CPF 2026: amount, cap, out-of-pocket cost and new rules
09 April 2026 · 4 min reading time
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See job offersThe personal training account continues to evolve in 2026. While the overall system remains the same, certain rules regarding training funding and the out-of-pocket cost have been adjusted. These changes may have a direct impact on the actual cost of training and how your rights can be used.
Whether you are an employee, job seeker, or self-employed worker, it is useful to understand the CPF amount in 2026, the CPF cap, situations involving a mandatory financial contribution, and the eligible training courses. Here is what you need to know to use your CPF in 2026.
What changes for CPF in 2026
The main change to CPF 2026 concerns the mandatory financial contribution required to use your rights. This contribution has existed since May 2, 2024, when it was set at €100. It was then increased to €102.23 on January 1, 2025, and to €150 since April 1, 2026. This increase is the key change to remember for 2026.
In practical terms, this means that account holders can no longer use all their CPF rights to fully pay for a training course. Even with a sufficient balance, part of the cost remains payable by the individual. For example, for a €1,000 training course with €1,000 in available rights, only €850 can be used from the CPF and the remaining €150 must be paid personally.
This contribution does not always add to an existing remaining cost. If the user already had an out-of-pocket cost higher than €150 because their rights were insufficient, the measure does not change the amount to be paid. However, if the rights fully covered the training, or if only a small amount remained payable, the minimum out-of-pocket cost becomes €150.
Some individuals remain exempt from the CPF contribution. This is notably the case for job seekers, individuals benefiting from employer funding, OPCO funding, sector funding, those using their rights within the C2P framework, and beneficiaries of AT/MP additional funding.
Another important change in 2026 concerns funding rules for certain training courses. Training leading to a certification listed in the RNCP can still be financed without a specific usage cap. However, for certifications listed in the Specific Directory, CPF funding is now limited to €1,500, except for certain cases such as the CléA certification.
Finally, some training courses are also subject to stricter rules, such as the CPF driving licence funding. For preparation for the theoretical and practical tests of the light vehicle licence, no more than €900 of CPF rights can be used.
In summary, CPF 2026 does not change in principle, but its use is more regulated. CPF rights continue to be credited each year, but access to funding is now more often associated with an out-of-pocket cost and, for certain training courses, a usage cap.
What is the CPF amount in 2026
The CPF amount depends on professional activity. Rights are automatically credited each year.
For a full-time employee, the account is credited with €500 per year, up to a cap of €5,000. These rights can be freely used to finance CPF-eligible training.
Lower-qualified employees benefit from increased funding. In this case, the account can be credited with €800 per year, with a CPF cap of €8,000.
CPF works the same way for part-time employees. When working time is at least equal to half of full-time hours, the funding is identical. Below this threshold, CPF rights are calculated on a pro-rata basis according to working time.
The available CPF balance can be checked directly on the personal training account. Rights accumulated are automatically added from one year to the next.
Who can use CPF in 2026
The personal training account is available to any active individual. Private sector employees automatically have an account funded each year.
Job seekers keep the rights acquired during their previous activity. They can use their CPF to finance training supporting a return to employment.
Self-employed workers also benefit from the system. Their account is funded based on training contributions paid.
Public sector employees also have a training account, with rules adapted to the public service.
How to use your CPF in 2026
To use your CPF, you must log in to your personal training account. The account holder can check their CPF balance and search for eligible training.
Once the training is selected, the CPF registration request is completed directly online. The training organization then confirms the booking.
When the available CPF amount is insufficient, additional funding can be added. The employer or another funder can then complete the cost.
After validation, the training is financed via CPF, with any applicable out-of-pocket cost.
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