The French government has proposed changes to the rules for using the personal training account (CPF) in its 2027 budget plan. The goal is to guide individuals toward sectors facing labor shortages or considered strategically important. If approved, the changes would be applied retroactively from October 1, 2026, to prevent people from using their CPF before the new rules take effect. The proposed reform, detailed in the 2027 finance bill, aims to "refocus" the CPF on training that leads to jobs in sectors with recruitment challenges or strategic importance. According to the minister of labor, Jean-Pierre Farandou, the change seeks to bring the CPF back to its original purpose as a tool for professional development. This shift could save up to 350 million euros in the coming year by redirecting resources to more effective training programs. Under the new rules, individuals using their CPF to fund training would need to complete a questionnaire about the training's goals, expected outcomes, alignment with their career path, and funding arrangements. Those whose projects align with sectors like artificial intelligence, defense, or social care—identified as priority areas—would be able to use their CPF normally. Training that is partially funded by an employer would also fall under the same rules. Those whose training plans don't fit the new criteria would be advised to seek professional development counseling (CEP) to better align their goals with the available options. They could still pursue their original training, but they would face higher out-of-pocket costs. Currently, users must pay 150 euros out of pocket, a requirement that does not apply to the unemployed or those whose training is co-funded by an employer. Under the new rules, this cost could vary depending on how relevant the training is to a professional project. In an interview with LCI on September 24, Farandou explained that the cost could be zero in some fields, like artificial intelligence, 150 euros for other trainings, and up to 350 euros if the training is considered "very, very, very far" from a professional goal. He gave the example that learning Italian for a business project in Italy is acceptable, but learning it purely for personal enjoyment should not receive the same level of support. The government had previously introduced limits on CPF usage in the last budget, including reserving the account for driving license training for certain groups, such as the unemployed. The out-of-pocket cost for training had already increased from 100 to 150 euros in early April 2026. To prevent people from using their CPF rights before the 2027 budget is finalized, the reform will be applied retroactively from October 1, 2026. If approved, individuals who purchase training now to avoid the reform might face higher costs later if their training is deemed unrelated to a professional project.