French Qualiopi Audit Prep Checklist for Training Providers

Any provider conducting training actions, bilans de compétences (skills assessments), VAE (prior-learning validation) or apprenticeship programmes who wishes to access public or pooled funding — CPF, OPCO, France Travail (formerly Pôle emploi), central and regional government, Agefiph, or the Caisse des dépôts — must hold a valid Qualiopi certificate. Without it, the organisation may still operate, but its services become ineligible for these funding streams. Providers billing exclusively private clients from their own funds are not legally required to certify.

The 7 criteria cover: (1) information provided to the public about services; (2) identification of objectives and tailoring of services; (3) adaptation to learners and their ongoing support; (4) adequacy of pedagogical, technical and supervisory resources; (5) qualifications and ongoing development of trainers; (6) integration into the professional environment; (7) collection and handling of feedback and complaints. The RNQ, as revised by the Arrêté of 2 July 2021, totals 32 indicators; the number actually audited varies according to the declared action categories and specific circumstances such as subcontracting, distance learning or learners with disabilities.

The certificate is issued for 3 years. A surveillance audit (audit de surveillance) must take place between the 14th and 22nd month after the initial certificate issue date — so advance planning is essential. A renewal audit is then carried out before the 3-year expiry to begin a fresh cycle. Failing to schedule within the surveillance window risks suspension and, subsequently, full withdrawal of the certificate by the certifying body.

The auditor distinguishes between minor and major non-conformities (non-conformités mineures et majeures). At the initial audit, an unresolved major non-conformity blocks certificate issuance until a corrective action plan is submitted within the deadline set by the certifying body. At surveillance or renewal audits, a major non-conformity must be remediated within the timeframe defined by the certifier's certification scheme — typically around 3 months — failing which the certifier may suspend and then withdraw the certificate.

Pricing is unregulated and varies by certifying body, organisation size, number of action categories and number of sites. For a small training provider, the initial audit typically costs between 1,000 and 2,000 € HT (excluding VAT). Surveillance and renewal audits add further costs over the 3-year cycle. Obtain quotes from several certifying bodies listed by the DGEFP (Délégation générale à l'emploi et à la formation professionnelle, France's national vocational training authority), whose approved list is published on the ministry's website.

Without a valid Qualiopi certificate, the organisation loses eligibility for all public and pooled funding: CPF, OPCO, France Travail, State, and regional funding streams become unavailable. In practice, learners and client companies can no longer mobilise these funds to cover training costs, which can eliminate a significant share of revenue for providers reliant on these channels. There is no penalty for operating on purely private, self-funded contracts — certification is only required when public money is involved.