How to get Qualiopi certification
Updated on 6 October 2026
Qualiopi is the quality standard applied in France to training organisations. It certifies that a provider follows a defined set of criteria and good practices.
In this article, you will learn:
- What Qualiopi certification is
- Who it applies to
- The benefits of Qualiopi certification
- The eligibility criteria you need to meet
- The steps in the certification process
- How to get listed with funders once you are certified
We also show how SchoolMaker helps you prepare evidence for online training. Your organisation’s compliance depends on your practices and the certifier’s assessment.
What is Qualiopi?
Qualiopi certifies the quality processes of providers of skills-development services, within the framework of the law of 5 September 2018.
It covers the activity categories listed on your certificate: training, skills assessments, validation of prior learning (VAE), and apprenticeship. It does not certify each course individually or guarantee every learner’s results.
Who does Qualiopi apply to?
Vocational training organisations in France need Qualiopi certification if they want to access public or mutualised funding for their training activities. That includes:
- Training centres
- Continuing-education providers
- Independent trainers
- Apprentice training centres (CFA)
- Skills-assessment providers
- Organisations that support VAE (validation of prior learning)
If your clients pay for their training without public or mutualised funds, Qualiopi is generally not mandatory. Certain higher-education institutions have a specific statutory status; check your situation before applying.
Key points to remember:
- Legal requirement: Since 1 January 2022, it has been required for the relevant public or mutualised funding, subject to statutory exceptions.
- Broad scope: The scope depends on your activity categories and the funding you seek.
- National recognition: The certification is recognised across France.
- Renewal: Certification is valid for 3 years, with a surveillance audit between months 14 and 22, followed by a renewal audit before expiry.
- Single framework: As of 6 October 2026: 7 criteria and 32 indicators, with applicability depending on your services. A reform takes effect on 1 November 2026.
What are the benefits of Qualiopi certification?
Qualiopi provides independent assessment of your quality processes and is a condition for accessing certain public or mutualised funding.
Certification does not automatically make a course CPF-eligible or guarantee funding. You must also meet the funder’s conditions and, for Mon Compte Formation, complete EDOF registration.
What are the steps in the certification process?
The Qualiopi certification process has several essential steps. They show that a training organisation’s quality system meets the national quality framework. Here are the steps:
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The initial certification request
First, the candidate organisation must submit an initial certification request to a certifying body. Check that it is authorised for the activity categories you want certified.
Check the official list from the French Ministry of Labour for the current list of certifiers accredited or authorised by Cofrac. Labelling bodies recognised by France compétences can also issue certification.
As a vocational training organisation, you are free to choose any certifying body from that list.
We recommend contacting several of them so you can compare offers on price, processing time, and the certifier’s reputation in your topic area.
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The administrative eligibility review
Once you have submitted your initial certification request, the certifying body reviews the administrative eligibility of your file.
Prepare your SIREN, activity declaration number (NDA) or proof of an application submitted less than three months ago, activity categories, and latest educational and financial report (BPF), or the required accounting data if you are starting out.
This step examines the request in detail to confirm that prerequisites are met and that the requested certification scope is coherent.
After that review, a contract is signed between the training organisation and the certifying body. An audit plan is then sent to you for validation. It includes important details such as the audit date, the types of activities covered, and the indicators that will be assessed.
This audit plan gives you a clear roadmap for the upcoming audit and spells out what will be reviewed to assess compliance with Qualiopi requirements.
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An optional “diagnostic” mock audit
The training organisation can choose to run a diagnostic mock audit. This gives a preliminary review of the organisation and helps you spot gaps before the official audit.
The mock audit is not mandatory, but it can be very useful in some cases.
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The initial Qualiopi certification audit
The next key step is the initial certification audit. A qualified auditor, appointed by the certifying body, assesses whether the training organisation’s processes meet the national quality framework. The auditor reviews the indicators applicable to your services using evidence and a sample of activities actually delivered.
