What is Unicert®
The UNIcert® certification system was created in 1992 by the Arbeitskreis der Sprachenzentren (working group of language centres – AKS), with the aim of moving away from the heterogeneous systems for certifying language proficiency in place at universities at the time and forming instead a common standard focusing on content and skills relevant for students and early career researchers.
One of the most important features of the UNIcert® system is that it is based on the Common European framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and its implementation in the university context, whilst at the same time aiming to achieve universal quality standards and a strong focus on the needs of universities. The system is split into five levels (Basis, I, II, III and IV), which are roughly equivalent to the levels A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2 CEFR.
The close connection between training and certification is a further feature of the UNIcert® concept, according to which taking the examination is merely the last step in a process focusing on well-founded training in the language which students have to complete before they take the final step of completing the UNIcert® examination for the relevant level.
Even at lower levels, language teaching on the basis of UNIcert® features rapid progression, a focus on university-specific and career-specific topics and communicative situations, and encourages students to develop intercultural skills applicable to an academic context. From level B2, students also have the option to focus on language for particular specialist areas.
UNIcert® hopes to meet the increased requirements for language training in view of the increased internationalisation of research and aims therefore to put students in a position to communicate and act in an appropriate and adequate manner in an academic and professional context in the host country/in the target language, depending on the skills level obtained.
In order to achieve this objective, a hands-on and skills-oriented approach is taken during lessons, meaning that class sizes are deliberately restricted. UNIcert® states that classes must have no more than 25 students.
UNIcert® has grown into an association of over 50 universities. The network structure is indeed one of the special features of this dynamic certification system. Each accredited institution is part of the network, and is able to make its own contribution to shaping the common regulatory framework. The network structure requires and encourages regular discussions on topics relevant to more than one specific language. This not only encourages new approaches to be taken for teaching and certification but also in quality control. This applies not only to the individual institutions, but also on a regional and national level, with meetings, training and workshops on specific pedagogical topics.
The (re)accreditation process which institutes have to complete successfully before joining the system and at regular intervals thereafter ensures that quality standards are maintained. Institutes responsible for guaranteeing quality standards are the umbrella organisation AKS and the UNIcert®‑Committee. The latter is a national committee of experts which is responsible for subject-specific advice, initial accreditation and the regular re-accreditation of the individual institutions as well as for steering the pedagogical development of the UNIcert®‑concept.
UNIcert® certificates are issued in three languages (target language, German and English) and give a detailed and transparent breakdown of the acquired language skills with reference to the CEFR. This means that they can be used to give an accurate and clear indication of language skills which can be understood throughout Germany and beyond, not only by the UNIcert® institutions included in the network. They are recognised, for example, by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and are accepted as admission requirements for Master’s degree programmes.
The FAU Language Centre was one of the first institutions in Germany to use the UNIcert® system, joining in March 1997. At present, courses and certificates are offered in 16 languages in accordance with the guidelines set out in the UNIcert® seal of quality. We currently issue a total of 600 certificates per year.
The advantages of UNIcert® at a glance:
- One certificate for all languages.
- Universal: A network of more than 50 universities that are already accredited for UNIcert®.
- Curricular integration: An additional qualification for students on all degree programmes which can be acquired alongside their main degree programme.
- Qualification: Language training tailored to suit the specific needs of universities – a valuable additional qualification on the European labour market.
- Learner friendly: A flexible system based on small groups of learners (max. 25 class members), which encourages an innovative pedagogical approach and an atmosphere conducive to learning.
- Clear structure: Four levels with clear objectives and content.