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Everything you need to know about mandatory qualifications for artisanal activities

Service Client Candosa 🧡 avatar
Written by Service Client Candosa 🧡
Updated over a month ago

✨ At Candosa, we make starting your business easy — but for certain artisanal activities, you must prove your skills before you can get your SIRET. Here’s everything you need to know!


❓ What is an artisanal activity?

An activity is considered artisanal if it involves manual craftsmanship and is usually performed independently.

It falls under the supervision of the Chambre des Métiers et de l’Artisanat (CMA).

Common examples:

  • Construction (plumbing, masonry, electricity, painting…)

  • Personal services (hairdressing, beauty, massage)

  • Manufacturing (jewelry, furniture, textiles…)

  • Repairs (cars, household appliances…)

👉 If your activity is artisanal, you must prove your qualifications for the CMA to approve your registration.


📋 Full list of artisanal activities requiring mandatory qualification

Here are the main activities where proof of qualification is required:

🛠️ Construction:

  • Plumber

  • Heating specialist

  • Electrician

  • Mason

  • Tiler

  • Roofer

  • Building painter

  • Carpenter

  • Locksmith

  • Plasterer

  • Woodworker

  • Flooring/wall installer

  • Landscaper (for green spaces creation/maintenance)

🚗 Repair:

  • Car mechanic

  • Two-wheeler repairer

  • Car body repairer

  • Vehicle inspection controller

💇‍♂️ Personal services:

  • Hairdresser

  • Beautician

  • Nail technician

  • Barber

🖐️ Manufacturing / Craft:

  • Jeweler

  • Watchmaker

  • Upholsterer

  • Ceramicist

  • Cabinetmaker

  • Tailor / Dressmaker

⚡️ Others:

  • Specialized industrial cleaner

  • Alarm system installer

(Based on CMA official listing — subject to updates)


🧐 Why is proof of qualification required?

The reasons are clear:

✔️ Protect customers by ensuring service quality.

✔️ Value the skills of French artisans.

French law requires proof of professional ability for regulated professions.


✍️ How can you prove your qualifications?

To complete your registration, you must provide one of the following:

A recognized diploma (CAP, BEP, Bac Pro, etc.)

OR

Proof of 3 years of professional experience in the relevant field

OR

Commitment to recruit:

If you lack a diploma or sufficient experience, you can sign a Commitment to Recruit someone qualified within 3 years after your registration.


🔥 What if I have no diploma or experience yet?

Don’t worry! You can still launch your micro-entreprise by:

👉 Signing a Commitment to Recruit, directly through your Candosa registration.

This allows you to:

  • Start your activity immediately

  • Regularize your situation later by hiring a qualified person

📌 Important: this commitment is official and legally binding.


📝 Quick Summary

Situation

What to do

Diploma in the field

✅ Provide a copy

3 years of proven experience

✅ Provide employment proof, payslips…

No diploma nor experience

✅ Sign a Commitment to Recruit


🛎️ Need help?

Not sure about your situation?

The Candosa team is here to guide you at every step! 🚀

👉 Reach out via chat or email anytime.

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