Here are the 7 Qualiopi criteria defined by the national quality framework. For each criterion, several indicators will be assessed. We will go through them in detail in the next section:
- Criterion 1: Inform prospects about the training offer
- Criterion 2: Precisely identify the objectives of the services offered
- Criterion 3: Adapt the programme to the beneficiary audiences
- Criterion 4: Match educational, technical, and supervisory resources to the services delivered
- Criterion 5: Staff qualifications and development of knowledge and skills
- Criterion 6: The provider’s involvement and investment in its professional environment
- Criterion 7: Collect and act on feedback and complaints from stakeholders in the services delivered
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Obtaining Qualiopi certification
After the initial audit, you receive a detailed report assessing your training organisation’s compliance with the required quality standards, indicator by indicator.
The certifier decides whether to issue the certificate after reviewing the file. Major nonconformities must be resolved before certification; major corrective actions must be implemented within three months and minor ones within six months under the audit rules. Display your certificate on your premises and website.
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Maintain and renew your certification
Keep evidence as you deliver training. Schedule surveillance between months 14 and 22, then renewal before the certificate expires, allowing time to resolve any major nonconformities. Read the current audit rules.
These certification steps are essential to show that the training organisation meets the quality standards set by the national quality framework.
What eligibility criteria do you need to meet for Qualiopi?
The list below presents the 32 indicators in the framework applicable on 6 October 2026. Not every indicator applies to every provider: the scope depends on activity categories, work-study programmes and the certifications prepared.
Fully online training remains subject to the applicable requirements. Prepare dated evidence of needs analysis, assessments, support, actual participation and improvements. SchoolMaker exports can support this file; they do not replace your procedures.
What changes on 1 November 2026
Decree no. 2026-728 of 1 August 2026 changes the framework from 1 November 2026. The list below describes requirements applicable on 6 October; prepare these changes for upcoming audits too.
- Information and results (1, 2, 3, 7): training recognition and funding, clear communication, transparent results calculations, further-study pathways and capacity to deliver certification.
- Learner protection (12, 14, 15): prevent and address violence, harassment and discrimination, with additional obligations for apprentice training centres (CFA).
- Teaching (19, 20): verify actual participation in distance learning; stronger coordination and supervision in the specified cases, with thresholds to be set by ministerial order.
- Subcontracting and improvement (27, 32): document compliance in contracts and analyse quality risks.
- New indicator 33, for CFA only: evaluate teaching and content, share results with staff and measure improvements’ effectiveness. The framework moves to 33 indicators; not all apply to every provider.
Before your audit, check with your certifier which legal text and ministerial interpretation guide apply on the audit date.
How SchoolMaker helps you prepare for these changes
The November 2026 reform is mostly about how your organisation is run. SchoolMaker gives you practical help on four points: informing learners before they enrol, proving participation in distance learning, making your protection rules known and collecting apprentices’ views on your teaching. For each one, here is what the platform does and what stays with you.
Inform before enrolment and publish your results — indicators 1, 2 and 3
In SchoolMaker : Show on your sales pages what a future learner needs to know: programme, prerequisites, duration, price, funding options and, where relevant, the certification prepared. To calculate your results, export each learner’s progress rate and quiz success rate for every course, along with the answers to your satisfaction questionnaire.
Your part : Next to each figure, state the period, the number of learners counted and how it was calculated. Certification pass rates come from the certifying body’s official results, not from SchoolMaker: a completed course or a passed quiz is not an RNCP or RS certification.
Prove participation in distance learning — indicator 19
In SchoolMaker : For each learner, SchoolMaker records the first and last login, time spent, lessons viewed, steps completed and quiz results. You can see this on the learner’s profile and export it as CSV, per course or as a dated activity log, to add to your file. Reminders sent to inactive learners appear in that log too.
Your part : Time spent is an estimate: it is calculated between two recorded actions, with a maximum duration per action. On its own it does not prove that the learner followed the course or acquired the skills. Add marked exercises and keep a record of your support exchanges.
Make your rules and contacts known — indicators 12, 14 and 15
In SchoolMaker : Add a link to your rules in the terms every new learner must accept when they sign up. Create a welcome lesson that says who to contact and how to report violence, harassment or discrimination.
Your part : We advise against handling reports through the platform’s community or messaging. Set up a confidential channel (dedicated email address, phone number, named contact person) and a procedure for handling reports. CFA must also add the information specific to apprentices.
