How to create a CFA in France in 2026
Updated
The framework since the 2018 reform
Since the law of 5 September 2018, no prior regional agreement is needed to open an apprenticeship training centre (CFA). A CFA is a training organization that delivers apprenticeship training: it follows the rules of any training organization, plus its own.
Administrative steps
The statutes must expressly mention apprenticeship training in their purpose, except for a corporate CFA. No one may use the name CFA without a registered declaration and compliant statutes, subject to a 4,500 euro fine.
The activity declaration is sent to the regional prefect, through the DREETS, within three months of the first training agreement (or first apprenticeship contract for a corporate CFA). It includes the statutes, the manager's criminal record extract (bulletin no. 3) and the list of trainers with their qualifications. The number is issued within two months of the complete file; until then, the organization is deemed declared.
Since 27 June 2026, registration can be refused, or cancelled, if the organization has no premises suitable for apprenticeship training.
The UAI code, which identifies the establishment, is obtained from the education authority (académie).
Qualiopi and the CFA's missions
Qualiopi certification for apprenticeship actions is required for OPCO funding. An organization delivering apprenticeship training for the first time can be funded for six months without the certification, if it sends the contract signed with a certification body within two months.
The CFA carries out 14 missions set by law, including appointing a disability officer, helping apprentices find an employer and keeping them in training for six months after a contract ends. It sets up an advisory board (conseil de perfectionnement) and keeps cost accounts; since June 2026, the data sent to France compétences must be certified by a statutory auditor or chartered accountant, unless kept by a public accountant.
The apprenticeship business model
The OPCO funds each contract at the level set by the industry for the certification prepared, taking France compétences' recommendations into account. It pays a 40% advance within 30 days of the invoice, 30% in the seventh month, 20% in the tenth month, then the balance. For level 6 and higher contracts signed since 1 July 2025, the employer contributes 750 euros, deducted from the funding. Mastering the contract, invoicing and payment cycle directly drives cash flow.
Key takeaways
- Statutes mention apprenticeship, except for a corporate CFA.
- Declaration within three months of the first agreement; number within two months; premises required since June 2026.
- Qualiopi for apprenticeship actions, with a six-month grace period for newcomers.
- 14 legal missions, an advisory board, certified cost accounts.
- OPCO funding at the set level, paid in instalments.
Sources
- French Labour Code, article L6231-2 (missions)
- French Labour Code, article L6231-5 (statutes)
- French Labour Code, article L6351-3 (refusal of registration)
- French Labour Code, article R6316-9 (Qualiopi, newcomers)
- French Labour Code, article R6332-25 (payments)
- French Labour Code, article R6332-25-1 (750 euro contribution)
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