The following are listed according to level of difficulty:

The following are listed according to level of difficulty:

Background information: The ÖSD was developed in cooperation with the Federal Ministry of Science and Transport, the Federal Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the Federal Ministry of Education and Cultural Affairs.

The ÖSD is a German language proficiency exam which tests general language / communication skills. Grundstufe 1 is the first of three levels and is based on the Council of Europe's Waystage Level specification. Candidates should be capable of communicating in a limited number of everyday situations. The exam comprises both written and oral elements.

Test Sites / Results / Dates: The test can be taken at more than 115 recognised test centres in Austria and abroad. Students completing both test sections are awarded the diploma, but certificates are available for the individual test sections. Tests are held roughly every second month at the various centres.

Background information: This certificate is part of The European Language Certificates scheme established by the German Adult Education Association and is offered by all member organisations of the International Certificate Conference (ICC) and in licensed centres by the WBT Further Education Test Systems. The ICC is an international association of European adult education organisations. The European Language Certificates are available at three levels i.e. A2, B1 and B2. Examinations at the lowest level i.e. A2 are currently available for 10 languages, including German. The Grundbaustein Deutsch is a German language proficiency test at beginner's level, based on the Council of Europe's Waystage Level specification. Candidates should be be able to communicate in a limited number of standard everyday situations. The exam comprises an oral and written section.

Test Sites / Results: This test can be taken at all language centres run by ICC members in Europe. Results are available within a few days and are graded either 'very good', 'good', 'satisfactory' or 'pass'.

Background information: The ZD was established by the German Goethe-Institut; the Schweizerische Konferenz der kantonalen Erziehungsdirektoren (EDK) - a Swiss national education forum - the OESD (Österreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch) and the WBT Weiterbildungs-Testsysteme GmbH (formerly Prüfungszentrale des Deutschen.Volkshochschulverbandes - DVV).

The ZD replaces the Zertifikat Deutsch als Fremdsprache (ZDaF) and the Grundstufe 2 of the Austrian exam board. This is the new standard German proficiency test for elementary level students.

Background information: The ÖSD was developed in cooperation with the Federal Ministry of Science and Transport, the Federal Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the Federal Ministry of Education and Cultural Affairs.

The ÖSD is a German language proficiency exam which tests general language / communication skills. The third level - Mittelstufe - is based on the competent user specification developed by ALTE (Level 4). It corresponds to the Goethe-Institut's Zentrale Mittelstufenprüfung (ZMP). Candidates should have extended knowledge of grammar / vocabulary and be capable of dealing with more complex matters. The exam comprises a written and oral test.

Test Sites / Results / Dates: The test can be taken at more than 115 recognised test centres in Austria and abroad. Students completing both test sections are awarded the diploma, but certificates are available for the individual test sections. Tests are held roughly every second month at the various centres.

Background information: The ZMP was established by the Goethe-Institut and can be attempted after 800 - 1000 hours of German language tuition have been completed (post-intermediate). The minimum age at which this test may be taken is 16 years. The examination tests reading comprehension, listening / written skills and verbal communication at an advanced-intermediate level. The ZMP is internationally recognised and is acceptable by Studienkollegs as a language entry requirement.

Test Sites / Results / Dates: The test can be taken at Goethe-Institutes and other authorised testing centres in both Germany and abroad. Passing grades are rated either 'very good', 'good', 'fair' or 'pass'. Results are available within a few days. Test dates are scheduled individually by testing centres.

Background information: The DSH is one of a handful of qualifications that will enable a student to attend a German university, the others being the KDS, GDS or ZOP examinations from the Goethe-Institut. The DSH comprises four sections i.e. listening comprehension and speaking; reading comprehension; text production on specific topics and the understanding of grammatical structure and functions. These four sections may also be combined with individual exam papers. Students are advised to contact chosen universities with a view to requesting curriculums, as subjects can vary significantly.

Test Site/s: Some foreign universities offer this exam in conjunction with exchange programmes. It is recommended that students contact the preferred university to enquire about examination arrangements.

Test Preparation:

Most German universities offer preparation courses for this exam.

Background information: The Feststellungsprüfung was designed for foreign students hoping to attend a German university. The examination, which is held twice a year, assesses the candidate's academic abilities and includes the DSH as a means of testing language ability. Students who have successfully passed either the KDS, GDS or ZOP (Goethe-Institut) need not take this examination. Students should note that preparation courses are available for this test. Further information can be obtained by contacting the chosen German university directly.

