Informative Materials – France
Recognition of skills and qualifications acquired through non-formal and informal learning
According to the statistics, over 60% of care workers do not have a diploma either from the health or social sector. The French government is aware of the situation and is trying to raise the level of qualifications in this group. If the caregiver is a professional who assists the nurse in the day-to-day care activities, he or she must obtain the following education in order to be fully recognised as a caregiver – the State Nursing Assistant programme (DEAS) – the training lasts typically 10 months and results in a degree at EQF level 3.
Additionally, caregivers are required to participate annually in an ongoing professional development program.
There are also a number of agencies that provide internal trainings for its employees.
Information for foreigners who want to work as caregivers in France
Recognition of education obtained in home country’; Recognition of skills and qualifications acquired through non-formal and informal learning
The process of validating acquired experience (VAE) enables individuals to have their experience recognized to obtain a professional certification listed in the National Directory of Professional Certifications (RNCP), either fully or partially.
The candidate must compile a dossier outlining their main activities, the context in which those activities were carried out, and the resources utilized.
Following the evaluation of the dossier, the candidate undergoes an interview with a jury, which can validate some or all of the professional certification in question. In the case of partial validation, the candidate receives recommendations to help them achieve the complete professional certification.
For additional information, please refer to the French government’s portal dedicated to VAE: France VAE
Employment conditions in France; recognition procedures for the purpose of work; language requirements; employment regulations
For employment conditions of EU citizens, see Living and working conditions: France (Europa.eu); for Employment conditions of third-country nationals see Obtaining work permit.
For regulations concerning recognition of education for purpose of work, see Recognition of Diplomas.
Language requirements
Language requirements: foreigners need to have good command of the French language.
Opportunities to learn language:
- The French commission of the BAAM organizes free French classes for refugees and migrants, for more information please visit: French schools in France
- Also, there are a number of free online courses:
- An online training offer to learn French and better understand the values as well as functioning of French society
- Language schools: French schools in France
Specific training for people who come from specific countries to France (as low-skilled foreigners)
There are no sources indicating existence of such trainings
Information on earning
The average wage for a senior caregiver in France is €2,250 gross/month. A beginner with 0-2 years of experience can earn up to €1,200 gross/month, while a more experienced individual with 10+ years of experience can earn around €2,900 gross/month. Educational background also significantly influences remuneration. A caregiver with a high school diploma earns an average of €1,500 gross/month, while a senior caregiver with a bachelor’s degree can earn up to €3,400 gross/month (Worldsalaries, 2023).
Job offers
Some statistic data
In 2019, individuals aged 65 and more consisted of 20% of the French population.
France has 5 LTC workers per 100 individuals in this age group.
In 2015 there was 1.25 million beneficiaries of APA (8% of people aged 60 and more)[1]
[1] APA – personal autonomy allowance. APA is paid to any person aged 60 or over who needs assistance to accomplish everyday activities or needs to be continuously watched over.
Link to relevant websites in country
Recognition of qualification and education background in FRANCE: recognition of foreign professional qualifications in FRANCE
Recognition of working experience in FRANCE: Recognition of professional experience resulting in the award of a diploma.
French ENIC/NARIC: recognition of qualification ENIC/NARIC
Useful materials
References
- Eurocarers, 2021, Towards carer-friendly societies Eurocarers country profiles, https://eurocarers.org/country-profiles/france/
- Giuchet Qualifications, 2020, Unlicensed assistive personnel, https://www.guichet-qualifications.fr/en/dqp/healthcare/unlicensed-assistive-personnel.html
- Le Bihan B., Martin C.,2019, French social and long term care system., Hal Open Science
- Ministre de l’Éducation nationale et de la Jeunesse, 2023, official website, https://vae.education.gouv.fr/
- World salaries, 2023, Average Caregiver salary in France for 2023,
- https://worldsalaries.com/average-caregiver-salary-in-france/
