Montpellier launches AICET, the first AI assessment test designed to issue the first AFNOR certifications
At the start of 2024, the University of Montpellier, the Montpellier Metropolitan Area, and the companies Numalis and BionomeeX are launching an AFNOR Spec to offer the first standardized test of artificial intelligence skills. Called AICET, short for “Artificial Intelligence Competence Evaluation Test,” it addresses the growing needs of companies in the face of the rise of generative AI and the arrival of European AI regulations (the AI Act). This initiative is made possible by combining scientific and technological expertise, a vision of practical applications, and standardization know-how.
By providing a standardized way to measure an individual’s level of proficiency, AICET is a French and European response to one of the major challenges accompanying the ongoing AI revolution: educating and training as many people as possible, across all sectors and at all levels, to understand the key issues surrounding AI. These challenges are multifaceted—regulatory, theoretical, technological, ethical, environmental, and more—and require consideration of different levels of proficiency.
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 adopted certification following an initial rollout phase in Montpellier, and to be used, for example, in hiring across all sectors. Designed to be a dynamic tool, the AICET will be continuously updated to keep pace with the rapid technological evolution of AI.
Artificial intelligence skills: high demand and the need to assess proficiency across various areas
The test is divided into three proficiency levels (beginner, intermediate, advanced) and five skill categories.
- Theoretical focus: fundamental knowledge of AI
- Focus area: Understanding the application areas of AI
- Focus Area: AI Tools and Methods
- Legal and Ethical Aspects: Laws, Standards, and Regulations Governing AI
- General Knowledge Track: History and Key Figures in AI
“All research laboratories and companies are increasingly in need of AI skills. By providing a way 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 for supporting the growing number of training programs offered to our students, staff, and Professors, as well as for providing training and certification to other audiences,”emphasizes Philippe Augé,President of the University of Montpellier.
Already tested on students at the University of Montpellier, the Polytech Montpellier engineering school, and on individuals undergoing career transition, this test is one of the cornerstones of Montpellier’s artificial intelligence projects. Gabriel Krouk, Director of Research CNRS, inventor of the AICET concept, and scientific lead 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. ”
A standardized assessment based on Montpellier’s expertise: AICET aims to become the “TOEIC of AI”
An AFNOR Spec-type reference standard will establish a standardized testing framework for assessing an individual’s competence in artificial intelligence, as well as guidelines for updating and refining this test over time. With a national scope, this AFNOR Spec is intended to be proposed at the European level to address one of the requirements of the recently adopted AI Act, and subsequently at the international level. In this regard, the standard will draw on the expertise of AFNOR and Numalis, which have already successfully advanced similar projects to the ISO/IEC level.
A call for expressions of interest is being held throughout January 2024 for a kick-off meeting scheduled for February 5, 2024. This standard will be developed based on successive contributions from participants.
Its objectives are to:
- Define the structure of the test and the key areas of expertise to be covered
- Define the nature and distribution of question types and content-related constraints: for example, the proportion of multiple-choice questions
- Define the procedures and requirements for validating test questions and answers
- Define the terms and conditions and restrictions applicable to individuals and legal entities authorized to administer the test
- Define the procedures and requirements for individuals and entities authorized to grade the test and certify the assessment level
- Define the terms and conditions and requirements for individuals and entities authorized to issue certification related to test completion
For more information, visit the AFNOR website.