What is the Professional Knowledge and Skills Base (Key)?

Verified 13 November 2025 - Public Service / Directorate of Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

The Knowledge and Professional Skills Base (KeyA) can prove that you have mastered basic knowledge and thus strengthen your presence in the labor market. It consists of all the knowledge and skills that it is useful to master to promote his professional integration. This foundation is also used for social, civic and cultural life. This evidence may therefore facilitate your ability to be employed or your access to training.

FYI  

The KeyA certificate is unique and identical for all professional sectorsHowever, it does not have a level or rank.

This is about prove that you have mastered basic knowledge.

This demonstration translates into the issuance of a certificate.

He's addressing mainly to employees and jobseekers without a diploma.

The knowledge and skills base covers 7 domains :

  • Knowing how to communicate in French
  • Know how to use basic rules of calculation and the mathematical reasoning
  • Know how to use common techniques ofinformation and the digital communication
  • Be able to work within defined rules of a teamwork
  • Work in autonomy and to carry out a individual objective
  • Have the ability to learn throughout life
  • Know how to control gestures and basic postures, and comply withhygiene, security and environmental, elementary.

These trainings:

  • Can be offered independently of each other
  • Allow to obtain a recognition of these achievements.

An additional module is added to the use of the usual techniques of information and digital communication. Its purpose is to acquire knowledge and skills relating to the fundamental uses of digital technology in a work environment.

It allows:

  • Acquisition and exploitation of information
  • Consideration of the principles of digital security
  • And collaborative project management.

2 complementary modules can be added to the knowledge and professional skills base:

  • One to fight illiteracy
  • The other to promote access to the qualification.

If you take the initiative to get KeyA, an online service allows you to find an advisor:

Find an advisor from an evaluating organization (CléA)

This advisor explains what CléA can bring you.

It opens your KeyA folder if you wish and accompanies you.

Your professional knowledge and skills will be assessed.

The KeyA certificate can be obtained:

  • Directly if you master all areas. Indeed, if the evaluation shows that you master all the necessary bases, your file is immediately sent to a jury
  • Or after training if certain elements are to be acquired. An evaluation is then made of these elements to be acquired.

A jury of professionals examines your file: if it meets the required requirements, you will obtain your KeyA certificate.

FYI  

The KeyA certificate takes the form of a digital certificate. A paper version can be given to you if you request it.

You can ask free of charge the assistance of a professional development advisor (CEP) for the steps related to obtaining this Key certificate.

The organization with which you can meet a CEP depends on:

  • Your situation (employee, job seeker...)
  • And where you live.

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