Validation of Acquired Experience (VAE)

Administrative eligibility: This administrative step allows for the verification of the candidate's experience, who must be able to justify at least one cumulative year of activities in line with the skills associated with the Institut d'Optique engineering diploma and described in the RNCP16833 datasheet. The candidate sends the VAE Referrent a CV, a cover letter, and the eligibility booklet 1. (link: le livret 1 de recevabilité.)

Cost: free.

Processing time: 1 month (excluding school holidays).

Pedagogical eligibility: If administrative eligibility has been validated, the candidate enrolls in the pre-VAE procedure and provides a pre-VAE file between early October and late November. It consists of a detailed description of their educational background as well as their professional experience, including a brief description of missions performed and the associated skills acquired, in relation to the RNCP datasheet of the Institut d'Optique engineering diploma. They also make themselves available for an interview with the VAE Referent (or their representative).

The pre-VAE file, completed with the CV, cover letter, and booklet 1, is analyzed by a pre-VAE jury. This jury is composed of the director of engineering studies (or their representative), the VAE referent (or their representative), a reference teacher, and the RAEVE. If the jury pronounces admissibility, the candidate is authorized to enroll in the VAE program and is invited to prepare their complete file. If the jury does not pronounce admissibility, it provides a reasoned opinion that may advise the candidate to pursue additional training or another diploma.

Cost: The processing of the file by the pre-VAE jury is subject to a fixed fee of €1000 excluding tax.

Enrollment, preparation, and submission: Candidates who pass the pre-VAE eligibility assessment can proceed with the VAE process by enrolling administratively before mid-March. They must submit a complete VAE file, including Booklet 2, by mid-October. To support candidates throughout this process, the IOGS offers optional methodological guidance from an Institut d'Optique faculty member. Please note that this support does not guarantee a positive outcome.

Administrative registration fee: €2900 excluding tax (€5000 excluding tax for non-EU candidates).

The cost of the optional support service, which provides 20 hours of guidance over a maximum of 7 months, is €3000 excluding tax.

VAE jury appearance and candidate audition: The VAE file is analyzed by the VAE jury which organizes an audition of the candidate according to the attached calendar. The jury is chaired by the school director and is composed of the director of engineering studies (or their representative), the VAE referent (or their representative), a reference teacher, and the RAEVE.

The cost of the jury appearance is €3000 excluding tax.

After the presentation and assessment of the candidate's portfolio, the jury will decide whether to fully validate the diploma or to grant partial validation. In case of partial validation, the jury will identify the skills the candidate has already acquired and outline any additional requirements needed to complete the qualification. Once these requirements are met, a second jury will meet to make a final decision. If the candidate is unsuccessful, the VAE process will be terminated.

The fee for the second jury appearance is €1000 excluding tax.