In France, the legal principle of equivalence does not exist.
You can obtain a comparability statement for a foreign degree. This is a document evaluating the relevant qualification in comparison with the French system and which can be submitted to an employer, an administration organising an admission competition or a training institution in order to assist you in your application procedures.

You should contact the NARIC or ENIC centre in the country in which you would like your qualification to be recognised. The procedure is different in each country. A list of ENIC-NARIC centres is available on the website of the ENIC-NARIC network: www.enic-naric.net
For countries that do not have an ENIC or NARIC centre, you should contact the French embassy in the country concerned, who will explain the procedure you need to follow.

In France, the legal principle of equivalence does not exist.
You can obtain a comparability statement for a foreigndegree.
Comparability statement for foreign qualifications compare such qualifications with the French educational system.
In order to evaluate foreign qualifications, ENIC-NARIC France uses an analytical framework applying the principles of international texts determining the recognition of qualifications in the European region. The comparative analysis is also based on a study of the individual applicant’s academic background.

A comparability statement helps to make the course taken by an individual more transparent. It does not have any legal value.
It is only issued for periods of study of one semester or longer, and for courses recognised by the relevant body in the country of issue.

The validity of the certificate of recognition of study levels issued by ENIC-NARIC France has no expiry date.
If you require a comparability statement for a foreign qualification, you must submit a new file.

Certificates of recognition of study levels issued by ENIC-NARIC France prior to August 31, 2009 or by an education authority prior to December 31, 2007, determined levels attained in the foreign education system issuing the qualification. They did not entail a comparison with the French educational system but stated, as far as possible, the academic prerequisites and academic and professional opportunities to which a qualification in the relevant education system entitles the holder.

Approval cannot be obtained for a private individual. Approval – introduced by the Loi d’Orientation sur l’Enseignement Technologique (framework law on technological education) No. 71-577 of 16 July 1971, removed by the Loi de Modernisation Sociale (employment law) of 17 January 2002, and now replaced by registration with the RNCP (Répertoire National des Certifications Professionnelles, or national register of vocational qualifications) – involves classifying vocational qualifications awarded by private and public organisations who apply for registration according to level and field. Approval is a government guarantee of the level of the qualification in relation to the jobs to which it gives access. The aim is to establish the ability to perform a type of work according to a predefined scale with five levels.
In most cases the approved qualifications are accepted, in the same way as Diplômes Nationaux [national diplomas], when applying for competitive examinations for the French public service and for entrance examinations for certain schools that prepare students for Diplômes d’Etat [government-certified diplomas].
Approval does not have any legal value in terms of equivalence. Approval is granted for a maximum duration of 3 years for qualifications that are not approved automatically.

Equivalence can be obtained for a qualification in certain countries, but not in France. This is a decision that can be legally challenged before the administrative court of the country issuing the certificate of equivalence.

In France, authorities organising competitive examinations and training institutions offer certificates of comparability. A committee recognises your study level and authorises you to take part in a competitive examination or allows you to continue your studies at the level that it considers corresponds to the training you have completed outside France in relation to the courses on offer in the institution.