Overview
The Brevet de Technicien Supérieur (BTS) is a French national vocational diploma awarded after two years of higher education (Bac+2), usually studied in a lycée, by apprenticeship, or at a specialised school. It is offered in many specialities, from business and management to engineering, health and the arts, each with its own national syllabus set by the Ministry of National Education.
Who can apply
Candidates normally hold the baccalauréat (general, technological or professional) or an equivalent qualification. Students apply to a BTS programme through Parcoursup, France's higher education admissions platform, alongside their final year of secondary school or afterwards.
Exam pattern
Each BTS speciality has its own set of written, oral and practical exams defined by ministerial order, combining subject-specific papers with general subjects such as French and a foreign language. Students can be assessed either through end-of-course exams or through continuous assessment (contrôle en cours de formation) during training, depending on the establishment and pathway. Exams generally take place in May and June.
Important dates
For the 2026 session, pre-registration opened in most académies between 8 and 13 October 2025 and closed on 12 November 2025. Registration is completed online through the Cyclades platform on the candidate's home académie website.
How to apply
Registration is exclusively online through Cyclades, using an account created on the relevant académie's exam portal. Candidates already enrolled in a BTS programme are usually pre-registered by their establishment; independent candidates register themselves.
FAQs
How long does a BTS take?
Two years of study after the baccalauréat (Bac+2), whether full-time, in an apprenticeship, or at a specialised school.
Do all BTS specialities have the same exams?
No. Each speciality has its own national syllabus and exam structure, combining subject-specific and general papers, set by ministerial order.