Background information: The GDS was established by the Goethe-Institut in cooperation with the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, München. Students taking the GDS must be virtually fluent in German as it is rated (by some countries) as being the equivalent of a German teaching qualification. The exam covers reading; writing; speaking; structural competence and dictation. In addition to spoken fluency, candidates will need advanced grammatical ability and be capable of preparing texts and discussing issues about German literature, natural sciences and economics. The GDS is internationally recognised.

Test Sites / Results / Dates: The test can be taken at Goethe-Institutes and other authorised testing centres in both Germany and abroad. The passing grades are either 'very good', 'good' or 'fair'. Tests are held in May and November.

Background information: The KDS was established by the Goethe-Institut in cooperation with the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, München. It is a German language proficiency test taken at an advanced level. The written test involves the understanding of texts; vocabulary; composition; the understanding of instructions, as well as exercises / questions pertaining to specifically chosen texts. There are also general questions on geography / German culture and an oral exam. The KDS satisfies university language entrance requirements.

Test Sites / Results / Dates: The test can be taken at Goethe-Institutes and other authorised testing centres in both Germany and abroad. The passing grades are either 'very good', 'good' or 'fair'. Tests are held in May and November.

Background information: The ZOP was established by the Goethe-Institut and is designed for students who have completed approximately 1200 hours of advanced German language studies. The level of tuition is similar to that of the KDS (Kleines Deutsches Sprachdiplom) and some German universities accept it as proof of adequate language knowledge for admission purposes. The examination has both a written and oral element and covers text comprehension; instruction comprehension and execution; German culture and geography. The ZOP is recognised internationally.

Test Sites / Results: The test can be taken at Goethe-Institutes and other authorised testing centres in both Germany and abroad. The passing grades are either 'very good', 'good' or 'fair' and results are available within a few days.

Background information: The DSD was established by the German Kultusministerkonferenz and is designed for high school students (especially those attending German schools abroad). It serves as proof of the student's proficiency in German as a foreign language. The DSD is available at two levels i.e. I + II.

• Level I: Examinations are held at the end of the third high school year. There is a 4 hour written test (written texts; reading; grammar / vocabulary) and a 20 minute oral test.
• Level II: Examinations are held at the end of the final high school year. There is a 5 hour written test (written texts; reading; grammar / vocabulary) and a 25 minute oral test.

Students may enter Studienkolleg (university prep.) courses with a level I diploma. Level II diplomas are accepted for language entrance purposes by German universities.

Test Sites / Results / Dates: Examinations can be taken at German schools in more than 50 countries. Students either pass or fail (a minimum score of 50% is required for the diploma). Candidates who fail may repeat the following year (tests are only taken once a year).

Background information: The TestDaF is an advanced language proficiency test which satisfies German university language entrance requirements. In contrast to the DSH, the TestDaF can be taken by students in their home countries. Candidates attempting this exam should have completed 500 - 600 hours of tuition. Other pointers concerning the TestDaf include:

• Candidates can achieve one of three available levels i.e. TestDaF-Niveaustufe 3, 4 and 5 (corresponding to the ALTE levels 3 - 5). The examination includes four test sections: reading; written expression; listening comprehension and oral expression.
• Level 5 is equivalent to the DSH . Students attaining level 5 in all 4 test sections will be accepted by German universities.
• Students who achieve level 5 in at least two test sections and level 4 in all the others will generally be accepted by universities.
• Students achieving level 4 in two test sections and level 3 in the others will be accepted for university study provided they also attend a language course.
• Students achieving level 3 or less in three or more test sections will not be accepted for university study and will need to repeat the test the following year.

Test Sites / Results / Dates: The test can be taken at recognised test centres worldwide. Candidates having achieving level 3 or better in all test sections will receive a certificate. The certificate remains valid for 2 years after the examination. Tests are held twice a year in April and November.

Background information: The UNIcert certificates were established by the AKS Arbeitskreis der Sprachzentren, Sprachlehrinstitute und Fremdp-

spracheninstitute (Assoc. of Language Teaching Centres in Germany).

UNIcert was devised by German universities with a view to standardising the grades awarded for various levels of modern language competence. Member institutions of the UNIcert system devise their own specific courses and exam regulations based on UNIcert guidelines. The exams are available at four levels i.e. I (elementary); II (intermediate); III (advanced intermediate) and IV (advanced / native speaker level).

