Certification Criteria

The scope of the certification covers French language training, with the exception of teacher and trainer training courses, and a range of peripheral services surrounding the provision of French as foreign language classes, such as hosting facilities, premises, equipment and management.

The framework

The certification is awarded in accordance with a framework based on the following five aspects:

• Teaching and training courses
• Teachers
• Hosting and support
• Premises, safety and equipment
• Management

Teaching and training courses

The French as a foreign language training courses offered by the centre are designed to meet the linguistic needs of students and are based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL) and detailed curricula. The ways in which the classes are prepared and delivered are consistent with the CERFL and the curricula.

Students evaluate the training courses and are involved in the quality improvement process in order to optimise the learning process. At the end of the training they receive a certificate testifying to the CERFL level they have reached.

Teachers

The centre employs qualified and competent teaching staff that enable it to ensure the quality of the various types of training offered.

Teachers at the centre are recruited in accordance with an appropriate and coherent procedure. A team spirit is encouraged as part of the quest for continuous improvement and through participatory assessment.

Hosting and support

Students and trainees receive all of the information they need to choose a centre in accordance with their needs. In order to ease their integration into the centre and into a new environment the centre offers a warm welcome, a variety of activities and an accommodation support service.

Premises, safety and equipment

The premises and equipment provide both students and staff with satisfactory conditions in which to work. Students benefit from an environment that is conducive to learning and to an enjoyable stay at a pleasant venue and in accordance with the safety standards in force. The centre provides them with high-quality equipment and ensures that both the premises and its equipment are regularly maintained.

Management

All staff are provided with a clear description of the institution's purposes and strategic objectives, a strategic plan for its development, and a copy of its commitment with regards to promoting and maintaining quality and professional ethics. Users of the centre are made aware of a charter or learning contract-type document.