Répertoire National des Certifications Professionnelles

A complicated name to designate the official list of diplomas and professional certificates recognized by the French government. But does it really matter ? 
RNCP certification turns your diploma into real opportunities : recognized skills, access to regulated jobs, and the possibility to extend your stay in France with the APS.
Small tip: An RNCP title issued by a private school isn’t exactly a national diploma, but it is state-recognized and can open doors. On the other hand, a program not listed in the RNCP… just gives you a pretty paper for the wall.

Take your first steps towards your APS 

For non-European students, having an RNCP-recognized diploma is essential to apply for "Job Search / Business Creation" residence permit (formerly known as the Provisional Residence Permit or APS) after graduation, provided they meet specific nationality requirements.With APS you can:
● Look for a job related to your studies● Start a business in your field● Stay in France for 12 months after graduation
Without an RNCP diploma: no APS, no legal extension, and goodbye French cheese…

IMPORTANT CLARIFICATIONS 

The standard duration of this permit is 12 months. However, citizens from certain countries that have signed specific bilateral agreements with France (currently 18 countries, including Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, and India) may be granted a 24-month permit. 
The right to this permit is also granted only if the student has obtained a diploma at least equivalent to a Master's degree (Bac+5), a Professional Bachelor's degree (Licence professionnelle, Bac+3), or a Level I diploma (Master equivalent) certified by the Conférence des Grandes Écoles (CGE) AND registered with the RNCP.
Therefore, the condition is not just that the title be RNCP-registered, but that it must be an RNCP title of Level 6 (Professional Bachelor) or Level 7 (Master) or equivalent, and that it appears on the list of diplomas eligible for this authorization. Simple registration of a lower-level title (e.g., Bac+2) with the RNCP does not grant the right to the "Job Search / Business Creation" residence permit.

How to Choose a diploma ....Without Losing Your Mind 

Before you enroll:
● Check the France Compétences website : make sure your program is RNCP-recognized. Otherwise, your diploma might only impress your dog.● Confirm the level : Bachelor’s, Master’s, etc. Don’t end up with a mini-diploma when you wanted the real deal.
WATCH OUT !  
Some schools offer programs not listed in the RNCP, which means no APS, no extra year in France, and sadly… no more croissants for you.Studying in France is amazing… but don’t let your dreams of cheese and baguettes depend on an unrecognized diploma!Always make sure your program is RNCP-recognized and of the adéquate level and your French adventure will start on the right foot.