Background information: The ZDfB was developed by the Goethe-Institut and the Deutsches Institut für Erwachsenenbildung (DIE) and is currently being administered by the Weiterbildungstestsysteme GmbH (WBT). The ZDfB is specifically for those students interested in business relations. Students attempting this exam should have already completed a beginners-intermediate level course in language skills and additional courses in business. There is an emphasis on written / verbal communication in everyday office situations. The test covers word / text structure; reading comprehension; listening; written correspondence and verbal communications. The ZDfB is internationally recognised.

Test Sites / Results / Dates: This test may be taken at Goethe-Institutes; Volkshochschulen; ICC members and other authorised testing centres in over 90 countries, including the Deutsche Außenhandelskammern (AHK) and Carl Duisberg Centren (CDC).

Background information: The PWD was established by the Goethe-Institut in cooperation with Carl Duisberg Centers (CDC) and Deutscher Industrie-und Handelstag (DIHT). It is a German business proficiency test taken at an intermediate / advanced level. Students attempting this examination should have completed approx. 600 - 800 hours of tuition in German business and economics. Students are tested on subject terminology; comprehension; business letter standards and proper public relations. The examination comprises a written and oral element. Students attempting the PWD should have completed a course in Intermediate Business German and preferably an advanced language course.

Test Sites / Results / Dates: The test can be taken at Goethe-Institutes and other authorised testing centers in both Germany and abroad. Dates for examinations taken outside Germany are May and November. Tests written in Germany are scheduled by the examination centres.

Background information: The DWD is issued by the Wirtschafts-förderungsinstitut (WIFI) of the Austrian Bundeswirtschaftskammer (BWK) and by the ÖSD-Prüfungszentrale. The DWD is an advanced German business diploma, equivalent to ALTE Level 5. It is designed for foreign nationals (16 years and above) studying business or working in the business sector. Candidates attempting this course should have a good knowledge of German (ÖSD or equivalent) and additional training in German for business purposes. The two hour exam tests reading and listening comprehension, written skills and oral communication.

Test Sites / Dates: The test can be taken twice a year at recognised examination centres in both Austria and abroad.

Background information: BULATS was developed in cooperation with UCLES; the Alliance Française; the WBT Weiterbildungs-Testsysteme GmbH (formerly Prüfungszentrale des Deutschen Volkshochschul-Verbands/DVV); the Universidad de Salamanca and the Instituto Cervantes. The testing service is currently available in English, French, German and Spanish. BULATS is used by organisations to assess the language skills of employees / job applicants in a business / professional context. It comprises several tests that can be taken separately or in combination:

• 1. The Standard BULATS tests overall language ability.
• 2. The BULATS Speaking Test (oral skills in a one-to-one interview with the examiner).
• 3. The BULATS written test.

Test Sites / Results / Dates: Test sites / dates are arranged individually. Identical tests are used for all candidates, independent of individual ability. Results are available as group reports; candidates are rated at five levels, based on the ALTE Framework i.e. Level 1 (elementary); Level 2 (lower intermediate); Level 3 (upper intermediate); Level 4 (lower advanced) and Level 5 (upper advanced). BULATS does not award certificates.

Background information: Euroqualifications were established by the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry Examinations Board (LCCIEB). It is a group of bilingual certificates designed for those entering the European business arena. The examinations test linguistic / practical business skills and the student’s knowledge of the structure and activities of the European Union. They are available at three levels in English, French, German and Spanish. Candidates receive a certificate upon completing each level (each comprising a series of individual examinations):

• Commercial Language Assistant Certificate (CLAC / 1st level)
• European Executive Assistant Certificate (EEAC / 2nd level)
• Diploma in European Business Administration (DEBA / 3rd level).

Students should note that the abovementioned certificates can only be achieved if the individual examinations required for each level are passed within a five year period.

Test Sites / Results / Dates: Tests can be taken at any recognised LCCIEB examination centre. The tests are offered on both a timetable and demand basis.

Background information: The WiDaF is a German business language proficiency test designed to assess an individual’s level of proficiency; it can’t be failed as such. The 3 hour exam includes an oral and 150 multiple choice questions concerning written comprehension; written expression; vocabulary and grammar. In addition, the WiDaF assesses the candidate's knowledge of economic and legal issues.

Test Sites / Results / Dates: The test can be taken at recognised examination centres in France and all candidates receive a certificate confirming the individual level of proficiency.

Chambre Franco-Allemande de Commerce et d'Industrie
Ms Margarete Riegler-Poyet
18, rue Ballard
75015 Paris
France
Tel.: +33-1-44 25 27 46