Find your path

OPTION 1

Certificate of Professional Competence (CAP) in Art and Jewelry Techniques

This level 3 state-sanctioned diploma is granted by the French Ministry of Education.

Three tracks are available:

- Jewelry-making: fashioning jewelry in precious metal (gold or platinum), often adorned with stones.

- Gem setting: adorning jewelry pieces with precious or ornamental stones.

- Polishing: bringing out the full radiance of jewelry creations through various finishing procedures.

How long is the program?

- 2 years for students who pursue the CAP after finishing 9th grade
(classroom study or apprenticeship).

- 1 year for students who pursue the CAP after completing high school (general education requirements waived).
 

What does the program include?

Hands-on instruction in workshops, technological subjects (materials, stones, metals), art and jewelry history, graphic display and introduction to 3D design. Students in classroom study or apprenticeship programs must complete one or more internships totaling 12 weeks.
 

What are the admission requirements?

- Vocational high school (for classroom study): admission with approval of the middle school principal, based on school transcript, skills and motivation.

- Apprentice training center (CFA): admission application for classroom study programs (vocational high school), or conclusion of an apprenticeship contract with an employer to enter a CFA.

- Certain specialized schools practice selective admission criteria (manual dexterity tests, application file, interview).
 

What jobs are accessible following training?

- After completing a CAP, students may apply for entry-level positions in jewelry workshops.

- Students can also continue their training by pursuing a BNMA - Brevet National des Métiers d'Art or National Vocational Degree in Artistic Crafts - (direct admission in year 2 of the program, for an additional two years of study) or a BMA - Brevet des Métiers d'Art or Vocational Degree in Artistic Crafts - (soon to be phased out but available until 2028, including two additional years of study).

OPTION 2

National Vocational Degree in Artistic Crafts (Brevet National des Métiers d’Art or BNMA)

A brand-new state-sanctioned diploma created by decree in February 2026. A level 4 qualification, it is equivalent to a high school diploma.
 

The BNMA features the same three tracks as the CAP:

- Jewelery-making

- Gem setting

- Polishing
 

How long is the program?

- 3 years for students who pursue a BNMA after finishing 9th grade
(direct track)

- 2 years for students having already earned a CAP

What does the program include?

Hands-on instruction in workshops, technological subjects (materials, stones, metals), art and jewelry history, graphic display and introduction to 3D design. For students enrolled in the direct track, the program includes one or more internships totaling 16 weeks.
 

What are the admission requirements?

- Vocational high school (for classroom study): admission with approval of the middle school principal, based on school transcript, skills and motivation.

- Apprentice training center (CFA): admission application for classroom study programs (vocational high school), or conclusion of an apprenticeship contract with an employer to enter a CFA.

Certain specialized schools practice selective admission criteria (manual dexterity tests, application file, interview).

What jobs are accessible following training?

After completing a BNMA, students may apply for entry-level positions in jewelry workshops.

Graduates can also continue their training by pursuing a 3-year National Diploma in Artistic Crafts and Design (Diplôme National des Métiers d’Art et du Design or DNMADE) program. This qualification prepares students to practice creative professions such as jewelry design.

Another way of developing skills is to pursue one or more Specialization Certificates (Certificats de Spécialisation or CS). Each program lasts one year.