ISQ-OPQF professional qualification
A voluntary qualification granted on file review, distinct from a system or service certification.
Issued by: ISQ — the French qualification body for intellectual-services firms (OPQF qualification for training)
Established training organisations seeking recognition of their professionalism by peers and the market.
What this scheme covers
- C.1Recognition of the organisation's professionalism: financial soundness, regulatory compliance, adequacy of human and technical resources, client satisfaction.
- C.2Awarded after file review and examination by a body involving professionals of the sector.
- C.3A mark that appeared on the recognised quality lists before Qualiopi came into force.
The link with Qualiopi
The OPQF qualification no longer opens funding access since Qualiopi became mandatory; it remains a complementary mark of professionalism, notably for tenders.
The process, summarised
- 1.Assemble the qualification file (client references, resources, financial data, regulatory compliance).
- 2.Submit the file to ISQ for review.
- 3.Obtain the qualification decision, then maintain it over time under ISQ rules.
FAQ — ISQ-OPQF
+What is the difference between a qualification and a certification?
Certification attests conformity to a framework after an audit; qualification recognises a firm's overall professionalism (references, resources, financial health) after a file review.
+Does the OPQF qualification unlock funding?
Not anymore: since 2022, only Qualiopi conditions access to public and pooled funding. OPQF retains reputational value.
+Who grants the OPQF qualification?
ISQ, the qualification body for intellectual-services firms; OPQF is its qualification dedicated to training.
- Is the OPQF qualification still worth it in 2026? What it is really worth since Qualiopi7 min
- ISQ-OPQF qualification: definition, criteria and what it is really worth for a training organisation7 min
- Qualification, certification, label: what are the differences for a training organisation?7 min
- How to obtain the ISQ-OPQF qualification: building a file that proves your professionalism7 min
- ISQ-OPQF vs. Qualiopi: two recognitions, two logics — which one do you need?7 min
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