Free Practice Questions for BTS Économie Sociale Familiale

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Key Facts: BTS Économie Sociale Familiale Exam

Level 5 (Bac+2)

RNCP / EQF qualification level

France Compétences RNCP36938

10/20

Overall weighted average required to graduate

Règlement général du BTS

120 ECTS

European credit transfer system points awarded

Arrêté du 24 janvier 2022

13 weeks

Mandatory professional internship duration

Arrêté du 24 janvier 2022, annexe II

1,622 hours

Total taught classroom and laboratory instruction hours

Éduscol Référentiel BTS ESF

5 units

Compulsory technical examination units (E1 to E5)

Arrêté du 24 janvier 2022, annexe I

BTS Économie Sociale Familiale (BTS ESF) is a French national Level 5 qualification (Bac+2, 120 ECTS) certified by the Ministry of Higher Education and examined regionally by the académies under the updated Arrêté du 24 janvier 2022 (RNCP36938). Assessed across six compulsory units (U1-U6) combining practical, written, and oral épreuves, candidates must achieve an overall weighted average of at least 10/20. The curriculum covers habitat and energy safety, health and nutritional science, household economics and debt advisory, and social diagnostic methodology. OpenExamPrep provides a 100-question practice bank adapting the technical syllabus into standard MCQ format.

Sample BTS Économie Sociale Familiale Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the BTS Économie Sociale Familiale exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Under the French enforceable right to housing (Droit au Logement Opposable - DALO, Law of March 5, 2007), which body is responsible for examining amicable appeals submitted by applicants seeking urgent rehousing?

A.The administrative court of appeal (Cour administrative d'appel)

B.The municipal social action center (CCAS)

C.The departmental mediation commission (Commission de médiation départementale - COMED)

D.The family allowances fund board of directors (Conseil d'administration de la CAF)

Explanation: Under the DALO framework, the Commission de médiation (COMED), established in each French département, reviews applicants' amicable appeals to determine whether they meet the legal criteria to be declared priority and urgent for social housing allocation by the Prefect.

2According to French electrical safety standard NF C 15-100, what is the maximum rated residual operating current (sensitivity) required for residual current devices (DDR) protecting domestic socket-outlet circuits?

A.30 mA

B.300 mA

C.500 mA

D.10 mA

Explanation: Standard NF C 15-100 mandates that all domestic low-voltage circuits, particularly general-purpose socket-outlets, lighting, and bathroom circuits, must be protected by high-sensitivity residual current devices (DDR) with a sensitivity not exceeding 30 mA to protect people against direct and indirect electrical contact.

3In the French social housing sector (HLM), what is the statutory role of the CALEOL (Commission d'attribution des logements et d'examen de l'occupation des logements)?

A.To determine municipal property tax rates for social housing lessor headquarters

B.To set the national maximum interest rates for real estate development loans

C.To directly evict tenants who have accrued more than three months of unpaid rent without a court order

D.To review social housing applications, allocate available dwellings according to statutory priorities, and examine under-occupation or over-occupation

Explanation: The CALEOL is the statutory collegiate body within each social housing organization (bailleur social) responsible for attributing vacant social dwellings based on income eligibility and social urgency, as well as periodically examining the occupation conditions (sur-occupation, sous-occupation) of the housing stock.

4In building physics, what is the formula and unit for thermal resistance (R) of a homogeneous insulating material with thickness 'e' (in meters) and thermal conductivity 'λ' (in W/m·K)?

A.R = λ / e, expressed in W/m²·K

B.R = e / λ, expressed in m²·K/W

C.R = e × λ, expressed in J/kg·K

D.R = 1 / (e × λ), expressed in W/K

Explanation: Thermal resistance R represents the material's capacity to resist heat transfer. It is defined as thickness e divided by thermal conductivity λ (R = e / λ) and is expressed in square meter kelvins per watt (m²·K/W). A higher R-value indicates better thermal insulation.

5What is the primary condition required for a tenant to receive the Aide Personnalisée au Logement (APL) rather than the Allocation de Logement Sociale (ALS)?

A.The dwelling must be subject to a state convention (logement conventionné APL)

B.The tenant must be older than 65 years of age

C.The tenant must be an owner-occupier who has fully paid off their mortgage

D.The dwelling must have an energy performance certificate rated A

Explanation: APL is strictly tied to the dwelling being under a state agreement (conventionné) between the landlord/lessor and the French State (typically social housing HLM or conventionné private rentals via ANAH). Non-conventionné private rentals qualify for ALS or ALF instead.

