UNIcert® at KIT
In 2008, the KIT Language Center received accreditation for English according to UNIcert®. In 2022, the accreditation was extended again for another five years. Since October 2023 we are accredited for UNIcert® IV.
What is UNIcert®?
UNIcert® is a certification system specifically for foreign language training at universities. UNIcert® is run by the Working Group of Language Centers at Universities (AKS). UNIcert® places particular emphasis on ensuring that foreign language training that is specific to and appropriate for higher education institutions takes into account the particularities of the participants, the objectives and the working methods at universities. It should contribute to a greater standardization of the practice of certifying foreign language skills in higher education, promote the equivalence of language training at universities and thus also lead to a certificate accepted outside universities as proof of appropriate foreign language skills.
The aims of UNIcert® training
The Language Center offers students and employees the opportunity to acquire (specialist) language skills or to deepen their existing knowledge in order to gain an additional qualification.
After successfully completing the training program or passing the UNIcert® examination, participants in (specialist) language training can obtain the UNIcert® foreign language certificate, which is supported by the Working Group of Language Centers at Universities (AKS).
Language training according to UNIcert®
For students and employees who have never taken part in an English course at the Language Center, the placement test is obligatory. This test is used to determine the level and to find out at which UNIcert® level the course can be continued. All participants in the English courses automatically take the UNIcert® The number of courses can be determined individually (fast-track).
The advantages for participants
Language learners at the KIT Language Center benefit from the following advantages:
Inter-university and internationally recognized
All universities in Germany can join this system. Over 50 universities throughout Germany already award UNIcert® certificates, and the first institutions at European level have been accredited.
Accompanying studies
UNIcert® is an additional qualification that can be obtained by all students, regardless of their subject area, parallel to their main course of study.
Learner-friendly
Small learning groups (max. 20 participants) and the flexibility of the system promote didactic innovation and a pleasant learning atmosphere. In addition, participation in UNIcert® training is free of charge. The certificate of qualification itself costs nothing and one course per semester is free of charge for KIT students.
Qualifying
As an umbrella organization with over 100 affiliated higher education institutions, the Arbeitskreis der Sprachenzentren an Hochschulen (AKS) guarantees the high standard and further development of the UNIcert® training system. UNIcert® thus represents a valuable additional qualification on the European job market.
Clearly structured
Achievable levels with clear objectives and the same scope in each case.
Compatible
UNIcert® is comparable with the levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR):
- UNIcert® I is based on B1
- UNIcert® II is based on B2
- UNIcert® III is based on C1
- UNIcert® IV is based on C2
Completion of a level
| UNIcert® level | Goals of the level | Examination requirements |
| Completion of the UNIcert® I level. | If a person presents a UNIcert® I certificate, he/she/* can express him/herself orally and in writing using basic means of expression, grammatical structures and a solid vocabulary. She/he* has basic knowledge that can be built on. The UNIcert® I certificate attests to a basic level of proficiency in selected general language, professional and study-related situations. | Cumulative (based on the graded performance records of the individual courses) |
| Completion of UNIcert® II level | People with a UNIcert®II certificate understand the main content of general language, professional and study-related texts and can express themselves appropriately on a variety of cultural and technical topics and actively participate in relevant discussions. | UNIcert® II examination after completion of the required courses. |
| Completion of the UNIcert® III level | People with a UNIcert® III certificate are able to cope with the linguistic demands of studying or working in the target language. They have an extensive general and specialized vocabulary and are able to present personal statements in a coherent, logically structured and stylistically appropriate manner. | UNIcert® III examination after completion of the required courses. |
| Completion of UNIcert® IV level | People with a UNIcert® IV certificate have general academic and subject-related language knowledge and skills at a high professional level and possess comprehensive communicative foreign language competence in order to be able to act and react correctly, fluently and appropriately in all general, academic, professional and subject-related situations - as expected of academically educated people. They are very familiar with the specific cultural characteristics of the target country so that they can communicate effortlessly and spontaneously with members of the other culture. | UNIcert® IV examination after completion of the required courses. |
UNIcert® contact person
If you have any questions, please contact Donald Richardson by e-mail.
Downloads & Information
UNIcert® examination regulations
Subject to change without notice