Qualité FLE label (French as a foreign language)
A voluntary State label, reserved for French-as-a-foreign-language centres located in France.
Issued by: France Éducation international, on behalf of three French ministries (Higher Education, Culture, Foreign Affairs)
FLE centres: private language schools, university centres, Alliances françaises and similar organisations hosting international learners.
What this scheme covers
- C.1A document and on-site review covering courses and teaching, teachers, learner services, premises and management.
- C.2A star rating awarded domain by domain, displayed in the official directory of labelled centres.
- C.3A trust mark used by international students and referrers (embassies, agencies) to choose a centre.
The link with Qualiopi
The Qualité FLE label targets the teaching quality and learner services of FLE centres. Its interministerial commission is among the labelling bodies recognised by France compétences: a labelled centre can therefore also satisfy the Qualiopi requirement for funding through this route — check the current list.
The process, summarised
- 1.Check the prerequisites (established, active FLE operation) and file an application with France Éducation international.
- 2.Host the on-site audit conducted by appointed experts.
- 3.Receive the interministerial labelling commission's decision, then renew the label when it expires.
FAQ — Qualité FLE
+Is the Qualité FLE label mandatory to teach French?
No, it is voluntary. It has however become a de facto reference for international students and some institutional referrers.
+What do the label's stars mean?
Each audited domain receives a star rating; the official directory of labelled centres shows the detail, allowing comparison between centres.
+Can a Qualité FLE-labelled centre offer CPF courses?
Only if it also meets the general conditions: Qualiopi certification and preparation for a registered credential (for instance a French test listed in the Répertoire spécifique).
- Renewing the Qualité FLE label: getting ahead of the 4-year audit6 min
- The Qualité FLE framework: the 5 audited domains and the star rating7 min
- Qualité FLE label vs Qualiopi: differences, stacking and the joint audit7 min
- Is the Qualité FLE label mandatory for a French language school?6 min
- How to obtain the Qualité FLE label in 2026: conditions, audit, steps7 min
- QualiopiMandatory
- NDAMandatory
- RNCPVoluntary
- Répertoire spécifiqueVoluntary
- Professional titleVoluntary
- CQPVoluntary
- CléAVoluntary
- CléA numériqueVoluntary
- Awarding-body authorisationVoluntary
- e-AFAQ training labelVoluntary
- ISQ-OPQFVoluntary
- EDUFORMVoluntary
- Certif'RégionVoluntary
- ISO 21001Voluntary
- ISO 29993Voluntary
- BAFA-BAFD authorisationMandatory
- DPC providerMandatory
- Local-elected-officials training approvalMandatory