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Professional Experience Validation (VAE)

Validation of acquired experience (VAE) allows individuals to obtain a professional certification by recognizing professional, personal, or volunteer experiences that correspond to the skills targeted by that certification. The certification obtained through VAE has the same value as that obtained through initial or continuing education.

Professional Experience Validation (VAE)

An accessible approach

Please note:
As of today, IFA Paris’ VAE system is not affected by the new France VAE framework. This page will be kept up to date based on regulatory changes.

Professional experience validation is accessible to anyone, regardless of age, educational level, or status. All experiences related to the targeted certification are considered, including volunteer work.
This system is particularly beneficial for individuals who were unable to obtain the intended diploma, those who had to enter the workforce early, and those whose career has primarily been shaped by hands-on experience and who wish to showcase their skills in fashion.

Which certifications are accessible through VAE at IFA Paris?

  • RNCP Title Fashion Designer & Pattern Maker – Level 6 (equiv. Bac+3/4), awarded by MODE ESTAH – registered in the RNCP by decision of France Compétences on 31/01/2025 (RNCP 40157).
  • The professional certification “Fashion Marketing and Product Development Manager” (Level 7) is currently undergoing renewal with France Compétences.

This information is kept up to date.

VAE Process
Framework

All Steps to Follow

  1. Information on the procedure and self-assessment, based on the certification framework. This step is essential for candidates to confirm the relevance of their choice.
  2. Submission of the admissibility application: This will allow the admissibility committee to evaluate your application. The committee may issue a favorable opinion or refuse admissibility.
  3. If deemed eligible, we will schedule a meeting with the VAE representative: vae@ifaparis.com
  4. Preparation of the evidence file/validation file: This step demonstrates that the candidate’s experience has enabled them to master the competencies required for the targeted certification. The candidate may choose to seek support from an external organization.
  5. VAE Jury: The VAE jury schedule is communicated to the candidate upon enrollment in the process. The jury reviews and evaluates the evidence file and conducts an interview with the candidate. After deliberation, the jury’s decision is communicated to the candidate no later than 15 days after the oral assessment.

Three possible decisions:

  • Full validation: The jury validates the candidate’s experience and skills, approving the issuance of the targeted professional certification or competency block.
  • Partial validation: The jury grants the candidate a portion of the diploma but may require additional training, the submission of a thesis, or further professional experience in a specific field.
  • No validation is granted.

This process requires 6 to 12 months of preparation.

For any information regarding the validation of acquired experience, please contact us: vae@ifaparis.com

Tuition Fees

VAE Process Without Support:

  • Application Fee: €100
  • Eligibility Assessment (VAE Booklet 1): €500
  • Jury presentation: 500€

Total Cost of the VAE Process Without Support: €1100

You may be wondering whether you can take one of our training courses.
Contact us, so that we can provide you with the information and guidance you need: accessibilite@ifaparis.com.

IFA Paris

Performance Indicators

RNCP Title

RNCP Title “Fashion Designer & Pattern Maker” through VAE
No graduates to date.

  • Rate of candidates deemed eligible for VAE: /
  • Rate of candidates presenting to the jury: /
  • Success rate for obtaining the RNCP Title “Fashion Designer & Pattern Maker”: /
  • Employment rate in the targeted profession(s) after 6 months: /

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