The role of support in the success of the validation of prior learning.

Summary Our article seeks to describe the paths taken by candidates in the validation of prior learning (VAE) process and the role played by counseling interviews and support services at each stage of this process. To do this, data on all individuals who submitted an application for VAE between 2007 and 2009 to the main validators in the Rhône-Alpes region were used. It emerges that VAE fulfills its role of qualifying people with few diplomas. Support during the procedure seems to be an undeniable asset in the success of these VAE courses.