In France, secondary teachers are public sector employees. Becoming a science teacher in secondary education is subject to passing public competitive entry examinations. Preparation for these examinations is provided by University Institutes Departments, which are essentially assessed on the basis of the successful performance of their students in the exams. This paper analyses the determinants of departments' performance. After a broad description of the French system of secondary science teacher recruitment, significant determinants of successful performance are identified. Finally, from this analysis, some strategic implications for the management of departments' success performance have been derived.