DEJEPS Archery 2026/2027: Your Verified Guide to France’s Elite Coaching License
May 25, 2026 — Updated with official FFTA deadlines and program details
The DEJEPS (Diplôme d’État de la Jeunesse, de l’Éducation Populaire et du Sport) for archery—the gold-standard coaching qualification in France—has officially opened for the 2026/2027 session. Aspiring archery coaches now have until May 11, 2026 to submit applications, but securing a spot requires meeting strict eligibility criteria and preparing for rigorous evaluations. Here’s everything verified about the process, from deadlines to what examiners look for in top candidates.
What Is the DEJEPS and Why Should You Care?
The DEJEPS is France’s Diplôme d’État, a nationally recognized qualification for sports coaches. For archery, it’s the highest-level license issued by the Fédération Française de Tir à l’Arc (FFTA), the governing body overseeing competitive and recreational archery in France. Holding this diploma isn’t just a credential—it’s a prerequisite for coaching at national training centers, representing France in international competitions, and leading elite youth programs.
Key fact: The DEJEPS replaces the older BPJEPS (Brevet Professionnel) as the standard for professional coaching in France, aligning with EU-wide sports education reforms. The archery-specific pathway is designed for those aiming to work with cadets (ages 12–18) and adult teams in clubs affiliated with the FFTA.
Deadlines, Costs, and Who Can Apply
⏳ Critical Dates (All Times UTC+2)
- Application deadline: (no extensions)
- Selection results announced: June 15, 2026
- Training begins: September 1, 2026 (venue: FFTA National Training Center, Fontainebleau)
- Final exams: April 2027
🎯 Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet all of the following:
- Minimum age: 18 years old by September 1, 2026.
- Prior coaching experience: Proof of at least 2 years coaching archery (volunteer or paid) in an FFTA-affiliated club.
- Competitive archery background: Documented participation in regional or national competitions (e.g., FFTA circuit events) within the past 3 years.
- First aid certification: Valid PSC1 (Premiers Secours en Équipe 1) or equivalent.
- Language proficiency: Fluency in French (written/oral) for exams and training.
Cost: The FFTA has set the 2026/2027 tuition at €2,400, covering training materials, exam fees, and access to the national training center. Scholarships are available for candidates from low-income regions (apply here for details).
How the DEJEPS Selection Works: A Step-by-Step Breakdown
The FFTA uses a two-phase selection process to ensure only the most qualified candidates advance:
Phase 1: Written and Technical Exam (June 2026)
Candidates must pass:
- Archery pedagogy test: Design a 6-week training plan for a cadet team (ages 14–16) focusing on Olympic recurve technique.
- Sports science quiz: 50 questions on biomechanics, injury prevention, and youth development in archery.
- FFTA regulations exam: 30 questions on competition rules, doping policies, and ethical conduct.
Phase 2: Practical Assessment (September 2026)
Top candidates from Phase 1 are invited to Fontainebleau for a 3-day intensive, where they must:
- Demonstrate coaching: Lead a 90-minute session with a mixed-level group (beginners + advanced), evaluated on technique correction, motivation, and safety.
- Technical shooting: Achieve a minimum 650/720 score in a timed Olympic recurve round (verified by FFTA officials).
- Interview: Discuss their coaching philosophy, handling of high-pressure situations, and plans for youth development.
Pro tip: The FFTA recommends candidates attend the 2026 FFTA Annual Conference (June 10–12, Paris) to observe masterclasses and network with current DEJEPS holders.
Training and Exam Schedule: A Year in the Life of a DEJEPS Candidate
September–December 2026: Foundations
Modular training in Fontainebleau covering:
- Advanced pedagogy (e.g., teaching the “anchor point” to left-handed archers).
- Psychology of youth athletes (workshops with sports psychologists).
- Competition preparation (simulated national championship scenarios).
January–March 2027: Specialization
Choose one focus area:
- Olympic recurve coaching.
- Compound/traditional archery.
- Para-archery (adaptive sports).
Includes a 2-week internship at a high-performance club (e.g., Club d’Archery de Paris).
April 2027: Final Exams
Three components:
- Written: Case studies on injury management and talent identification.
- Practical: Coach a team through a mock regional championship.
- Oral: Present a research project on a current issue in French archery (e.g., “Barriers to Female Participation in Youth Archery”).
Why This Matters Beyond France: The DEJEPS’s Global Influence
While the DEJEPS is a French qualification, its impact ripples across the archery world:
- EU mobility: Holders can coach in any EU country under the European Coaching License reciprocal agreement.
- Olympic pathway: Many French national team coaches (e.g., those working with Jean-Charles Valladont) started with the DEJEPS.
- Youth development: The FFTA’s training model is studied by World Archery as a best practice for cadet programs.
For non-French candidates: The FFTA offers a limited number of spots for international applicants (priority given to those with ties to French clubs). Contact formation@ffta.fr for exceptions.
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know
How to Apply: Your Action Plan
- Gather documents:
- Proof of coaching experience (letters from club presidents).
- Competition results (FFTA-registered events only).
- First aid certificate (PSC1 or equivalent).
- Submit online: Use the FFTA portal here by May 11.
- Prepare for exams:
- Study the FFTA coaching handbook (available in the members’ area).
- Practice teaching with a mentor (FFTA offers free peer-review sessions).
Need help? Email the FFTA’s education team at formation@ffta.fr for guidance on eligibility or documentation.
