Your way to UNIcert®
The UNIcert® system comprises 5 competence levels which are based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR):
UNIcert® level | CEFR | Holders of the certificate have: |
|---|---|---|
UNIcert® Basis | A2 | first basic knowledge for the simple and direct exchange of information in routine situations |
UNIcert® I | B1 | for coping with selected general language, professional and study-related situations |
UNIcert® II | B2 | Sufficient communication skills to communicate in professional/academic situations (lowest mobility level) |
UNIcert® III | C1 | Advanced language competence to complete academic stays abroad with particular benefit (recommended mobility level) |
UNIcert® IV | C2 | Almost native speaker language skills for effortless interaction with the language and culture of the destination country |
- UNIcert® is comparable across universities and recognised nationwide
- a meaningful certificate:
- transparent documentation of the skills acquired
- multilingual certificate
- Description of the language level achieved
- is recognised by numerous universities in Germany (and in some cases also abroad) as proof, e.g. when applying for a place on a Master's programme
- Plus point for application documents
1) Regular participation in the courses belonging to a training level
- For UNIcert® Basis you must...
- have attended the A2 course in Swedish, Spanish and French.
- We do not offer this UNIcert level in English.
- For UNIcert® I you must...
- have attended the B1 course (compact) in Spanish and French.
- have attended the B1.2 course in Swedish and English.
- For UNIcert® II you must...
- have attended the B2.3+B2.4 course in Spanish.
- have attended the B2.4 course in French.
- have attended the B2.2 course in English.
- For UNIcert® Level III you must...
- have attended the C1.2 course in English.
- We do not offer this UNIcert level in French, Spanish and Swedish.
- UNIcert®II - English for Technical Purposes:
- in English, three courses in one subject area must be taken. (further information under "UNIcert at the ZfS")
Regular attendance of the courses is a prerequisite for participation in the exam.
2) Registering for the UNIcert® exam by the deadline
- You must register for the UNIcert® exam using our registration form within the following registration deadlines:
- Summer semester 01-15 June.
- Winter semester 01-15.12.
- For a successful registration you need
- a current certificate of enrolment (semester certificate)
- proof of payment of the examination fee of 30 euros.
- Please transfer this to:
- Recipient: Paderborn University
- IBAN: DE55472601218747040000
- Purpose: 3140500653 - (first name and surname)
- Please transfer this to:
- Proof of successful completion of the final exam of the course that qualifies you to take the UNIcert® exam (see course overview above; e.g. successfully completed course A2 (compact), i.e. qualification for the UNIcert® exam: "UNIcert® Basis". Please note: This proof is only necessary if you are not taking the course in the current semester.
3) Participation in and passing of the written and oral final examination
- As this is a nationally recognised certificate, the written examinations will take place in person. The written exam at the end of the course is also the written examination for the UNIcert® certificate.
- The dates for the oral examinations are arranged with the teaching staff (often in the first week of the semester break).
- Unfortunately, make-up dates cannot be offered.
4) Collecting the certificate
- Once you have passed the examination, you can collect your certificate from our secretary's office. You will receive a circular email with all the information.
5) Deregistration from the examination
- It is possible to deregister from an examination up to one week before the examination date at the latest.
- To do so, please send the following cancellation form to zfs@uni-paderborn.de in good time.
UNIcert®-II Technical English
The UNIcert®-II certificate for Technical English comprises eleven specialised language courses based on level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
The focus is on the fields of information technology, engineering and natural sciences. Students of Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science and Natural Sciences choose three out of four courses (from one subject area) from the training programme. Through the combination of subject-specific content and the training of certain skills (e.g. academic writing) as well as professionally relevant competences, they systematically develop their English skills.
If you have any further questions that cannot be answered after carefully reading the above information, we look forward to receiving your e-mail at: zfs@upb.de