The VAE (Validation of Acquired Experience) degree method can be divided into three key stages to confirm applicants’ qualifications and issue the desired degree. Detailed explanation of each stage:
Stage 1: Initial Application and Eligibility Assessment
• Objective:
The first stage involves gathering information about the applicant’s work experience, educational background, and qualifications to determine initial eligibility for the VAE program.
• Activities:
1. Submission of Application: The applicant submits their résumé, cover letter, and detailed documentation of professional experience and accomplishments.
2. Eligibility Review: The institution reviews the submitted documents to assess whether the applicant meets the minimum criteria (e.g., 5 years of work experience, relevant educational background).
3. Preliminary Interview: An initial interview may be conducted to clarify the applicant’s goals and ensure alignment with the chosen degree program.
• Duration: This stage typically takes 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the completeness of the submitted documents and the complexity of the applicant’s profile.
Stage 2: Compilation of Dossier and Skills Assessment
• Objective:
This stage involves compiling a detailed dossier of the applicant’s professional experiences and aligning them with the academic requirements of the chosen degree (Bachelor, Master, or Doctorate).
• Activities:
1. Creation of the Dossier: The applicant prepares a comprehensive dossier that documents their skills, competencies, and work accomplishments. This dossier should demonstrate how the applicant’s professional experience aligns with the academic outcomes of the degree.
2. Skills Assessment: A panel of academic experts and industry professionals assesses the dossier to verify that the applicant’s professional achievements are equivalent to the level of education required for the degree.
3. Supplementary Interviews: If needed, the applicant may be invited to participate in further interviews or provide additional evidence to support their application.
• Duration: This stage generally takes 2 to 6 months, as it requires the applicant to gather extensive evidence of their experience, and the institution needs time to thoroughly evaluate the dossier.
Stage 3: Final Validation and Degree Issuance
• Objective:
The final stage involves formal validation of the applicant’s experience and qualifications, leading to the issuance of the degree if all criteria are met.
• Activities:
1. Final Panel Evaluation: A validation panel, consisting of faculty members and professionals, conducts a final evaluation of the dossier and assessment results. This may include a formal presentation or defense by the applicant.
2. Decision and Validation: The panel decides whether the applicant’s experience meets the requirements of the degree. If approved, the validation is formally recorded.
3. Issuance of the Degree: Upon successful validation, the institution issues the degree, officially recognizing the applicant’s professional experience as equivalent to the academic requirements.
• Duration: This final stage usually takes 1 to 3 months, as the institution completes the evaluation process and issues the degree documentation.
Overall Timeline:
• The entire VAE process typically takes 3 to 6 months from start to finish, depending on the applicant’s preparedness and the institution’s evaluation process.
By breaking the process into these three stages, applicants can clearly understand what is required at each step and how long each stage will take before the final degree is awarded.