In the network the Agency for European Education programmes of the DG is the specialist for the field of certification and assessment of language competences and for comparative analysis and mainstreaming of results to decision makers and experts.
The aim of the network is to promote the European objective of multilingualism (mother language plus two), using the minority languages that are being spoken in the regions. Aware that the acquisition of competences, especially in the field of languages, must be both recognised as well as verifiable, the working package Certification and Assessment of language competences is dedicated to the propagation of information about ways of certification and assessment.
In this approach, the integration of minority languages and using opportunities to assess and certify based on a European standard plays a central role.
For this purpose the instruments and methods for the assessment of language competences, as well as widespread techniques are presented, like the ways of recognition and certification and existing essentials, e.g. the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for language learning. The implementation and application in the DG, which is involved in PISA, IGLU and DELF, is used as a practical example.
By distinguishing the different forms of certification, like e.g. self-tests, trainings, courses, online tools, formal education and by disseminating the European Language Pass the use of these methods in minority languages will be examined and made applicable.
As a result of the exchange of techniques and methods, of contact building between practitioners, researchers and decision makers, by visits to regions and offering methods for training, concrete recommendations will be made for the specific minority languages. The adaptation of language certifications for minority languages can be followed up, according to requirements and resources, by the development and preparation of language methods for other minority languages.