France Overhauls Teacher Recruitment: Competitive Exams Move to Bachelor’s Level from 2026

PARIS, 18 January 2026 – The French government has enacted a sweeping reform of its teacher training and recruitment system, with the most significant change taking effect this year. Starting with the 2026 examination sessions, the primary competitive exams for becoming a teacher will be open to students holding a bachelor’s degree (Bac+3), a major shift from the previous requirement of a master’s degree (Bac+5). The reform aims to attract candidates earlier, professionalise training, and address chronic recruitment shortages.

The 2026 Reform: A New Pathway into Teaching

The core of the reform is a restructuring of the timeline to become a tenured teacher in France’s public education system. Previously, aspiring teachers typically prepared for highly competitive recruitment exams (concours) such as the CRPE (for primary schools) and CAPES (for secondary schools) during or after a two-year master’s degree. Under the new system, the competitive examination becomes the gateway at the end of a three-year bachelor’s degree.

Successful candidates will then embark on a new, fully-paid, two-year “professional master’s degree” (M2E). In the first year (M1), they will be paid civil servant students (approximately €1,400 net per month). In the second year (M2), they become trainee civil servants (approximately €1,800 net per month) with part-time teaching responsibilities. Upon completing this master’s, they are granted tenure.

Key Facts & Timeline

Addressing a Recruitment Crisis

The reform is a direct response to growing difficulties in recruiting teachers, particularly in certain subjects (e.g., mathematics, German) and in the Parisian académies of Créteil and Versailles. A 2023 report by the Court of Accounts highlighted a “deterioration in the quality of recruitment” and an “attractiveness crisis.” The government hopes that offering a salary during training and providing a clearer, faster pathway will draw more candidates.

The reform also seeks to better integrate practical training. The new bachelor’s and master’s degrees are designed to include significantly more hands-on classroom experience from an earlier stage, addressing criticism that previous training was too theoretical.

Preparing for the New Concours

With the reform, preparation is shifting into undergraduate studies. Many universities are introducing dedicated modules from 2025. For candidates, a robust preparation market exists. Major distance-learning providers like the CNED, ForProf, and Objectif CRPE have already adapted their courses for the new Bac+3 exam format. These preparations typically offer live online classes, mock exams with personalised video feedback, extensive question banks, and simulation of oral exams.

A new wave of study guides for the “CRPE 2026-2027” has been published, focusing on the updated written and oral exams. Key advice from preparers includes starting early, balancing content mastery with practical application, and extensively practising with past papers and mock scenarios.

Union Opposition to Separate Assessment Reform

While the training reform moves forward, the government faces significant opposition from teaching unions on a separate, proposed change to teacher assessment. Unions called for a strike on 15 December 2025 against a plan to make school heads the sole evaluators for career advancement, removing the role of specialist pedagogical inspectors. Unions argue this would create a discretionary system and devalue pedagogical expertise, with negotiations ongoing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What about the agrégation?

The agrégation, the most prestigious and academically demanding competitive exam for secondary teachers, is not affected by this reform. It will continue to require a master’s degree (Bac+5) for entry. Successful agrégés hold a higher status and remuneration.

I’m already in a master’s programme. Can I still take the exam?

Yes. A transition period for the 2026 and 2027 exam sessions will see competitions organised at both the Bac+5 (master’s) and Bac+3 (bachelor’s) levels. This accommodates students already on the previous pathway.

Where can I find official information?

The Ministry of National Education’s dedicated site, devenirenseignant.gouv.fr, provides official details on exam schedules, programmes, and registration. Each regional académie also publishes specific information for its jurisdiction.