Successful retraining: everything you need to know about the skills assessment

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Successful retraining: everything you need to know about the skills assessment

Successful retraining: everything you need to know about the skills assessment

12 minutes
05/02/2025
Rédigé par
Léo Fichet

Get started in a professional retraining may seem daunting at first, but above all, it's a unique opportunity to start afresh and reinvent yourself. Such a change can offer a multitude of opportunities, both professionally and personally. One of the most effective tools to support this transformation is the Skills assessment. It is a structured process to better understand your strengths, motivations, and aspirations in order to align your quarry with what you're really passionate about.

The Skills assessment helps you to make a full assessment of your past experiences, your background and your current situation, by highlighting your know-how, but also by identifying your strengths as well as the skills to be perfected. Based on objective analyses, it allows you to develop a clear vision of your future expectations and the steps to be implemented. This thorough approach is essential to guide you towards a professional project realistic, but also ambitious, in line with your values and desires.

By following this process, you will be in a position to draw up a coherent and well-thought-out reconversion plan. The Competence assessments thus becomes a real springboard For a professional retraining successful, allowing you to see new career opportunities. More than just a tool, it helps you make informed decisions, overcome doubts and approach your professional future with confidence and clarity. Whether you are considering a radical change or a gradual evolution, it is a useful device to prepare for this new and rewarding stage in your professional life.

What is a skills assessment?

Definition and objectives

The Competence assessments is a methodical approach, framed by article L6313-10 of Labor code. Its purpose is to help an employee assess their overall abilities. The aim is to design a relevant professional project or to confirm a training project. This comprehensive analysis is essential for Take stock on its activity and determine the actions to be taken to reach your target.

Difference between Competence assessmentS and Conversion report

It is essential to distinguish between Competence assessmentS of Conversion report. The first focuses on the analysis of current abilities and the definition of a career project adapted to the person's current career path. The second, for its part, is focused on the identification of new professional directions, in case of desire to Change jobs. The Competence assessments aims to progress in its current professional environment, while the Conversion report explore new career paths.

Why make a Competence assessments?

Perform a Competence assessments has several advantages. It allows you to objectively identify your ambitions and interests, thus facilitating your positioning on the job market. It also offers an opportunity to take a step back on your professional situation, to clarify your aspirations and constraints, and to plan your development by targeting the skills to be developed.

The key steps of a skills assessment

Preliminary phase

This first phase is decisive in defining the expectations and needs of the beneficiary. It helps to establish the main objective of Skills assessment, to clarify its nature, to inform about the methods and techniques used, and to confirm the beneficiary's commitment to the process. This is an essential moment to analyze your motivations and determine the foundations of your approach.

Investigation phase

La investigation phase is focused on the beneficiary. It helps to refine and analyze in depth one's abilities, general knowledge, global interests, as well as one's motivation (s). This step makes it possible to identify the transferable skills, to assess training opportunities and to link the professional profile with the labour market. The first results of this analysis are discussed with the service provider to guide the rest of the assessment.

Conclusion phase

This last phase of Competence assessmentresults in the construction of a personalized and dated roadmap, promoting the realization of the beneficiary's professional or training project. It includes the writing of a summary document which summarizes the results of the investigation, the steps of the project, and the tasks to be completed in the short, medium, or long term.

How to finance your skills assessment?

Financing by the CPF

The Personal Training Account (CPF) is a key option for financing a Skills assessment. Employees and civil servants can use their CPF hours. A contribution of €102.23 is planned, which can be covered by the OPCO or the employer, with certain conditions allowing the beneficiary to be exempt from this contribution.

Financing by France Travail

France Travail offers financial assistance (under eligibility requirements) to eligible job seekers who wish to carry out an assessment, often at no additional cost. Eligibility for this aid must be checked with a dedicated advisor.

Employer funding

It is possible to be accompanied by your company. In fact, the employer can finance a Competence assessments under the plan of skills development provided by the State, which also includes programs of financing of training and validations of acquired experience (VAE). Remuneration is expected to be maintained if the assessment takes place during the Working time.

Self-financing


If you are looking for a fast and autonomous method, self-financing is a great alternative. Around 15% of individuals opt for financing from their own pocket, which allows them to avoid the delays associated with administrative procedures with organizations such as OPCOs or Employment center. Choosing this solution allows you to start your balance sheet immediately, without having to wait for the approval of external sources.

How do you choose the right skills assessment?

Criteria to take into account

The selection of a Competence assessmentrequires taking into consideration several essential criteria in order to choosing the right provider. First, ensure that it complies with a solid ethical and ethical charter, approved by authorities such as Caisse des Dépôts, the Fédération Nationale des CIBC and the FFPABC. This charter ensures compliance with the eligibility criteria for Personal Training Account and guarantees a comprehensive professional evaluation.

It is also important to define the expected outlook for the balance sheet. This should help you identify and value your skills, to develop a professional or training project, and to optimize a job search, or career development. Also, think about the conformity of your project with the socio-economic needs of your region and your functions.

Finally, consider the methods used by the provider, which can vary from tests and interviews to practical workshops and online platforms, depending on your needs and preferences.

Online or in person?

The choice between a Competence assessmentonline or in person is done according to your preferences and logistical constraints. In-person sessions promote direct interaction and a relationship of trust, while providing immediate access to resources and on-site coaching. However, they may be restricted by travel and flexible schedules.

Conversely, online reports offer geographic and hourly flexibility, allowing them to be monitored from anywhere. Although requiring good autonomy and ease with digital technology, this format is perfect for people with a busy schedule or living far from centers.

The skills assessment and professional retraining

When to do a Competence assessments for a retraining?

