The Professional Football Coaching License (BEPF) is the highest qualification awarded by the French Football Federation (FFF). It corresponds to the UEFA Pro level, which is the maximum certification required to coach at the professional level.
This program sits at the top of the French coaching pathway and is designed to prepare coaches to operate in highly demanding environments, both in terms of performance and management.
What is the BEPF for?
The BEPF allows coaches to work at the highest levels of French and European football. It is notably mandatory to hold a head coach position in Ligue 1 and Ligue 2, and strongly recommended for working with professional teams or joining high-level technical staffs.
Beyond on-field coaching, this qualification prepares coaches to manage a complete project: leading a professional squad, collaborating with a multidisciplinary staff (fitness coaches, analysts, medical teams), handling media communication, and making decisions in high-pressure environments.
Who is this program for?
The BEPF is intended for experienced coaches, generally holding the BEFF (Elite Youth Coaching License), who want to take the final step toward the highest level.
It mainly targets:
- coaches currently working in professional or semi-professional clubs
- assistant coaches aiming to become head coaches
- former professional players transitioning into coaching
What are the entry requirements for the BEPF?
Mandatory prerequisites
Admission to the BEPF is reserved for already highly advanced profiles. The French Football Federation (FFF) sets several basic administrative requirements. To apply, candidates must:
- be at least 18 years old
- be registered with the FFF for the current season
- hold a first aid certificate (AFPS or PSC1)
In addition, a high level of experience is required. Candidates must be able to demonstrate 5 seasons as a paid coach, with a contract registered with a FIFA-recognized organization, in at least one of the following roles:
- head coach of a senior team in a non-professional club competing at national level
- coach of a reserve senior team in a professional club competing at national or R1 level
- assistant coach of a professional first team
- holder of the Elite Youth Coaching certification (TFP) with experience in an approved high-performance academy
The FFF also provides alternative entry pathways for high-level profiles. Applications may be accepted for candidates who meet one of the following criteria:
- high-level athlete in football
- at least 10 caps with a senior national team
- at least 200 appearances as a professional player in Ligue 1, Ligue 2, or an equivalent foreign league
- at least 100 appearances as a player in the top-tier women’s league or an equivalent foreign league
From an academic standpoint, candidates must also hold one of the following:
- DESJEPS (Football specialization)
- French State Diploma (2nd degree, football option)
- an active and valid BEPF training record
In other words, the BEPF is aimed at coaches already engaged in a high-level federal coaching pathway.
The selection process
Access to the BEPF is not automatic, even if all prerequisites are met. The FFF organizes entrance tests, scheduled for April 14 or 15, 2026, followed by a positioning phase on May 12 and 13, 2026.
The selection process is highly demanding. According to FFF data, 42 candidates applied for the continuous BEPF pathway, with only 26.19% admitted after the selection tests. This highlights how selective the program is.
There is also a specific cost associated with applying. The FFF charges a €50 registration fee for the entrance tests, payable even if the candidate is not selected.
Documents and materials required for the application
The application file must allow the FFF to assess the candidate’s experience, the strength of their background, and the consistency of their professional project. Required documents include:
- a CV
- a critical analysis of past experiences
- copies of coaching or assistant contracts, or experience in a high-performance academy
- a presentation of the personal project and motivation
- proof of high-level playing status (if applying through that pathway)
Additional administrative documents are also required:
- a valid ID
- a passport-style photo
- a certificate of good standing (honorability declaration)
- for foreign applicants, a residence permit with work authorization
The goal of this application is clear: to allow the FFF to verify not only administrative compliance, but also the candidate’s ability to commit to a long-term, high-performance coaching project.
Requirements to reach final certification
Meeting the entry requirements is not enough to complete the program. To be eligible for final certification, candidates must also:
- be at least 18 years old
- be registered with the FFF
- complete and validate 360 hours of professional coaching practice
This practical experience must be validated by the program director, based on reports from the assigned mentor. This highlights that the BEPF is not only based on theoretical learning or a final exam—it requires real immersion in a high-performance environment.
In summary, the BEPF is not designed for coaches simply looking to obtain an additional qualification. It targets experienced coaches who can demonstrate a strong background, real on-field credibility, and a clear professional project in high-level football.
What is included in the BEPF program?
The BEPF program runs over two seasons and is designed to prepare coaches to operate in the professional football environment. It follows a progressive approach, combining theoretical input, practical situations, and long-term on-field immersion.
The 4 competency blocks of the BEPF
The training content is structured into four competency blocks, each corresponding to a key aspect of the professional coach’s role:
- Block 1: Lead the sporting project of a club authorized to use professional players or a national team (50 hours)
- Block 2: Manage the training system safely for the first team in a club authorized to use professional players or a national team (180 hours)
- Block 3: Manage the first team in competition within a club authorized to use professional players or a national team (50 hours)
- Block 4: Manage a club authorized to use professional players or a national team (40 hours)
In total, these blocks represent 320 hours of training at the training center. The distribution clearly shows the priority given to training management, which is the core of the job, with 180 hours—more than half of the total program.
