Are you familiar with the Recognition of Prior Learning?

At all universities, earning a degree is not solely a matter of time spent in class.

Individual experience and backgroundare given significant weight when determining eligibility for training or certification.

Thus, in the higher education system, there are three ways to recognize professional experience:

1-LaVAE(Recognition of Prior Learning and Experience)

This programallowsstudentsto earn all or part of a degreewithouttaking the courses, but by demonstrating their skills and experience before a panel of faculty members and professionals.

2-LaVAPP(Recognition of Prior Learning and Personal and Professional Experience)

It, in turn, providesaccess to a university education withoutthe degree that is normally required.

3- Finally, for those who have completed higher education abroad, the VES(Validation of Higher Education) also allows them to have all or part of a French degree recognized by a panel of faculty members.

The best-known of these programs, the VAE (Validation of Prior Learning and Experience), is enshrined in the Labor Code and constitutes a genuine individual right regardless of employment status (whether employed or not).

At the University of Montpellier, this program extends beyond the individual and is widely used by companies and their employees. Nearly 100 companies support their employees each year in the process of obtaining a VAE.

As an HR management tool, companies integrate VAE into mandatory one-on-one interviews and use it as part of their skills development strategy (GPEC) and to support career advancement in certain roles.

Here are a few examples of what can be achieved through the recognition of prior learning:

• Establish a specific support program for a group of employees (COLLECTIVE VAE) to help them earn a degree (through distance learning or in-person instruction)
• Help students choose the most suitable degree program (a wide range of options, with more than 600 degree programs at UM)
• Combine VAE with a short training course (taking the TOEIC exam during evening classes and receiving support for the oral exam)

Portal for the Recognition of Prior Learning