France is the cradle of scientific graphology. The French society “La Société Française de Graphologie (SFDG)” was established in 1871. It received legal status in 1901, and was acknowledged as “functioning in the Public’s interest” in 1971. This society is highly respected. Among its honorary members are Nobel Prize winners (Louis de Broglie – Physics; Jean Dausset – Medicine), members of the “French Academy” (Alain Decaux, Jacqueline de Romilly) and cultural leaders, such as Henri Bergson, André Gide, Paul Valéry and Dr. Albert Schweitzer.
The “Syndicat des Graphologues Professionels de France”
(SGPF) was created in June 2011 after the merger of two associations, the
“Groupement des Graphologues Conseils” and the Syndicate of SFDG. Within the
sector of private higher education, recognized by the academic authorities of
Paris, the SFDG organizes graphological training in two modules leading
to the SFDG diploma qualified members. The SGFP defends its members, organizes
study meetings, and promotes the skills of its members both in professional
recruitment and personal areas.
The “Groupement des Graphologues Graphothérapeutes et
Rééducateurs de l’Ecriture” (GGRE) was the first organization of its
kind in France to offer professional training in graphotherapy. It is
recognized by the “Direction Générale du Travail”.
France is the country in which graphology is used most, estimated up to 80% of enterprises. Graphologists are self-employed or work as employees in Human Resources and consulting agencies, and in many companies and industrial plants. The issue of employees’ recruitment is regulated in France by a general 1992 “Workers’ recruitment and individual’s privacy law”. Candidates must be informed of the selection methods that will be used by the employer. Graphological assessment is defined as an official supporting tool for decision-making in personnel selection. It was approved by a committee that included governmental representatives of the Ministry of Labour, and the organization of human resources managers, and in 2002 it received official accreditation from the French Standards Institute (AFNOR), as an equivalent tool to personality test.
In France, Forensic Graphology experts are recognized by the Ministry of Justice, and they obtain their certification by oath in official ceremonies organized by the ministry.
2015