RS or RNCP: which certification should you choose?

Updated 28 September 2026

Training OrganizationsCertification

RNCPRépertoire spécifiqueFrance compétencesCPFVAEcertification

The RNCP registers certifications that validate the skills needed to practise an occupation, classified by qualification level. The Répertoire spécifique (RS) registers certifications and authorisations that attest complementary skills. Choose the RNCP to qualify people for an occupation, with access to apprenticeship and VAE; choose the RS to certify a targeted skill.

Two registers kept by France compétences

Both registers are established by France compétences, and the bodies that have a certification registered in them are called "certifying ministries and bodies" (article L6113-2 of the French Labour Code).

The national register of professional certifications (RNCP) contains certifications that validate the skills and knowledge needed to carry out professional activities (article L6113-1). Each certification rests on three frameworks (activities, skills, assessment) and is made up of skill blocks, that is, homogeneous and coherent sets of skills that can be assessed and validated separately.

The specific register (RS) contains certifications and authorisations corresponding to professional skills that are complementary to professional certifications (article L6113-6). They may be matched with RNCP skill blocks. Certifications and authorisations established by the State and required to practise a profession or activity under a standard are registered in the RS as of right.

The differences that matter

Qualification level. Only RNCP certifications are classified by qualification level, under the national framework of professional certifications (article L6113-1). This framework has eight levels, from level 1 (command of basic knowledge) to level 8 (article D6113-19). An RS certification is not attached to a level.

Frameworks. The RNCP requires an activities framework, a skills framework and an assessment framework. For the RS, the examination criteria cover the quality of the skills framework and the assessment framework (article R6113-11).

Registration period. In both cases, registration is valid for a maximum of five years (articles L6113-5 and L6113-6). It is limited to three years when the data available on cohorts of holders cover only one year (articles R6113-9 and R6113-11). For the RNCP, the procedure reserved for changing or emerging occupations leads to a three-year registration (article R6113-10).

Personal training account (CPF). Training leading to an RNCP certification, to the validation of a skill block or to an RS certification is eligible for the CPF (article L6323-6). For actions leading to an RS certification, however, a decree sets a cap on the rights that can be used, except for the certification relating to the core base of professional knowledge and skills.

Apprenticeship. Apprenticeship aims at a qualification sanctioned by a diploma or a vocational title registered in the RNCP (article L6211-1). An RS certification does not fall within this definition.

VAE. Access to the certification through the validation of prior experience is one of the examination criteria for an RNCP application (article R6113-9, 6°). It is not among the RS criteria.

The examination criteria

For the RNCP, France compétences examines in particular (article R6113-9): the match between the target occupation and the jobs held by holders, the impact on access or return to employment compared with similar certifications, the reality of the technical, pedagogical and supervisory resources used, the quality and consistency of the three frameworks, the control procedures for training and assessments, access through VAE and the consistency of the skill blocks.

For the RS, the examination covers in particular (article R6113-11) the match between the targeted skills and labour market needs, assessed through a study, the impact on securing or developing the career paths of holders, the reality of the training resources, the quality of the skills and assessment frameworks, the control procedures and, where applicable, the consistency of the matches with RNCP blocks.

In both cases, the frameworks include, depending on the certification, the effects of the ecological and digital transitions, occupational health and safety prevention, and disability and accessibility.

How to choose

Ask yourself four questions.

Are you certifying an occupation or a skill? If the certification prepares people to hold a job as a whole, the RNCP is the right framework. If it attests a skill used across several occupations (a tool, a method, a regulatory authorisation), the RS is more consistent.
Do your learners go through apprenticeship or VAE? Apprenticeship requires a diploma or title registered in the RNCP, and access through VAE is an RNCP examination criterion.
Does the qualification level matter to your candidates and to employers? Only the RNCP displays it.
Do you have cohorts of holders? Both registers rely on the analysis of cohorts of holders for a first application. If your data cover only one year, registration will be limited to three years.

The two options are not mutually exclusive: an RS certification can be linked to RNCP skill blocks through matches.

Registration with France compétences

Apart from State diplomas and titles registered under their own procedure, registration is made at the request of the certifier, after the binding opinion of the France compétences professional certification commission (articles L6113-5 and L6113-6). The information is sent to the director general of France compétences through a dedicated online procedure (article R6113-8). Bulletin no. 3 of the criminal record of the managers, less than three months old, is attached to the application (article R6113-14).

The application is refused without examination of the criteria in case of false declaration, literal reproduction of an existing framework or misleading communication about the training (article R6113-8-1). Registration is granted by decision of the director general, published in the Journal officiel and on the France compétences website (article R6113-12).

Key takeaways

RNCP: an occupation, a qualification level (1 to 8), three frameworks and skill blocks.
RS: complementary skills, no level, with possible matches to RNCP blocks.
Maximum of five years in both cases, limited to three years if the data cover only one year.
Both give access to the CPF, with a cap on usable rights set by decree for the RS.
Apprenticeship aims at an RNCP diploma or title; access through VAE is an RNCP examination criterion.
The application goes through the France compétences online procedure and a binding opinion of its commission.

Sources

Choosing between the RNCP and the RS shapes how you build the frameworks, analyse cohorts of holders and organise assessments. Mentivis prepares registration files for the RNCP and the Répertoire spécifique, from scoping the certification project to filing on the France compétences online procedure. See RNCP and RS certification support

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Advisory: RNCP and RS certification