France updates apprenticeship funding and Qualiopi certification standards

France is implementing significant regulatory changes regarding vocational training and apprenticeship funding. Following Decree No. 2026-832, the procedure to determine the Net Cost of Training (NPEC) for apprenticeship contracts has concluded. This process involved 3,671 different certifications and resulted in 2,965 recommended reference values from France compétences. While the procedure is budget-neutral with a weighted average NPEC of €7,735, the new framework allows for greater economic regulation, enabling professional branches to adjust reference values by up to 30%.

Additionally, the Qualiopi certification framework will undergo updates effective November 1, 2026, following a decree issued on August 1, 2026. These changes aim to strengthen certification requirements across various indicators. Key updates include stricter rules for public information transparency, mandatory disclosure of calculation methods for success and satisfaction rates, and enhanced requirements for certifying training programs. The new standards also place increased emphasis on preventing harassment and discrimination, improving support for apprentices in apprenticeship training centers (CFA), and ensuring better oversight of distance learning and subcontracting.