CERFA Contrat D'Apprentissage Template for France

When you need to establish a formal apprenticeship relationship in France, the CERFA Contrat D'Apprentissage serves as the mandatory legal foundation. This official document creates binding obligations between you as an employer, your apprentice, the designated training master (maître d'apprentissage), and the apprenticeship training center (CFA). Understanding this contract is crucial for compliance with French labor law and ensuring a successful apprenticeship program.

When do you need this document?

You must use this CERFA form whenever hiring an apprentice aged 16 to 29 years old (with some exceptions allowing up to 35). The contract is required before your apprentice begins work, whether you're a small business taking on your first apprentice or a large corporation expanding your training programs. You'll need this document for apprenticeships in any sector, from traditional trades like carpentry and plumbing to modern fields like digital marketing and software development. The form is also mandatory when converting an existing employment contract to an apprenticeship agreement or when an apprentice transfers between employers during their training period.

Key legal considerations

Your CERFA contract must specify the apprentice's compensation, which follows strict legal minimums based on age and training year, ranging from 27% to 100% of the SMIC. You're legally obligated to designate a qualified maître d'apprentissage with either relevant professional experience or appropriate qualifications in your field. The contract duration typically ranges from 6 months to 3 years, depending on the qualification level, and cannot exceed the training program duration. You must ensure the apprentice receives proper theoretical education at an approved CFA, with time allocation between workplace training and classroom learning clearly defined. The contract automatically terminates at the end date unless both parties agree to early termination following specific procedures outlined in the Code du travail.

Legal requirements in France

Under Articles L6224-1 to L6224-8 of the Code du travail, you must register this contract with your regional chamber (Chamber of Commerce, Chamber of Trades, or Chamber of Agriculture) within five working days of signature. The contract requires detailed information about your company including SIRET number, collective bargaining agreement, and workforce size. Your designated maître d'apprentissage must demonstrate either three years of professional experience in the relevant field or hold qualifications equivalent to those being taught. You must comply with the 2018 reforms that simplified administrative procedures while maintaining strict educational and safety standards. The contract must include provisions for the apprentice's working time, which cannot exceed 35 hours per week including training center time, with special protections for minors under 18 years old.