27 heritage curator positions open to competition

With 27 positions for curator of State/City of Paris heritage open this year, the competition reached the peak of the years 2012-2013 (28 and 29 positions offered). Over the past 10 years, however, the figures have stabilized.

In 2024, as every year, the external competition offers more places than the internal competition: 20 against 7. This is slightly higher than last year (17 positions in the external competition, 5 positions in the internal competition). The “archives” specialty is the most important:

• Archaeology: 4 external positions, 1 internal position
• Archives: 7 external positions (including 2 for the Ministry of the Armed Forces and 1 for the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs), 3 internal positions (including 1 for the Ministry of the Armed Forces)
• Historical monuments and inventory: 3 external positions, 1 internal position
• Museum specialty: 5 external positions (including 1 for the Ministry of the Armed Forces), 2 internal positions
• Scientific, technical and natural heritage: 1 internal position for the Ministry of the Armed Forces

The State/City of Paris generally opens more state curator positions than local authorities. This year, there are 27 heritage curator positions and 21 territorial curator positions.

It is the National Heritage Institute (INP) which organizes competitions for heritage curators for the State/City of Paris and for the National Center for Territorial Civil Service (CNFPT). The tests to become a state conservative or territorial conservative are common. Candidates have the opportunity to register for both competitions and decide, depending on their profile, whether to apply externally or internally.

The external competition is open to holders of a license, or a diploma with an equivalent qualification. The internal competition is reserved for soldiers, magistrates, state agents, civil servants and agents of local authorities as well as candidates working in an international, intergovernmental organization who can demonstrate 4 years of public service.

The winners of the state competition then join the National Heritage Institute (INP) for 18 months of training, starting in January following the competition. The training is completed by two internships: a first in a specialty and a second abroad.

For their part, territorial conservative students follow an 18-month training course, alternating between the National Institute of Territorial Studies (INET) and the National Heritage Institute. The INP provides them with scientific and technical skills, the INET provides them with knowledge of local authorities and managerial skills, and supports them in their professional career. Unlike State Conservative students, who can then be posted to heritage institutions, Territorial Conservative students must apply themselves.

The external and internal territorial conservation officer competition takes place approximately every three years. It is organized by management centers according to the needs of recruiters. This competition is therefore not organized every year in the same departments.