Training Certification Frameworks

Qualiopi is the national quality certification for training providers, issued by COFRAC-accredited certification bodies. It attests that your organization implements quality processes in the design and delivery of its training programs.

Mandatory since January 1, 2022 for access to OPCO, CPF, Pôle emploi, and Regional funding.

The RNCP registers professional titles and certifications recognized by the State. An RNCP-registered certification guarantees that the training leads to a specific professional qualification level (level 1 to 8, aligned with the European EQF).

8 levels from basic knowledge (level 1) to doctorate (level 8)

The Specific Directory (RS) registers certifications and accreditations that complement professional titles: digital skills, languages, project management, etc. RS certifications are eligible for CPF funding.

The CPF allows every active worker to accumulate training rights (€500/year, capped at €5,000). Only Qualiopi-certified organizations offering RNCP or RS registered courses can receive CPF funding.

ACCET is a national accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. It accredits institutions that offer continuing education and training programs. ACCET accreditation enables institutions to participate in federal financial aid programs.

Recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for Title IV federal financial aid.

DEAC is the leading accreditor for distance education institutions in the United States. It is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). DEAC accreditation is essential for online training providers.

IACET is the standard-setting body for Continuing Education Units (CEU). One CEU equals 10 contact hours of participation in an organized continuing education experience. IACET accreditation allows providers to issue official CEUs.

The ETPL is managed by each state under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). Training providers on the ETPL can receive public funding for workforce development programs. Each state has its own application process and requirements.

The German Chambers of Commerce and Industry (IHK) certify professional training within the dual system. IHK examinations are recognized nationwide and validated by employers. Over 300 occupations are certified through the IHK system.

Mandatory certification for regulated trades in commerce and industry.

AZAV (Akkreditierungs- und Zulassungsverordnung Arbeitsförderung) is the accreditation framework for training providers seeking access to Federal Employment Agency funding. AZAV accreditation is issued by approved certification bodies and is essential for Bildungsgutschein eligibility.

The DQR (Deutscher Qualifikationsrahmen) is Germany's national qualifications framework aligned with the European EQF. It covers 8 levels from basic certificate to doctorate and facilitates comparison of German qualifications at European level.

8 levels aligned with the European Qualifications Framework (EQF)

The Bildungsgutschein is a training voucher issued by the Federal Employment Agency (Agentur für Arbeit). It covers the full cost of training for job seekers and workers at risk of redundancy. The training provider must hold AZAV accreditation.

FUNDAE (Fundación Estatal para la Formación en el Empleo) manages Spain's continuing education system. It administers training bonuses for companies: every company contributes to training and can recover these contributions as training credits for employee development.

Registration required for companies wishing to use their training credits.

SEPE (Servicio Público de Empleo Estatal) is Spain's public employment service. It manages Professional Certificates, training programs for job seekers, and coordinates with regional employment services across the country's autonomous communities.

The CNCP (Catálogo Nacional de Cualificaciones Profesionales) is Spain's national reference for professional qualifications. It is organized into 26 professional families and 5 qualification levels aligned with the European EQF.

5 qualification levels aligned with the European Qualifications Framework (EQF)

Professional Certificates are the official qualifications of Spain's employment training system. They certify professional competencies and are issued by SEPE and regional employment services. Over 500 certificates are available across all professional families.

SERI (State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation / SBFI in German) is Switzerland's federal authority for vocational education and training. It defines training ordinances, supervises federal examinations, and coordinates the VET system with cantons and professional organizations.

Federal framework mandatory for all recognized professional certifications in Switzerland.

eduQua is Switzerland's quality label for continuing education institutions. It certifies that a provider meets strict quality criteria in management, programs, and outcomes. The eduQua label is often required to access cantonal training subsidies.

The NQR-CH (Nationaler Qualifikationsrahmen / Cadre national des certifications) is Switzerland's framework for classifying professional qualifications, aligned with the European EQF. It covers 8 levels and facilitates international comparability of Swiss diplomas.

8 levels aligned with the European Qualifications Framework (EQF)

Switzerland's VET system combines in-company training with school-based education. About two-thirds of Swiss youth follow a VET apprenticeship. The system offers Federal VET Certificates (EBA) and Federal VET Diplomas (EFZ/CFC) across over 250 occupations.