Purpose: The purpose of this article is to analyse the conceptual approaches to competence and practice in competence management in France. Design/methodology/approach: Extensive literature review, discussion with academic experts in the French competence network of AGRH and interviews concerning developments following the 2003 national agreement…

Discusses effects of integration of the European Community and internal market on qualifications for occupational activity. Describes German objections to the community's attempts to set educational policy. Urges common community definitions of professions and recognition of vocational qualifications to facilitate freedom of movement of the work…

Asserts that Europe is moving closer to political unity and the Single European Act will promote the professional mobility of teachers. Discusses attempts to introduce innovative models of teacher education likely to lead to greater equality within the teaching profession. (CFR)