Diploma

A new diploma dedicated to crafts

Publié le 18 février 2026 - Mise à jour le 08 juillet 2026 - Public Service / (Prime Minister)

The BNMA is a new national level 4 diploma (equivalent to the baccalaureate) designed to promote training in crafts. It should make it easier for students, apprentices or adults trained in these fields to gain access to employment or to continue their studies. Public Service inform you.

Illustration
Image 1Crédits: Prathankarnpap - stock.adobe.com

A decree of 13 February 2026 institute a new national diploma, the National Patent for Crafts (BNMA), intended to strengthen the recognition of vocational training in the field of crafts. In fact, the context is particularly favorable because there is a strong demand from the arts and crafts sector and a desire to perpetuate and transmit know-how.

Several orders issued in Official journal of the French Republic of July 8, 2026 create the 4 specialties proposed by the BNMA: Cabinetmaking, Watchmaking, Leather goods of high quality (Leather goods option, Malleterie option), Jewelry (jewelry option, crimping option, polishing option).

What is BNMA?

The BNMA is getting ready in 3 years after the 3rd grade. Pupils will be able to attend formal education in vocational high schools, and apprentices in public or private CFA (apprenticeship training centers) from the start of the 2026 school year.

This diploma can be obtained either by examination or by validation of prior learning (VAE).

This new level 4 diploma gives the same rights as the baccalaureate, including:

  • obtaining the first university degree;
  • national recognition of the career path in the field of crafts;
  • access to higher education, including artistic, technical or vocational studies.

At this stage, the BNMA offers the possibility to opt for 4 professional specialties:

  • jewelry, option jewelry, polishing or crimping;
  • cabinetmaking;
  • watchmaking;
  • high-quality leather goods, leather goods or malleterie option.

The training includes specialty-specific vocational instruction, general instruction and 16 weeks of on-the-job training.

Please note

The BNMA will gradually replace the BMA (Patent for Crafts) and the Bac pro AMA (Crafts and Crafts).

Why this new diploma of crafts?

The BNMA aims to ensure the transmission of traditional techniques while promoting innovation and adaptation to changes in the sector.

It aims to:

  • promote the crafts, an essential sector of French heritage and the French economy;
  • offer consistent routes leading directly to level 4 directly after level 3e, specifically dedicated to crafts;
  • improve the readability of the offer of diplomas for pupils, parents, employers and higher education institutions.

FYI  

The national patent for crafts allows entry into professional life or the continuation of studies, according to the project of the holder. Professional integration is possible in the sectors of crafts, crafts of excellence and in the luxury industry.

Graduates may also, for example, choose to prepare a DN MADE (National Diploma of Arts and Design), a certificate of specialization or other higher education diplomas.

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