At the end of the program of studies, students are awarded the Diploma of Restorer of Heritage, with indication of the speciality.

Restorers may practise in a number of fields, for instance, a qualified "furniture" restorer may choose to work on all objects of this category, or solely on wooden supprots or on oriental lacquers.

Independent practitioners

Most qualified restorers are nowadays self employed, working for public or private parties.

Some restorers may choose to enter into partnerships, either on a permanent basis to share a workshop, or to respond to a temporary market. Restorers working on the property of French Museums or Historic Monuments, whilst working in a private capacity, do so within the framework of procedures which have been drawn up for public markets. In that case they can benefit from the support of the national laboratories, particularly those run by the Ministry of Culture.

Contracted practitioners

Restorers are sometimes contracted by a heritage agency (national or regional) for a set period of time.

There is also a "Restoration and preventive conservation" section within the body of art technicians and supervisors of the Ministry of Culture (recruited by a competitive entrance examination).

Finally, restorers can be employed by private companies and associations, some of which from part of the national network of workshops and laboratories of French museums.

Former graduates : consult