Montpellier launches AICET, the first AI assessment test with a view to issuing the first AFNOR certifications
At the start of 2024, the University of Montpellier, Montpellier Métropole, and the companies Numalis and BionomeeX are launching an AFNOR Spec to offer the first standardized test of artificial intelligence skills. Called AICET, which stands 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 regulations on AI (AI Act). This work has been made possible by combining scientific and technological expertise, a vision of applications, and know-how in standardization.
By enabling the standardized measurement of an individual's level of proficiency, AICET is a French and European response to one of the major challenges accompanying the ongoing AI revolution: acculturating and training as many people as possible, in all sectors and at all levels, to understand the major issues surrounding AI. These challenges are manifold: regulatory, theoretical, technological, ethical, environmental, etc. They require different levels of proficiency to be taken into account.
This approach is unique in France and Europe. Designed for use both within companies and in the training of students and teachers, the AICET is intended to be a widely deployed certification after an implementation phase in Montpellier, and to be used, for example, for hiring in all sectors. Designed to be a living tool, AICET will be continuously updated to keep pace with the rapid technological evolution of AI.
Artificial intelligence skills: very high demand and the need to be able to measure proficiency in different areas
The test is divided into three levels of expertise (acculturation, advanced user, expert) and five skill categories.
- Theoretical focus: fundamental knowledge of AI
- Application focus: knowledge of AI application areas
- Operational focus: AI tools and methods
- Legal and ethical aspects: laws, standards, and regulations governing AI
- General knowledge focus: history and personalities of AI
"All research laboratories and companies increasingly need AI skills. By providing a means to motivate learning, assess skills, track progress, and identify experts and potential trainers, this test is therefore of great importance. It will be a crucial tool in supporting the increase in the number of training courses offered to our students, staff, and Professors, but also in offering training and certification to other audiences,"emphasizes Philippe Augé,President of the University of Montpellier.
Already tested on students at the University of Montpellier, at the Polytech Montpellier engineering school, and on people undergoing retraining, this test is one of the pillars of Montpellier's Artificial Intelligence projects. Gabriel Krouk, Director of Research CNRS, inventor of the AICET concept and scientific leader of the vIA-UM project in response to the "IA Cluster" Call for Expressions of Interest, confirms this:"The idea for this test came about very naturally while working on Montpellier's ambitious project. It is essential to have this type of tool available. "
A standardized response based on Montpellier's expertise: AICET aims to become the "TOEIC of AI."
An AFNOR Spec reference standard will enable the definition of a standardized test structure for assessing a person's competence in artificial intelligence, as well as how to complete and develop this test over time. With a national scope, this AFNOR Spec will then be proposed at the European level to meet one of the requirements of the recently adopted AI Act, and subsequently at the international level. In this respect, the standard will draw on the expertise of Afnor and Numalis, which have already brought this type of project to ISO/IEC level.
A call for expressions of interest is being organized throughout January 2024 for a kick-off meeting scheduled for February 5, 2024. The standard will be developed on the basis of successive contributions from participants.
Its objectives are to:
- Define the structure of the test and the main skill areas to be covered.
- Define the nature and distribution of question types and content constraints: proportion of multiple-choice questions, for example.
- Define the terms and conditions for validating test questions and answers.
- Define the terms and conditions and restrictions for individuals and legal entities authorized to administer the test.
- Define the terms and conditions and restrictions for individuals and legal entities authorized to correct the test and certify an assessment level.
- Define the terms and conditions and restrictions applicable to natural persons and legal entities authorized to issue certification related to test results.
More information on the AFNOR website.