The History of telc GmbH

1968

A team of language experts led by Robert Nowacek develop the VHS-Zertifikat Englisch (VHS Certificate in English), the first standardised language examination to be administered by the German Adult Education Association (DVV). The benefit of certification of language abilities heightens public esteem of the Adult Education Centres and gives new impulse to foreign language didactics. Language courses become more goal-oriented.

1970

In cooperation with the Goethe Institute, the DVV develops a standardised examination for German as a foreign language, the Zertifikat Deutsch als Fremdsprache. The German Federal Government also provides funding for the development of additional foreign language examinations for adults. Even before the examination in German, French had been introduced; Russian, Spanish and Italian were to follow suit. 

1972

Due to the steadily increasing demand for language certification, the Central Examinations Office of the German Adult Education Association is established as a department within the Pedagogical Office of the DVV.

1973

Adult education organisations from Germany, Austria and Switzerland found an association which will later be known as “International Certificate Conference” (ICC).

1979

Conceptual work on a basic level test “Grundbaustein zum VHS-Zertifikat” starts. Eventually, Grundbaustein examinations will be developed in eight languages. In 1981 the first three Grundbaustein subjects become operational. 

The 1980s

The DVV increases co-operation with Adult Education Associations in other countries, including Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Denmark and Sweden.

1995

The DVV Central Examinations Office becomes a member of the Association of Language Testers in Europe (ALTE).

1997

Until the end of 1997, DVV Central Examinations Office remains attached to the German Institute of Adult Education (DIE) in Frankfurt.

1998

The Central Examinations Office of the DVV changes its legal status and name: as WBT (Further Education Testing Systems) GmbH it now is an independent non-profit company jointly owned by DVV and DIE. DIE will remain a shareholder until the end of 2001. 

1999

WBT opens up for licensed partners outside the public adult education sector.

2002

The DVV is now the exclusive shareholder of the non-profit organisation WBT GmbH.

2006

In December 2006, WBT GmbH is renamed telc GmbH – which stands, plainly and simply, for The European Language Certificates

2009

Opening of the telc GmbH Liaison Office in Istanbul, Turkey