary in four was awarded a qualification. Master's degrees are awarded equally in these three main fields. Doctorates are more likely to be awarded in fundamental applied sciences (55%), as are university technology diplomas (DUT) and equivalent (36%). General Bachelor's degrees, mainly awarded in Economics (36%), are also awarded in Human and Social Sciences (21%), Humanities, Languages and Arts (16%) and Physical Education Sports Sciences and Techniques (STAPS) (11%).

40% of VAE beneficiaries already hold a Bac +2 level qualification. As can be expected, vocational Bachelor's degrees are mostly awarded to beneficiaries holding a Bac +2 level qualification (20% of all VAE, chart 20.04) and the Master's to holders of a Bac +3 or Bac +4 level qualification (17%). The real added value of the VAE can be seen for 11% of Baccalaureate holders who achieve a vocational Bachelor's degree through VAE and the 12% of Bac +2 level qualified students who achieve a Master's degree.

VAE beneficiaries are generally working people (86%): 43% are senior managers and 28% are in an intermediate profession.

Sandrine Prost-Dambélé