Qualiopi — quality certification for training providers
Mandatory since 1 January 2022 for any provider seeking access to public or pooled funding (OPCO, CPF, the State, Regions, France Travail, Agefiph).
Issued by: Certification bodies accredited by Cofrac or labelling bodies recognised by France compétences — Qualiopi® is a trademark of the French State (DGEFP)
All providers of skills-development actions: training organisations, apprentice training centres (CFA), skills-assessment centres, VAE support providers.
What this scheme covers
- C.1Compliance with the national quality framework (RNQ): 7 criteria broken down into 32 indicators.
- C.2Four certifiable categories of action: training actions, skills assessments, VAE and apprenticeship training.
- C.3A three-year cycle: initial audit, surveillance audit between the 14th and 22nd month, then a renewal audit.
The link with Qualiopi
It is the reference certification of this comparison: every other scheme precedes it, complements it or historically preceded it — none replaces it for funding access.
The process, summarised
- 1.Choose the category or categories of actions to certify and read the RNQ reading guide (current version: V9).
- 2.Prepare the expected evidence for each of the 32 applicable indicators.
- 3.Contract with a Cofrac-accredited certification body and pass the initial audit.
- 4.Clear any non-conformities, then prepare the surveillance audit.
Indicative costMost often in the region of €1,500 to €3,500 excl. VAT over the three-year cycle (initial + surveillance audit), depending on the organisation's size, the number of categories and the certification body.
FAQ — Qualiopi
+Is Qualiopi mandatory for all training organisations?
No. It is only required to access public and pooled funding. A provider whose clients pay entirely out of pocket can operate without Qualiopi, with just a registered activity number (NDA).
+How long is Qualiopi certification valid?
Three years, subject to a surveillance audit carried out between the 14th and 22nd month after the initial audit.
+Who issues Qualiopi certification?
Certification bodies accredited by Cofrac or labelling bodies recognised by France compétences. The State owns the trademark but does not certify providers itself.
+Can a brand-new organisation obtain Qualiopi?
Yes. The framework provides 'new entrant' accommodations for several indicators: the auditor then assesses the planned system rather than its implementation history.
- NDAMandatory