6In French domestic single-phase electrical installations compliant with standard NF C 15-100, which standardized wire insulation colors correspond to Neutral, Protective Earth (PE), and Phase?

A.Neutral: Green; Protective Earth: Black; Phase: White

B.Neutral: Red; Protective Earth: Blue; Phase: Green/Yellow stripes

C.Neutral: Light Blue; Protective Earth: Green/Yellow stripes; Phase: Brown, Black, or Red

D.Neutral: Yellow; Protective Earth: White; Phase: Blue

Explanation: NF C 15-100 strictly reserves Light Blue for the Neutral conductor and bi-color Green/Yellow for the Protective Earth (conducteur de protection PE). The Phase conductor may be any other color, commonly Brown, Black, or Red.

7In French social and energy policy, what traditional financial benchmark is commonly used to characterize a household in a situation of fuel poverty (précarité énergétique)?

A.Spending more than 50% of household income on food expenses

B.Spending more than 10% of household disposable income on domestic energy bills

C.Accumulating more than €10,000 in consumer debt regardless of income

D.Consuming less than 50 kWh of electricity per year

Explanation: According to the definition formulated by the Grenelle II Law (Article L. 115-3 of the CASF) and the 10% effort rate indicator (taux d'effort énergétique), a household is in fuel poverty when it devotes more than 10% of its income to domestic energy expenses while being in the lower income quintiles.

8What is the proper air circulation pathway in a dwelling equipped with a standard single-flux mechanical extract ventilation system (VMC simple flux)?

A.Stale air is drawn in from the basement and pumped into the children's bedrooms

B.Fresh air enters directly through bathroom vents and is extracted through bedroom windows

C.Air is recirculated continuously inside the living room without any exhaust to the outside

D.Fresh air enters through self-adjusting air inlets in dry rooms (bedrooms, living room) and stale air is extracted through exhaust vents in wet rooms (kitchen, bathroom, WC)

Explanation: In single-flux mechanical ventilation (VMC simple flux), ventilation operates by air sweeping (balayage): fresh outdoor air enters dry living areas (pièces principales: bedrooms, living room) via trickle vents, flows under doors (détalonnage: 1-2 cm gap), and is extracted from service wet rooms (pièces de service: kitchen, bathroom, WC) by an extractor fan to the outside.

9Under standard NF C 15-100, what are the minimum circuit breaker rating and conductor cross-sectional area required for the specialized branch circuit dedicated to an electric cooking appliance (plaques de cuisson / cuisinière électrique) in a single-phase installation?

A.20 A circuit breaker with 2.5 mm² copper conductors

B.16 A circuit breaker with 1.5 mm² copper conductors

C.32 A circuit breaker with 6 mm² copper conductors

D.10 A circuit breaker with 1.0 mm² copper conductors

Explanation: NF C 15-100 requires a dedicated 32 A circuit with minimum 6 mm² cross-section copper conductors for single-phase electric cooktops/cookers, allowing for power up to 7,360 W (230 V × 32 A) without conductor overheating or voltage drop.

10In a bathroom according to standard NF C 15-100, which of the following installations is strictly permitted within 'Volume 1' (the space directly above the bathtub or shower tray up to a height of 2.25 m)?

A.An instantaneous or storage water heater with minimum protection index IPX4 protected by a 30 mA DDR

B.A standard 230 V electrical socket outlet without an isolating transformer

C.A conventional 230 V tumble dryer or washing machine

D.A general 230 V wall light switch without low-voltage isolation

Explanation: Volume 1 is an area exposed to water splashes. Only specific fixed electrical equipment is permitted: water heaters (chauffe-eau) with at least IPX4 protection (or IPX5 if exposed to water jets) protected by a 30 mA DDR, and SELV (TBTS) luminaires of maximum 12 V AC.

About the BTS Économie Sociale Familiale Exam

The Brevet de Technicien Supérieur Économie Sociale Familiale (BTS ESF) is France's premier two-year higher education state diploma (Bac+2, RNCP Level 5, 120 ECTS) training social economy technicians who operate at the crossroads of applied science, housing, health, nutrition, budget management, and social intervention. Thoroughly modernised by the Arrêté du 24 janvier 2022 (registered under fiche RNCP36938), the curriculum equips graduates with scientific, technical, and socio-economic expertise to help vulnerable populations, families, and communities maintain autonomy in daily life. BTS ESF holders work in social community centres (centres sociaux), departmental solidarity directorates (MDS / DSD), communal social action centres (CCAS), family allowance funds (CAF), social housing organisations (bailleurs sociaux), hospitals, and non-profit associations. Graduates can enter employment directly as social life advisors or pursue the one-year Diplôme d'État de Conseiller en Économie Sociale Familiale (DECESF, Bac+3 / RNCP Level 6) to obtain the regulated social worker title of CESF. OpenExamPrep provides an English-language multiple-choice question adaptation of the technical syllabus to support bilingual learners, international students, and exam candidates.

