It requires the applicant to be an adult and the holder of the diploma Prévention et secours civiques de niveau 1 (PSC1) (Level 1 civic prevention and first-aid) The formation leading to the obtention of the BEES is composed of a common section all sport instructor follow regardless of their future sector, and a specific section.
The common section, which is the one all candidates go through, whether they aim to coach in skying, horse riding or surfing, is an examination on their general sportive knowledge.
The BEES is divided into 3 levels: The preparation for the diploma is assured by public and private organisms, and the formation is licensed by the regional offices of the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports.
They are often conducted in Centres of ressources, expertise and sportive performance (CREPS in French).
The diplôme d'État supérieur de la jeunesse, de l’éducation populaire et du sport (DEJEPS) (State diploma of the youth, popular education and sport) and the diplôme d'État supérieur de la jeunesse, de l’éducation populaire et du sport (DESJEPS) (superior State diploma youth, popular education and sport), created in 2006, replace the 2nd level of the BEES in these sports, as well as the diplôme d'État relatif aux fonctions d'animation (DEFA) (State diploma pertaining to animator functions) and the diplôme d'État de directeur de projet d'animation et de développement (DEDPAD) (animation and development project director State diploma).