This article analyses the main changes in the rules for validating experience in France and of what they mean for society. It goes on to consider university validation practices. The way in which this system is evolving offers a chance to identify the issues involved for the economy and for society, with particular attention to the expected consequences for universities. This analysis enables us to understand how the problem of validating experience is linked to current economic globalisation and sheds light on the scope of lifelong training. (Contains 3 tables and 1 footnote.)