The Competence assessments is particularly beneficial when looking for a career change. Various situations can motivate this approach, such as the desire to escape from a burdensome work environment, the need to adapt to certain medical or family conditions, a situation of resignation or dismissal, or the desire to pursue professional and personal ambitions. It is also essential when moving, to make a passion come true, or to seek a better balance between Professional life and personal. In short, as soon as you feel the need to re-examine and redefine your career path, it is the ideal time to undertake a Competence assessmentS.

How to integrate the results into your reconversion project ?

The results obtained at the end of a Competence assessments play a key role in building a reconversion project consistent and achievable professional. You will receive a summary of the assessments of your skills, interests, and career aspirations. This report is a basis for developing a specific action plan, describing the steps to follow to achieve your professional ambitions.

It is essential to take ownership of the results of the assessment, to understand the actions to be taken to realize your desire, and to respect the established steps. This may require developing certain skills through training, validating your acquired experience (VAE), or seeking the support of professional contacts and specialized organizations to facilitate your transition.

Practical cases and testimonies

Many professionals have taken advantage of a Competence assessments to successfully guide their retraining. An employee facing burnout can, for example, discover transferable skills and consider new career paths that are less restrictive. One job seeker wishing to reorient themselves to another field can rely on the balance sheet for Define a professional project viable and put in place an action plan to integrate this new sector.

Testimonies often highlight the important role of Competence assessments in the revival of Self-confidence, the redefinition of priorities and interests, and the improvement of projections of personal and professional achievement. These examples illustrate well that the Competence assessments is an indispensable tool to meet the challenges of professional retraining and build a professional future more fulfilling.

Advantages and limitations of the skills assessment

The strengths

The Skills assessment has numerous advantages for those who choose to carry it out. First of all, it offers in-depth introspection, making it possible to highlight talents, ambitions, values and professional interests. This self-knowledge is essential for making informed career decisions and for exploring new career paths in line with one's aspirations.

One of the key advantages is also the possibility of career reorientation. The Competence assessmentreveals new areas of activity, highlights transferable skills and opens up career opportunities that were previously unexplored or overlooked. This approach facilitates an easier and more rewarding professional transition.

In addition, the Competence assessments contributes to strengthening the Self-confidence. By becoming aware of their skills and achievements, individuals value their past successes and feel more capable of taking on new professional challenges. This increased confidence is essential to stand out in the job market and aspire to higher positions.

Finally, it makes it possible to establish a strategic and realistic action plan for the achievement of one's professional ambitions, by defining precise steps and by identifying the training or expertise required to achieve them.

Limits and precautions to take

Despite its advantages, the Competence assessments has its limits and requires certain precautions. Its main limitation lies in its duration and its introspective nature, requiring time to deeply explore motivations and skills, which can be disheartening for those looking for immediate solutions. In addition, its cost can be an obstacle, even if financing options through the Personal Training Account (CPF) or by the employer exist. It is important to learn about these options before making a commitment.

The choice of provider is also an important aspect. Faced with the diversity of offers, it is recommended to prefer a specialized firm, taking into account the opinions and methods proposed.

Alternatives to Competence assessmentS

For those for whom the Competence assessments is irrelevant, there are alternatives that offer similar benefits. Professional coaching, for example, focuses on identifying personal goals and developing an action plan, without going through a detailed skills assessment.

La Validation of prior learning Experience (VAE) is another alternative, making it possible to officially recognize professional skills or personal, and may lead to the obtaining of a diploma or certificate without a traditional academic background.

Personal development workshops and career seminars are also an alternative, offering flexibility and a less formal approach to improve self-analysis and professional skills.

Frequently asked questions about the skills assessment

Who can do a Competence assessments?

The Competence assessments is accessible to all: employees of private sector, civil servants, self-employed workers, and job seekers. It is ideal for those who want Take stock on their skills, consider new professional directions or plan a career change.

How long does a Competence assessments?

One Competence assessments generally extends over 6 to 12 weeks, but does not exceed 24 hours in total. For example, it can be broken down into four interviews of 1.5 hours each, spread over 8 weeks, supplemented by exercises and tests. The frequency of interviews varies, ranging from 2 to 3 hours per week, in order to maintain a steady pace while avoiding overload.

What results to expect from a Competence assessments?

The Competence assessments offers several significant advantages. It provides in-depth introspection to identify professional skills, motivations, and interests. You will get a summary document summarizing your strengths, areas for improvement and career prospects. It also boosts employee self-esteem by revealing unsuspected skills and facilitates the development of a solid professional project, by detailing the stages of its realization.

Can an employer be notified of a Competence assessments?

Employees have the right to carry out a Competence assessments in complete confidentiality, without having to inform their employer, provided that this assessment is carried out outside the Working time and financed by the Personal Training Account (PDF). However, if the assessment takes place during working hours, the employer's agreement is required. In this way, employees can look at their career opportunities freely and without constraints.

Conclusion

The skills assessment is an essential strategic lever for anyone who wants to take a step back from their career and calmly consider their next career paths. Through a detailed assessment of your skills, motivations and aspirations, this tool allows you to clearly identify your strengths and areas of development. Whether it is a retraining, an increase in skills or a redefinition of your professional trajectory, the skills assessment offers you a structured framework for establishing a personalized and thoughtful roadmap.

In addition, the importance of the support chosen should not be underestimated. It is essential to be well informed about providers, to verify their certifications, and to fully understand the financial arrangements, including the care options that can make this process more accessible. Through a tailor-made approach, it will offer you the keys you need to evolve, reorient yourself or simply reinforce your current choices, according to your ambitions and the reality of the market.

In short, investing in a skills assessment means giving yourself the opportunity to get to know yourself better, to make informed decisions and to build a career that truly meets your expectations and your personal goals. It is a real investment in the future, a proactive initiative that can transform your aspirations into concrete and lasting achievements.

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