Exam sponsor: Ministère de l'Enseignement supérieur et de la Recherche (certifier), organised by académies. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

The national examination is governed by the arrêté du 24 janvier 2022 (JORF of 1 March 2022, RNCP36938), whose règlement d'examen applied from the 2024 session. The diploma carries 120 ECTS and is assessed through six compulsory units: U1 Expertise et conseil technologiques en vie quotidienne (coefficient 6; practical, 5 h as an épreuve ponctuelle or two CCF situations); U2 Organisation technique de la vie quotidienne dans un service, dans un établissement (coefficient 5; written, 4 h); U3 Animation, formation dans les domaines de la vie quotidienne (coefficient 5; oral, 40 minutes); U4 Communication professionnelle et animation d'équipe (coefficient 4; practical, 4 h as an épreuve ponctuelle or one CCF situation); U5 Participation à la dynamique institutionnelle et partenariale (coefficient 5; written, 4 h, or CCF depending on the establishment's habilitation); and U6 Communication en langue vivante étrangère (coefficient 2; oral, 45 minutes as an épreuve ponctuelle or two CCF situations). Optional units cover a second modern language (UF1) and étudiant engagement (UF2), each an oral of 20 minutes. School candidates in accredited establishments take several units through CCF (contrôle en cours de formation); independent and non-accredited candidates sit all units as terminal épreuves ponctuelles.

Time Limit

About 18 hours of scheduled assessments for a candidate sitting every unit as an épreuve ponctuelle; accredited school candidates take several units through CCF spread over the two-year course

Passing Score

10/20 overall weighted average across all examination units

Exam / Certification Fees

No examination fee published by académies; registration via national Cyclades portal

Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Official sources

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

25 of 100 questions

Applied Science, Housing, Habitat & Energy

Housing policy, social housing, thermal/acoustic comfort, domestic electrical safety (NF C 15-100), and energy poverty.

25 of 100 questions

Health, Nutrition, Food Safety & Hygiene

Nutritional biochemistry, PNNS guidelines, HACCP food hygiene, foodborne illness prevention, and hygiene of communal spaces.

25 of 100 questions

Household Economics, Consumer Law & Budget Advisory

Family budgeting, debt ratios, Banque de France overindebtedness procedures, consumer protection law, and social welfare benefits (RSA, APA).

25 of 100 questions

Social Methodology, Project Management & Communication

Social diagnostic and project methodology, workshop facilitation, professional written communication, confidentiality, and institutional networks.

Preparing for the BTS Économie Sociale Familiale Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 10/20 overall weighted average across all examination units
Assessment: The national examination is governed by the arrêté du 24 janvier 2022 (JORF of 1 March 2022, RNCP36938), whose règlement d'examen applied from the 2024 session. The diploma carries 120 ECTS and is assessed through six compulsory units: U1 Expertise et conseil technologiques en vie quotidienne (coefficient 6; practical, 5 h as an épreuve ponctuelle or two CCF situations); U2 Organisation technique de la vie quotidienne dans un service, dans un établissement (coefficient 5; written, 4 h); U3 Animation, formation dans les domaines de la vie quotidienne (coefficient 5; oral, 40 minutes); U4 Communication professionnelle et animation d'équipe (coefficient 4; practical, 4 h as an épreuve ponctuelle or one CCF situation); U5 Participation à la dynamique institutionnelle et partenariale (coefficient 5; written, 4 h, or CCF depending on the establishment's habilitation); and U6 Communication en langue vivante étrangère (coefficient 2; oral, 45 minutes as an épreuve ponctuelle or two CCF situations). Optional units cover a second modern language (UF1) and étudiant engagement (UF2), each an oral of 20 minutes. School candidates in accredited establishments take several units through CCF (contrôle en cours de formation); independent and non-accredited candidates sit all units as terminal épreuves ponctuelles.
Time limit: About 18 hours of scheduled assessments for a candidate sitting every unit as an épreuve ponctuelle; accredited school candidates take several units through CCF spread over the two-year course
Exam / certification fees: No examination fee published by académies; registration via national Cyclades portal Official sources

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BTS Économie Sociale Familiale: Suggested Study Strategy

1Master thermal and electrical calculations: practice calculating overall heat loss coefficients (U-values: U = 1 / R_tot in W/m²·K), daily electrical consumption (E = P × t in kWh), and sizing domestic circuits according to French standard NF C 15-100 (e.g., 32 A circuit with 6 mm² conductors for electric cookers).

