HomeVAE & VAPPVAPP

VAPP Scheme

What is the VAPP scheme?

La Validation des acquis personnels et professionnels (VAPP), or 'Validation of Personal and Professional Skills' in English, is a special-dispensation scheme which allows candidates to enroll on a diploma course without having previous academic entry requirements considered necessary to access the training.

The VAPP scheme is governed by Book VI of the Education Code, articles D.613-38 to D.613-50, which sets out the conditions of study, professional experience and personal achievements that may be validated in order to gain access to the various levels of training provided by higher education establishments.

It is a real springboard to a return to study for applicants who are at least 20 years old, who have been out of the school/university system for at least 2 years, and whose professional experience and/or extra-professional achievements justify them enrolling on the planned programme in question.

This is demonstrated by putting together and submitting a VAPP application. In the case of a work-study programme, the application must be submitted before the start of the course.

The file is completed online using the DIV@ platform*, with the support of an expert advisor. They help to explain the knowledge, skills and aptitudes acquired through experience. They help you describe your career path and write a reflective summary, highlighting your professional and personal development in relation to the different jobs you have undertaken.

An educational committee assesses the potential for success and the ability to successfully complete the programme in question.

*The DIV@ platform is used for all courses at Cnam-Enjmin, except the JMIN Master's degree. More information below.

Key Steps in the VAPP Procedure at Cnam

The process can be broken down into 3 key steps, detailed below:

1-un - rouge Get in contact with Cnam

  • VAPP applications for the JMIN Master's degree at Cnam-Enjmin: the VAPP procedure is integrated into the application and entrance exam process. For more information, see the How to Apply page.
  • For all other courses at Cnam-Enjmin: the VAPP procedure is electronic through the DIV@ platform. By filling out the contact form (in French), you will be put in contact with a VAPP expert at Cnam-Enjmin.

You are invited to look at the courses on offer at Cnam (in French). On the DIV@ platform, you can then select the diploma you believe best aligns with your experience, upload an updated CV and briefly explain your professional project in the text box provided.

An individual appointment or a group session (with multiple individual candidates attending) is then arranged to provide you with more information about the VAPP process at Cnam, including important dates, pedagogical stipulations, content, different stages of the advisor's support and cost (and other possible financing options).

2-deux-rouge Complete the VAPP Application

A Cnam advisor will examine the admissibility of the application. They will then invite you to complete the online application on the DIV@ platform and submit supporting documents in PDF format. You should take particular care to ensure that your motivations and career history are complete, and that your experience aligns with the requested Cnam modules or diploma.

The expert advisor helps to clarify the knowledge, skills and aptitudes acquired through experience. They will help you to describe your career path and write a reflective summary, highlighting your professional and personal development in terms of the different professions you have undertaken.

3-trois-rouge Enroll in your chosen course

VAPP applications are examined throughout the year. The average response time is one month from the submission date of the complete application (except during the summer closure period).
The final decision is posted on the DIV@ platform and has 4 possible outcomes:

  • Qualification granted
  • Qualification granted subject to taking additional courses
  • Qualification granted with exemption from certain teaching modules
  • Refusal

You may then enroll for the diploma in question. In the case of a work-study programme, the application must be submitted before the start of the course.