What competition to become an EJE?

08/01/2024

Becoming an Early Childhood Educator (ECE) is a dream for many candidates who are passionate about the field of education and social work. This job, which involves supporting and caring for children, is both rewarding and demanding. However, to access this profession in certain countries of the European Union, it is essential to pass a specific competitive examination, before spending three years at school.

Differences depending on the country

In Luxembourg, to become an educator, it is generally not necessary to take a competitive examination as is the case in France, for example. In Luxembourg, access to the profession of educator is via the State Educator Diploma, but without having to pass a prior competitive examination to join the training.

However, the DEEJE (French State Diploma of Early Childhood Educator) is recognized automatically in Luxembourg, although you must contact the competent organizations to confirm this recognition.

The EJE competition

Access to EJE training is through a competitive examination. To apply, the candidate must hold a baccalaureate or equivalent diploma. This competition is organized at the regional level and includes several tests, including an interview with a jury.

What are the competition tests?

The competition to become an EJE includes two separate tests aimed at assessing the skills, knowledge and motivation of the candidates.

- The eligibility test: this written test consists of completing an application form via Parcoursup. Several criteria are taken into account:

professional experiences,
volunteer experiences in the social sector,
the candidate’s writing skills and qualities,
the motivation of the candidate.

- The admission test: candidates whose application has been accepted by one or more schools to which they have applied, take the second test, oral this time: the interview with the jury made up of teachers and professionals. This interview is a crucial phase of the selection process. Candidates are assessed on their ability to express themselves, their motivation to become an EJE, and their understanding of the profession. It is essential to prepare carefully for this interview by anticipating possible questions and highlighting your experience, skills and general knowledge.

Preparing for these tests is essential to succeed in the competition.

How to prepare for the competition?

To pass the competition and access EJE training, it is important to prepare beforehand.

Carry out research on the subject: motivation and knowledge of the profession being an essential point of the admission test, the future candidate must absolutely do research, obtain books and specific resources.
Meet professionals: to really understand a profession, the best thing is to meet a person practicing the EJE profession and ask them questions directly about their work and the reality on the ground.
Prepare seriously: success in an EJE competition depends largely on preparation. It is essential to dedicate time to studying, writing the application and practicing interviews.

EJE training and establishments

Once you have passed the Early Childhood Educator competition, you can access specific training which will prepare you to practice this demanding profession. This training, delivered in specialist training schools, is crucial for acquiring the necessary skills and knowledge.

Schools and training centers

Schools and training centers to become EJE are spread throughout the different regions. It is important to choose an institution recognized and approved by the competent authorities to guarantee the quality of your training and the validity of your diploma. The establishments offer comprehensive programs covering various aspects of the profession, including child psychology, pedagogy, sociology and Early Childhood legislation.

The duration of the training

Training to become an EJE generally lasts three years. During this period, students acquire theoretical and practical knowledge essential for their future careers. Internships in a professional environment occupy an important place in the curriculum, allowing future EJEs to put into practice what they have learned in class.

Diplomas and conditions

At the end of the training, students obtain the State Diploma in Early Childhood Educator (DEEJE). This diploma is essential to practice the EJE profession in France, but also in other countries of the European Union, as is the case in Luxembourg. It is important to note that only approved training establishments can issue this diploma.

Are there different paths to the ECE profession?

In addition to traditional training, there is another path to becoming an EJE. Indeed, it is possible to do a VAE (Validation of Acquired Experience) in order to obtain the EJE diploma without returning to school for three years. The aim of the VAE is to allow professionals to use their professional experience to obtain a diploma.

If you hold a diploma in the social sector or Early Childhood, such as the crèche assistant diploma (CAP Petite Enfance) or childcare assistant, for example, you can choose to complete an EJE VAE.

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