Brevet de Technicien Supérieur

The Brevet de technicien supérieur (BTS) technician certificate is a national diploma of higher education in France, established in 1959.

The technician certificate is usually earned in two years, after graduating with a Bac (baccalauréat) in a section of senior technician (STS). The training curriculum includes periods of internship.

The BTS is a level III diploma in the French diploma system (equivalent to level 5 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland). Graduation is on review. Unlike the Bac, there is no test to cull those who score slightly below the pass mark (10/20), only a commission for those remedial students close to the pass mark.

The BTS certificate is a quick way to access a professional qualification, and is intended for entry into the workforce.

Students seeking to earn the Brevet de Technicien Supérieur (BTS) can choose from several approaches:

The French government has developed a web−portal at ONISEP (a French work and study information institute), for accessing the list of schools providing training.

The scale of BTS institutions is similar to a high school: in the numerous places of educational offerings, the number of students per class, and the average study load. The schools offering a BTS can be private or public institutions. Each school chooses the specific certificate programs it offers.

There are over a hundred specialty commercial, industrial, or agricultural (e.g. Higher technician certificate agriculture (BTSA) BTS certificate programs. Some specialty study options are offered in the BTS 's second year (e.g. hotels, business computing). Students have access to BTS programs at regional centers of universities and schools (CROUS). Scholarships can include housing and meals.

The BTS certificate provides quick achievement of professional qualifications for entry into the workforce.

However, a continuation of study can be considered. The LMD reform encourages holders of BTS, after a year equal to L2, to continue their studies until acquiring a professional license or DCG (L3). Obtaining higher technician certificate carries the acquisition of 120 European credits (ECTS). In fall 2007, 33.5% of those earning a BTS continued their studies.

After a BTS is earned, some students make a third year specialization which is equivalent to a licence (university degree). There has been an expansion of workforce openings since 1999 for the training-type professional licence.

Some BTS graduates can go on to engineering colleges, business schools, university preparatory classes for a Diploma in Accounting and Management (DCG), and the Professionalized Institute (IUP).

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