AFNOR-certified artificial intelligence skills tests developed at the University of Montpellier

[Press release] - Published on October 9, 2024 in Press room

At the start of 2024, the University of Montpellier, the Metropole of Montpellier and the companies Numalis and BionomeeX launched an AFNOR Spec to offer the first standardized artificial intelligence skills test. Named AICET for "Artificial Intelligence Competence Evaluation Test", it meets the growing needs of companies faced with the rise of generative AI and the arrival of European AI regulations (AI Act). The AFNOR specification for artificial intelligence skills tests was published on Friday October 4.

The AICET is a French and European response to one of the major challenges of the current AI revolution: understanding the major challenges of AI. These challenges are manifold: regulatory, theoretical, technological, ethical, environmental...

Often referred to as the "TOEIC of AI", the aim of this project is to create an artificial intelligence skills test for a wide audience, from students and professionals to companies and organizations. This work is made possible by bringing together scientific and technological expertise, a vision of uses and standardization know-how.

Artificial intelligence skills: strong needs and the need to be able to measure levels in different areas

This approach is unique in France and Europe. Designed both for use within companies and for training students and teachers, AICET is intended to be a certification that will be deployed as widely as possible. Designed to be a living tool, AICET will incorporate new developments as AI technology evolves. The AICET test, or "AI TOEIC", is made up of questions rigorously devised and validated by a panel of experts, and will assess AI skills across five key domains: general knowledge, legal and ethical, applicative, operational and theoretical.

Already tested both on students from the University of Montpellier (Polytech) and on people undergoing retraining, this test is one of the pillars of Montpellier's Artificial Intelligence projects. Gabriel Krouk, research director at the CNRS and inventor of the AICET concept, confirms: "The idea for this test came very naturally while working on the ambitious Montpellier project. It's essential to have this kind of tool.

The AFNOR specification for artificial intelligence skills tests

The AFNOR specification represents recognition of the quality and rigor of the work carried out at the University of Montpellier. It paves the way for test standardization and international deployment, offering a unique opportunity to promote artificial intelligence skills worldwide.