Competences and validation of competences: what are the challenges for career services in Italy?

This paper describes the concept of competence, tracing its historical evolution and outlining the principal models. It subsequently focuses on the process of Validation of acquisitions from experience (Validation des Acquis de l’Experience, VAE) as a paradigmatic experience introduced in France in 2002. The paper goes on to offer some stimuli regarding professionals and interventions in the 21st century and ends with a reflection on the challenges for career services in relation to competences.