2Memorize nutritional energy values and PNNS benchmarks: calculate dietary energy intake using 17 kJ (4 kcal) per gram of carbohydrate and protein, 38 kJ (9 kcal) per gram of lipid, and 29 kJ (7 kcal) per gram of alcohol, adhering to French ANSES macronutrient balance targets (50-55% carbohydrates, 35-40% lipids, 10-15% proteins).

3Practice household debt and budget analytics: calculate debt ratio (taux d'endettement = [monthly debt charges / net monthly income] × 100) and remaining disposable income (reste à vivre = net income - fixed charges), applying Banque de France overindebtedness commission thresholds and statutory unseizable minimums (solde bancaire insaisissable).

4Internalize food safety hygiene and HACCP principles: master critical temperature zones (refrigeration 0-4°C, cooking core ≥63°C, hot-holding ≥63°C, cooling from 63°C to 10°C in <2 hours) and key foodborne pathogens (Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium perfringens).

5Structure social project methodology systematically: memorize the five phases of the social diagnostic and project cycle (needs assessment/diagnostic, objective definition using SMART criteria, operational action plan with Gantt/RACI, implementation, and multi-criteria evaluation with quantitative/qualitative indicators).

6Review social welfare entitlement rules and ethical standards: distinguish the conditions, calculating bodies (CAF/MSA), and funding authorities for RSA, Prime d'Activité, APL/AL, APA, and PCH, along with professional secrecy (secret professionnel under Article 226-13 of the French Penal Code) and shared confidentiality (secret partagé).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the BTS Économie Sociale Familiale (BTS ESF) diploma?

The BTS ESF is a French national higher education diploma (Bac+2, RNCP Level 5, 120 ECTS) certified by the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research. It prepares technicians to analyze everyday life issues (housing, energy, nutrition, budget, health) and implement individual or collective social and educational solutions for individuals, families, and community groups.

What is the difference between a BTS ESF graduate and a CESF?

A BTS ESF graduate holds a 2-year Level 5 technical diploma (Bac+2) and works as a technicien en économie sociale familiale, focusing on technical expertise, workshop animation, and administrative coordination. The CESF (Conseiller en Économie Sociale Familiale) is a regulated social worker holding the Diplôme d'État (DECESF, Bac+3 / RNCP Level 6), which requires an additional year of study focused on individualized social casework, psychosocial support, and statutory protective measures.

How is the BTS ESF examination evaluated under the 2022 reform?

Under the Arrêté du 24 janvier 2022 (first examined in 2024), candidates are assessed across five compulsory units: E1 Conseil et expertise technologiques — Habitat/Consommation (written, coef 5), E2 Conseil et expertise technologiques — Santé/Alimentation/Hygiène (written and practical, coef 5), E3 Animation et formation (oral, coef 4), E4 Communication professionnelle (written, coef 3), and E5 Projet de participation sociale et de développement local (oral defense of internship portfolio, coef 5). CCF applies in accredited institutions, while independent candidates sit national terminal examinations.

What is the passing score for the BTS ESF diploma?

To graduate, candidates must achieve an overall weighted average of at least 10/20 across all compulsory examination units. There are no eliminating minimum marks on individual units. Candidates who achieve an average between 8/20 and 9.99/20 are eligible to sit the oral makeup examinations (épreuves de contrôle) in July. Unit grades of 10/20 or higher can be retained (bénéfice de notes) for up to 5 consecutive sessions.

What are the mandatory internship requirements for BTS ESF?

Students in initial training must complete 13 weeks of professional internships (stages en milieu professionnel) divided between the two academic years (typically 7 weeks in year 1 and 6 weeks in year 2). Internships must be completed in at least two distinct professional structures (e.g., social housing lessor, CCAS, nursing home, community center, association) to build the professional portfolio required for the E5 oral defense.

How does OpenExamPrep adapt the BTS ESF examination?

The official French examination uses written synthesis papers, technical problem sets, practical culinary/scientific assessments, and oral portfolio defenses in French. OpenExamPrep provides a 100-question English-language multiple-choice adaptation designed to test core theoretical, regulatory, and quantitative competencies in housing policy, nutritional calculations, household budget math, and project methodology.