Collect apprentices’ views on your teaching — indicator 33, CFA only
In SchoolMaker : Create a form inside a lesson with questions about content and teaching, in addition to your satisfaction questionnaire. For example: “Which concepts are still difficult?” or “Which exercises helped you make progress?”. Then export the answers to share with your trainers.
Your part : Write down the decisions taken, the changes made and their dates. Ask the next cohort the same questions to check that the changes had an effect.
What SchoolMaker does not handle : Three parts of the reform are dealt with outside the platform: checking your authorisation to prepare learners for a certification (indicator 7), teaching coordination, designated contacts and CFA governance (indicators 19 and 20), and subcontracting contracts and quality risk analysis (indicators 27 and 32). On coordination, SchoolMaker only lets you restrict each contributor’s access to the courses that concern them.
Full list of Qualiopi criteria and indicators
Criterion 1: Inform prospects about the training offer
Indicators 1 to 3
Indicator 1:
The provider publishes information that is publicly accessible, detailed, and verifiable about the services offered: prerequisites, objectives, duration, access methods and timelines, prices, contacts, methods used and assessment methods, and accessibility for people with disabilities.
With SchoolMaker:
You can add these details directly on your website pages so students see them before they enrol, or display them on sales pages generated with SchoolMaker.
Indicator 2:
The provider publishes results indicators adapted to the nature of the services delivered and the audiences welcomed.
With SchoolMaker:
Thanks to the many available exports in SchoolMaker, you can gather data to support your results indicators:
- Percentage of courses completed at 100%
- Number of students
- Satisfaction measured through a questionnaire sent to learners. Include the number of respondents and response rate; selected testimonials cannot establish a representative satisfaction rate.
Publish these results with their reference period, population and calculation method.
Indicator 3:
When the provider delivers services that lead to a professional certification, it informs about pass rates for the certifications prepared, the option to validate one or more skill blocks, and equivalences, bridges, next steps, and career outcomes.
With SchoolMaker:
As with the previous indicator, you can add your performance indicators directly on your sales pages.
Calculate certification pass rates from official results supplied by the certifying authority. A completed lesson or passed quiz does not prove attainment of a professional certification.
Criterion 2: Precisely identify the objectives of the services offered
Indicators 4 to 8
Indicator 4:
The provider analyses the beneficiary’s need in connection with the company and/or the relevant funder(s).
With SchoolMaker:
SchoolMaker lets you create an onboarding phase for each new student. You can ask specific questions to analyse their needs, then export each student’s answers from your admin interface.
You can also create forms for beneficiaries or funders. Gather needs early enough to adapt the course before it starts.
Indicator 5:
The provider defines operational, measurable objectives for the service.
With SchoolMaker:
First define what the learner should be able to do by the end of the course, using observable criteria. SchoolMaker forms and exercises can then help you assess those objectives.
Indicator 6:
The provider designs the content and delivery methods of the service, adapted to the defined objectives and the beneficiary audiences.
With SchoolMaker:
SchoolMaker lets you build your own training paths using the Offers feature.
Based on the needs you analysed earlier, you can add each member to the right offer.
You can also send personalised documents to each member using private messages.
Indicator 7:
When the provider delivers services that lead to a professional certification, it ensures the content of the service matches the requirements of the target certification.
With SchoolMaker:
Keep a regular watch on the requirements of the target certifications so you can define and update your course prerequisites and content.
SchoolMaker lets you edit or duplicate a lesson, section, or course in a few clicks. The content updates instantly for every member who has access to the changed material.
Indicator 8:
The provider defines positioning and prior-learning assessment procedures at the start of the service.
With SchoolMaker:
To assess your students, you can set up pre- and post-course quizzes to track their progress. You can export each student’s answers.
Criterion 3: Adapt the programme to the beneficiary audiences
Indicators 9 to 16
Indicator 9:
The provider informs beneficiaries about the conditions under which the service will take place.
With SchoolMaker:
SchoolMaker lets you share this information with beneficiaries in several ways:
- Add your terms of sale and legal notices directly inside your school.
