The professionalisation contract (contrat de pro) leads to a recognised vocational qualification (RNCP title, branch qualification, CQP). It is more accessible to adults switching careers or to jobseekers.
The contract is signed as a fixed-term contract of 6 to 12 months, sometimes up to 36 months for certain groups or qualifications. It can also be signed as a permanent contract (CDI), with a professionalisation period of 6 to 12 months at the start.
Minimum pay is, as with apprenticeship, indexed to the SMIC, but follows a different scale.
| Age | Below Bac | Bac or higher |
|---|---|---|
| Under 21 | 55 % SMIC | 65 % SMIC |
| 21 to 25 | 70 % SMIC | 80 % SMIC |
| 26 and over | 100 % SMIC | 100 % SMIC |
Minimum gross salaries. Base: SMIC of €12.31/hour (€1,867.02/month) since 1 June 2026. Source: service-public.fr