The cleaning sector, often underestimated, plays an essential role in the running of many businesses and in society in general. To guarantee a quality service, cleaning staff must have technical skills and comply with hygiene regulations. Diplomas and certifications are real guarantees of professionalism and competence in this field. As the sector continues to evolve, training remains an essential pillar in ensuring a quality cleaning service in all environments. As the new academic year begins in 2024, La Providence has summarised for you the training courses that are useful for working in the cleaning sector.
The Importance of Diplomas and Certifications in the Cleaning Sector
In a sector where the quality of service depends on meticulousness, rigour and technical expertise, diplomas and certifications help to standardise skills. They ensure that cleaning professionals not only have the necessary know-how, but also an understanding of hygiene, safety and environmental standards.
These qualifications are also essential to meet the growing demands of customers for impeccable cleaning services. For employers, employing qualified staff is a way of guaranteeing customer satisfaction while minimising the risks associated with inadequate practices, such as the misuse of chemicals.
Cleaning sector diplomas
There are a number of government-recognised diplomas available for those wishing to specialise in the cleaning sector.
1) The Cleaning and Hygiene Agent CAP (APH)
The Certificat d'Aptitude Professionnelle (CAP) in cleaning and hygiene is the basic qualification for entry into the sector. It trains students in cleaning and maintenance techniques and the use of professional products and equipment. The CAP APH also covers aspects of workplace safety, risk prevention and environmental protection.
This diploma is available after the third year of secondary school and is aimed mainly at young people in initial training, but also at adults who are retraining for a new career. It enables students to work in a variety of contexts, including cleaning companies, local authorities and healthcare establishments.
2) Bac Pro in Hygiene, Cleaning and Sterilisation
The Bac Professionnel Hygiène, Propreté, Stérilisation provides more in-depth training, particularly in disinfection and sterilisation methods, which are essential in sensitive environments such as hospitals and laboratories. This diploma also covers team management and task planning, preparing students for positions of responsibility such as team leader or supervisor.
The Bac Pro is prepared in three years after the third year, or in two years after a CAP in the same field. It also opens the door to higher education for those who wish to specialise further or move into management positions.
3) BTS in Environmental Services (MSE)
The Brevet de Technicien Supérieur (BTS) Métiers des Services à l'Environnement is a 2-year higher education diploma that provides training for management positions in the cleaning and related services sector. Students learn how to manage teams, organise cleaning services, advise clients and ensure compliance with quality and safety standards.
The BTS MSE diploma leads to middle management positions such as sector manager or project manager in the cleaning sector. It also offers the prospect of advancement to management positions in large cleaning companies or in the hygiene departments of major groups.
Certificates of Professional Qualification (CQP)
In addition to diplomas, there are a number of professional certifications that validate specific skills or enable you to specialise in a particular area of cleaning.
The CQP is a certification recognised by companies in the sector and issued by professional branches. There are several CQPs in the cleaning sector, such as :
- CQP Agent Machiniste Classique: To master the use of cleaning machines.
- CQP Maintenance and Renovation Agent in Cleaning: To specialise in the maintenance and renovation of different types of floors and surfaces.
- CQP Cleaning Team Leader: For those wishing to move into management positions.
The CQP is often accessible through continuing education, making it an excellent tool for professionals wishing to improve or develop their career.
The formation
Training for cleaning jobs can be provided by a range of specialised schools and centres that offer courses tailored to the needs of the sector. Here are some examples of institutions in France that offer training in this field:
1) INHNI - National Institute of Industrial Hygiene and Cleaning
The INHNI is one of the leading schools in France dedicated to the training of cleaning and hygiene professionals. The institute offers a wide range of courses, from CAP to Bac+5 as well as the CQP (Certificat de Qualification Professionnelle). It also offers continuing education courses for professionals wishing to improve or develop their careers.
2) AFPA - Association for Adult Vocational Training
The AFPA is a network of adult training centres offering training in many fields, including cleaning. The AFPA offers training courses tailored to the needs of cleaning companies, with certifications recognised in the sector, such as the CQP Agent Machiniste Classique and training in new technologies and ecological practices.
3) GRETA - Group of establishments
GRETAs are public-sector organisations offering training courses for adults throughout France. In the cleaning sector, some GRETAs offer courses such as qualifying courses in industrial cleaning techniques or specific cleaning courses. These courses are often modular and can be tailored to the needs of local companies.
4) Professional schools
A number of vocational schools in France offer training in the cleaning sector, in particular the CAP or Bac Pro. These institutions allow students to follow a traditional school curriculum while specialising in the cleaning industry.
5) Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) schools
The Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CCI) also offer training courses related to the cleaning industry, particularly in the management of cleaning teams. Some CCIs offer training in partnership with companies in the sector, to ensure that the skills taught match the needs of the market.
6) Apprentice Training Centres (CFA)
The CFAs offer work-linked training courses in the cleaning professions, allowing students to combine theory and practice in the workplace. Work-linked courses include diplomas such as the CAP Agent de Propreté et d'Hygiène and the Bac Pro Hygiène, Propreté, Stérilisation.
The Future of Diplomas and Certifications in the Cleaning Sector
The cleaning sector is constantly evolving, in response to technological advances, new regulations and customer expectations. Diplomas and qualifications must therefore adapt to include skills in sustainable management, innovative technologies (such as robotic cleaning) and waste management.
Increasingly, cleaning companies are encouraging their employees to take part in ongoing training couses to keep up to date with the best practices and innovations in the industry. This approach not only helps to maintain a high level of quality, but also helps to retain staff by offering them career development opportunities.