- Add external links to your school directly in the Community.
- Send personalised documents to each member using private messages.
- Add the same information on your sales pages so students see it before they enrol.
Indicator 10:
The provider delivers and adapts the service, support, and follow-up to the beneficiary audiences.
With SchoolMaker:
SchoolMaker lets you build your own training paths using the Offers feature.
Based on the needs and problems you identified, you can add each member to the right offer.
You can also offer them:
- Access to the Community
- Coaching sessions
- Lives
- Video replies through Consultations
In each lesson, you can also add downloadable resources.
Indicator 11:
The provider assesses whether beneficiaries have reached the objectives of the service.
With SchoolMaker:
To assess your students, you can set up quizzes throughout the course to track their progress. You can export each student’s answers.
You can also collect self-assessments, and use exercises or assessments matched to the objectives to verify skills acquisition.
Indicator 12:
The provider describes and implements measures to support beneficiary engagement and prevent drop-off.
With SchoolMaker:
SchoolMaker can email all of your inactive members. Choose the number of inactive days after which you want to send the notification, and SchoolMaker will alert those members. They can click the link in the email to jump back to the last lesson they viewed.
You can also follow a beneficiary’s individual progress from their dashboard and contact them via private messages to re-engage them.
Indicator 13:
For work-study programmes, the provider, together with the company, plans the learner’s assignments over the short, medium, and long term, and coordinates the progression of learning between the training centre and the workplace.
Note: This indicator applies to work-study programmes, including professionalisation contracts; it is not limited to apprentice training centres (CFA).
Indicator 14:
The provider delivers social, professional, educational, and citizenship support.
Note: This indicator only applies to apprentice training centres (CFA).
Indicator 15:
The provider informs apprentices of their rights and duties as apprentices and employees, and of the health and safety rules that apply in the workplace.
Note: This indicator only applies to apprentice training centres (CFA).
Indicator 16:
When the provider delivers programmes that lead to a professional certification, it ensures that the conditions for presenting beneficiaries for certification meet the formal requirements of the certifying authority.
Note: You must meet the formal requirements of the certifying authority when you present candidates for the certification you offer.
Criterion 4: Match educational, technical, and supervisory resources to the services delivered
Indicators 17 to 20
Indicator 17:
The provider makes available, or ensures the availability of, suitable human and technical resources and an appropriate environment (conditions, premises, equipment, technical facilities, and so on).
With SchoolMaker:
On the technical side, SchoolMaker gives your learners a modern, intuitive online training platform, available 24/7, designed for a strong learning experience. It includes the tools you need to follow learners, deliver educational content (videos, exercises, assessments), and provide personalised support.
Indicator 18:
The provider mobilises and coordinates the various internal and/or external contributors (educational, administrative, logistical, commercial, and so on).
With SchoolMaker:
SchoolMaker lets you add administrators to your school so you can coordinate the different stakeholders in your training organisation.
Indicator 19:
The provider makes educational resources available to the beneficiary and helps them take ownership of those resources.
With SchoolMaker:
In each lesson, SchoolMaker lets you add educational resources (downloadable files, external links, audio, video, and more) to improve your beneficiaries’ learning.
Indicator 20:
The provider has staff dedicated to national and international mobility support, a disability officer, and an improvement council.
Note: This indicator only applies to apprentice training centres (CFA).
Criterion 5: Staff qualifications and development of knowledge and skills
Indicators 21 to 22
SchoolMaker, as an LMS, does not cover these points. They remain your responsibility as a training organisation, regardless of the digital tools you use.
Indicator 21:
The provider determines, mobilises, and assesses the skills of internal and/or external contributors, adapted to the services.
Indicator 22:
The provider maintains and develops the skills of its employees, adapted to the services it delivers.
Note: This indicator concerns skills development for your employees, if you have any.
Criterion 6: The provider’s involvement and investment in its professional environment
Indicators 23 to 29
SchoolMaker, as an LMS, does not cover these points. They remain your responsibility as a training organisation, regardless of the digital tools you use.
Indicator 23:
The provider monitors legal and regulatory developments in vocational training and applies the lessons from that watch.
