Have you heard of the Recognition of Prior Learning?

At all universities, earning a degree is not solely about time spent in the classroom.

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

Thus, in the higher education sector, there are three ways to advance one’s career:

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 to a panel of faculty members and professionals.

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

It allows studentsto enroll in a university program withouthaving the degree that is normally required.

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

The best-known of these mechanisms, the VAE (Validation of Acquired Knowledge and Experience), is enshrined in the Labor Code and constitutes a genuine individual right regardless of employment status (whether employed or self-employed).

At the University of Montpellier, this program extends beyond individual participants and is widely used by companies and their employees. Nearly a hundred companies support their employees each year in the process of obtaining a certification through prior learning assessment.

As an HR management tool, companies integrate the VAE into mandatory one-on-one reviews, using it to support their workforce planning and skills development strategies (GPEC) and to facilitate career progression in certain roles.

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

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

Portal for the Recognition of Prior Learning