Support for training for self-employed workers
Verified 29 July 2025 - Directorate of Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)
In return for the contribution to vocational training (MFF) to which they are subject, self-employed may, subject to conditions, benefit from the total or partial financing of their training. The body responsible for managing this coverage is the Training Insurance Fund (FAF).
A self-employed person may receive aid to finance training if he has paid the MFF: titleContent.
This aid is managed by a training insurance fund (FAF) which differs according to the nature of its activity, i.e. according to the NAF code (or code EPA: titleContent).
Example :
A micro-entrepreneur who carries out a liberal activity (consulting, consulting, training, etc.) is attached to the FAF of the liberal professions: FIF-PL.
FYI
This right is also available to the spouse participating in the activity, if the MFF-collaborating joint has been paid well.
For more information, see the fact sheet on the status of collaborating spouse.
Main activity (according to NAF code) | Training Insurance Fund |
|---|---|
Liberal Profession | Interprofessional Training Fund for Liberal Professionals (IFF-PL) |
Medical liberal profession | |
Non-salaried trader and manager of trade, industry and services | Association for the Management of Funding for the Training of Heads of company (Agency) |
Artist author | |
Artisan, head of company whose micro-entrepreneur listed in the national directory of companies (RNE) section of crafts | |
Farmer and Forestry Manager | |
Fishing professional: shellfish farmer, head of company of marine crops |
For the craftsmen-traders, it is the FAFCEA or the Chambers of Crafts and Crafts (CMA) which is in charge of financing, and not the Agency.
FYI
A micro-entrepreneur whose turnover is €0 over a period of 12 consecutive months cannot benefit from the coverage of its training expenses.
Before applying, the self-employed person must obtain the certificate of payment of the MFF: titleContent, by logging into its online space on the Urssaf website.
He must submit a request for coverage to the training insurance fund (FAF) to which he depends.
Deadlines for applying for coverage vary depending on the training insurance fund (FAF). However, it is recommended that the application be submitted at least 1 month before the start of the training.
Any application filed out of time will be refused.
If several training courses are envisaged, a request for care for each of them is necessary.
Warning
The self-employed professional must send his/her request for care no later than 10 calendar days next to 1er training day.
Contribution to vocational training for self-employed workers
Criteria related to CPF
On the Personal Training Account (CPF), which self-employed workers benefit from through their contribution, the authorized training is as follows:
- Management training linked to the exercise of the function of Head of company
- Consulting and support training to start a company creation or takeover project, then to ensure a reliable future for its company
- Competency assessment
- Training for the VAE: titleContent
- Preparation for the driving license, the theoretical and practical test, for light and heavy vehicles.
The CPF is credited with €500 maximum per year of work until €5,000 maximum.
The amount of the duties is calculated proportionately if the activity was partial over the year.
To learn more about the CPF account of the self-employed, visit the website page My Training Account.
FAF criteria
In addition to the criteria related to the CPF, there are the criteria specific to each training insurance fund (FAF) according to the self-employed worker's branch of activity.
The applicant must consult the FAF to which he or she depends to find out which training courses he or she receives funding for.
The amount of funding for training costs depends on the NAF code of each activity and the training topics chosen by the representatives of the profession.
Warning
From 1er in september 2025, the amount of support granted to a self-employed micro-entrepreneur will depend on the level of contributions paid.
Only teaching costs, including distance learning, are reimbursed. Meal, hotel or transportation costs are excluded.
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Personal training account of which training eligibility criteria
Contribution to vocational training for self-employed workers
CPF of the self-employed person
CPF Training eligible
Right to vocational training for craftsmen
Interprofessional Training Fund for Liberal Professionals (FIF PL)
Interprofessional Training Fund for Liberal Professionals (FIF PL)
Medical Profession Training Insurance Fund (FAF PM)
Association for the Management of Financing of the Training of Heads of company
FAFCEA - Insurance Fund for the Training of Craft companies
Fund for the training of living entrepreneurs (Vivéa)
Training insurance fund for the cultural, communication and leisure sectors (AFDAS)
Ocapiat - OPCO for training fisheries and marine crops