Indicator 24:
The provider monitors changes in skills, occupations, and jobs in its sectors and applies the lessons from that watch.
Indicator 25:
The provider monitors educational and technological innovations that can improve its services and applies the lessons from that watch.
Indicator 26:
The provider mobilises the expertise, tools, and networks needed to welcome, support/train, or guide people with disabilities.
Indicator 27:
When the provider uses subcontracting or umbrella employment, it ensures compliance with this framework.
Indicator 28:
When the services include on-the-job training periods, the provider mobilises its network of socio-economic partners to co-design the training engineering and support workplace placements.
Note: This indicator applies to services that include workplace training periods.
Indicator 29:
The provider develops actions that support professional integration or further study through apprenticeship or any other path that develops knowledge and skills.
Note: This indicator only applies to apprentice training centres (CFA).
Criterion 7: Collect and act on feedback and complaints from stakeholders in the services delivered
Indicators 30 to 32
Indicator 30:
The provider collects feedback from stakeholders: beneficiaries, funders, teaching teams, and the companies involved.
With SchoolMaker:
For example, you can create a form in the last lesson of your programme to collect reviews easily with ratings, scales, or written comments.
Indicator 31:
The provider implements ways to handle difficulties encountered by stakeholders, complaints they raise, and incidents that occur during the service.
With SchoolMaker:
In SchoolMaker, you can follow each beneficiary’s progress. This helps you spot which steps are causing problems and contact students via private messages. You can then improve your course over time.
Indicator 32:
The provider implements improvement measures based on the analysis of feedback and complaints.
With SchoolMaker:
For example, you can ask students what you could improve in your support programme, then export all of those results.
Qualiopi FAQ
How does listing with funders work once you are certified?
Certification does not automatically trigger funding. For CPF, apply for EDOF registration and check each offer’s eligibility. For certification-based training, check the validity of the RNCP or RS registration and your authorisation from its holder. Read the official registration conditions. For OPCO or France Travail funding, follow the relevant funder’s procedures.
Is Qualiopi certification mandatory?
It has generally been required for the relevant public or mutualised funding since 1 January 2022, subject to statutory exceptions. It is generally not mandatory for training paid for directly by the client. CPF subcontracting has specific rules; see the dedicated question below.
How much does Qualiopi certification cost?
Request several quotes covering the full cycle: initial, surveillance and renewal audits. Costs depend on the certifier, training revenue, activity categories and sites audited. Check travel costs and fees for reviewing corrective actions. The regulations do not set a single price.
How long does it take to get certified?
Timing depends on your preparation, the certifier’s availability and any corrections needed after the audit. Allow time to put your procedures into practice and gather evidence; written documentation alone is not enough.
Is SchoolMaker compatible with Qualiopi?
SchoolMaker helps you prepare evidence for online training: progress tracking, quiz and form responses, resources and learner exchanges. Using the platform does not automatically make your organisation compliant. You remain responsible for procedures, staffing and the evidence presented to the auditor.
Can SchoolMaker export the data auditors ask for?
You can use progress exports and quiz or form responses to prepare your evidence file. Choose data relevant to your services and retain the context: period, learners included, calculation method and follow-up actions. Completion alone does not prove skills acquisition.
Can I publish my performance indicators on my website from SchoolMaker?
Yes. By pulling your statistics from SchoolMaker (completion rate, satisfaction, number of students, and so on), you can publish them on your site to meet the Qualiopi indicators around transparency.
How do I know if SchoolMaker is a good fit for my organisation?
Email us at support@schoolmaker.co. Our team will get back to you quickly to review your situation and offer a personalised demo of the platform, tied to your training goals and Qualiopi process.
How much does SchoolMaker cost?
See our pricing for current prices, limits and the features included in each plan.
What rules apply to CPF subcontracting?
Since 1 April 2024, CPF subcontracting contracts have specific requirements: a written contract, an NDA, up-to-date legal obligations and no further subcontracting by the subcontractor. Qualiopi and the relevant authorisations are required subject to statutory exceptions, including for certain subcontractors under the micro-social regime. Check the precise conditions in the official subcontracting rules before signing.
