France considers CPF reform to reduce training costs

The French government is discussing a reform of the Compte personnel de formation (CPF) aimed at achieving approximately 300 million euros in savings by 2027. Under the proposed changes, a new filtering system would evaluate training requests through a questionnaire and an algorithm. The amount an individual must pay out-of-pocket would depend on the perceived quality of their project. Projects deemed solid—such as those recommended by France Travail or co-financed by employers—would face minimal or no costs. Conversely, those deemed immature that decline professional guidance could face higher fees.

In the Occitanie region, recent data shows a 20.2% decrease in validated CPF dossiers compared to 2024, with 45,060 dossiers approved for 41,688 trainees. The most popular certification remains the driving license (permis B), followed by skills assessments and English language training. The 26-35 age group and employees represent the largest user demographics in the region. Total spending on CPF in Occitanie reached 87.2 million euros, a 6.9% decline from the previous year.