Teaching methods used
The BEPF uses a variety of methods to combine reflection, practice, and interaction between participants. The program includes:
- theoretical input
- practical scenarios
- collaborative workshops
- group work
- coaching discussions and feedback sessions
- digital resources such as presentations, manuals, and e-learning platforms
- professional work placement within a football organization
This structure moves away from a purely academic approach. Future coaches are placed in situations similar to those they will face in professional clubs: leading sessions, strategic thinking, managing a group, communication, and decision-making.
A 360-hour professional placement
The training at the center must be complemented by a mandatory 360-hour professional placement. This placement takes place within a club or a national-level youth football structure, with prior validation from a representative of the National Technical Department (DTN), and official confirmation from the club or organization.
This placement runs alongside the training weeks, from the beginning of the program through to final certification. It is not designed as a simple observation internship, but as continuous immersion throughout the course.
Coaching activities and educational interventions must be carried out within a structure validated in advance by the National Technical Director, their representative, or the program coordinator. Each participant must have their host structure approved no later than one week before the program positioning phase.
The role of the mentor during the program
The professional placement is supervised by a mentor, whose role is to support the trainee throughout the program. This role is essential, as the mentor provides ongoing guidance and helps connect the content covered during training with its application on the field.
The mentor conducts 5 formative visits during the program, including at least one between the first and second training sessions. This regular follow-up allows for evaluation of the trainee’s progress, helps refine their coaching practices, and ensures their development in a demanding environment.
How long is the BEPF program?
The BEPF program runs over two seasons, which immediately reflects its high level of demand. The FFF specifies a 2-year registration period, with a pathway designed to give candidates enough time to learn, apply their knowledge, and validate all required competencies.
In terms of workload, the BEPF includes:
- 320 hours of training at the training center
- 360 hours of professional placement within a club
This represents a total of 680 hours, combining classroom learning, on-field experience, and structured mentoring.
The professional placement runs alongside the training weeks, from the beginning of the program through to certification. In practical terms, the BEPF is not a short or occasional course, but a long-term program designed to guide a coach toward the highest level.
What is the cost of the BEPF?
The cost of the BEPF reflects its elite positioning. The FFF indicates a maximum tuition fee of €24,640 (net of tax) for the full program over two seasons.
The pricing is also broken down hourly:
- €77 per hour of training
This cost corresponds to a demanding, long-term program designed for coaches already operating in high-level environments.
There are also additional costs related to the application process:
- €50 (net of tax) registration fee for the entrance tests (non-refundable, even if not selected)
Cost breakdown
To summarize, candidates should plan for:
- €50 (net of tax) for entrance test registration
- €77 per training hour
- up to €24,640 (net of tax) for the full program
The BEPF takes place at the National Football Center (CNF) and within professional clubs, depending on the program structure. Accommodation may be offered at the CNF or within clubs, but it is not mandatory. As a result, additional costs may arise depending on the candidate’s situation, including:
- transportation
- accommodation
- meals
Can the BEPF be funded?
Given the cost, it is essential to anticipate funding. In practice, this type of program may be financed—depending on the profile—by a club, an employer, or professional training funding schemes. It is therefore strongly recommended to plan a funding strategy before entering the program.
For any questions regarding costs or administrative details, the contact provided is:
Sandra PRADO
Email: sprado@fff.fr
In short, the BEPF represents a significant investment, but a logical one for a qualification that prepares coaches for the highest roles in professional football.
How is the BEPF validated?
A certification based on 4 competency blocks
As explained earlier in this guide, each block corresponds to a specific responsibility of the role and is assessed individually:
- Block 1: Oral presentation of an internship report, followed by a discussion with the jury
- Block 2: Practical assessment, oral presentation, and discussion with the jury
- Block 3: Oral presentation of an internship report, followed by a discussion with the jury
- Block 4: Oral presentation of an internship report, followed by a discussion with the jury
This structure places the candidate in a context very close to real-life coaching. It is not enough to understand concepts—you must be able to act, analyze situations, present your decisions, and defend them before a jury.
How do you obtain final certification?
Final certification is only awarded upon validation of all four competency blocks. In other words, candidates must demonstrate full mastery of all aspects of the professional coaching role.
Excelling in just one area is not enough. The BEPF requires a comprehensive skill set, combining management, coaching, strategy, communication, and project leadership.
If a candidate validates some blocks without completing the full certification, they retain credit for the blocks already achieved within their training pathway. This system secures the process and recognizes previously validated competencies.
Video analysis using Sportscode
Video analysis plays an important role in the program. It is conducted using Sportscode, a tool widely used for high-level performance analysis.
For this reason, candidates must have access to a Mac computer during the program. This is an important requirement to anticipate, as it is necessary for using the video analysis tools included in the BEPF.
Key takeaway
Passing the BEPF is not just about succeeding in a final exam. It means demonstrating, over time, the ability to meet the demands of professional football through four complementary competency blocks.
Between the 320 hours of training, 360 hours of professional placement, mentor support, practical work, internship reports, and jury evaluations, the entire program is designed to prepare coaches to operate at the highest level.
