agrégé

An agrégé is a person who has passed the agrégation, a highly competitive national examination in the French education system used to recruit teachers for secondary schools and higher education. The term applies to both men and women; the feminine form is agrégée. The title denotes a high level of qualification and is widely recognized in academic and public-school circles.

The agrégation covers a broad range of disciplines, including literature, history, mathematics, sciences, languages, philosophy, and more. The examination is organized by the Ministry of National Education and exists in several tracks, notably external (open to graduates with a master’s degree or equivalent) and internal (for current teachers). The selection process typically combines written and oral tests, demonstrated teaching ability, and subject-specific assessments. Successful candidates earn the title of agrégé (or agrégée) and are commonly employed as professors in secondary schools and, in some cases, as lecturers or researchers in universities.

Historically, the agrégation emerged as a means to elevate teaching standards and secure a cadre of highly qualified instructors. It remains one of the most prestigious certifications in the French education system and is often regarded as more demanding than other teaching competitions such as the CAPES.

In contemporary usage, the term appears in official biographies and institutional listings whenever a person has achieved the qualification. The feminine form agrégée is frequently used when referring to female holders.