Career step ÖSD examiner: How the training works

Do you teach German as a foreign or second language? Then take your expertise to the next level and become an ÖSD examiner! In this article, you will learn how this works and what you should bear in mind.

Training for authorisation as an ÖSD examiner

If you fulfil the requirements to become an ÖSD examiner, a specially developed training course for the Österreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch (ÖSD) awaits you. This high-quality training is offered exclusively at the ÖSD Academy and prepares you optimally for your new role.

For each ÖSD exam, there is a training module for conducting and assessing the written and oral exams. Each training module consists of three “phases”.

The so-called Vorqualifizierung (pre-qualification) refers to independent preparation, followed by online training. You then have two months to submit the so-called Erstqualifizierung (initial qualification), in which you evaluate two performance examples.

As a general rule, you will receive a detailed training programme by e-mail once you have registered and received confirmation.

The individual phases of the ÖSD examiner training course in detail:

1. Vorqualifizierung (asynchronous self-learning phase)

You will receive an invitation to work on the Vorqualifizierung (pre-qualification) documents in good time before the training day. Here you will familiarise yourself with the examination procedure and the corresponding ÖSD examinations and carry out initial assessments independently and individually. Numerous preparation materials and learning videos are available to you on an online platform, which you can work on at any time and from any location.

Allow sufficient time for the Vorqualifizierung. This is approximately 3 to 4 hours per examination module, i.e. if you register for the written and oral examination module, this means a total of approximately 6 to 8 hours of work.

The timely completion of the Vorqualifizierung is a prerequisite for participation in the training course.

2. Training (synchronous phase in the group)

Our synchronous face-to-face phase of the training courses is conducted online, but can also take place on site if needed. The individual training modules (written or oral) usually last around 3.5 hours, so the examiner training for the written and oral exams takes one day per level.

In this synchronised attendance phase, the content of the learning videos is repeated and deepened and there is an opportunity to ask questions. In addition, further examples of performance are assessed and discussed together. This provides you with comprehensive practical information on the assessment criteria for each level.

3. Erstqualifizierung  (submission of sample assessments)

After these first two phases of training, you have two months to complete the Erstqualifizierung (initial qualification). To do this, you must assess two written and two oral examinations for each module.

If your trial assessment complies with the ÖSD guidelines, an ÖSD examiner licence will be issued for this examination module.

This means that you will be issued with an examiner certificate showing your individual examiner number and level. Additionally, it will indicate the examination module that you are now authorised to take and assess.

Validity of ÖSD examiner licences

The high quality standards of ÖSD examinations require regular renewal of ÖSD examiner licenses. These certificates are valid for 3 years from the date of issue – the period of validity is noted on the licence.

After expiry of the validity period, you must renew each of your examiner licences with the so-called Folgequalifizierung (follow-up qualification) by assessing one performance example per module in order to continue to be allowed to examine and assess the respective examination in writing or orally.

New career opportunities for ÖSD examiners

Within the ÖSD, the Training department is there to provide you with advice and support. Our experienced staff will accompany you competently and with commitment on your path to success as an ÖSD examiner.

German is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world and is therefore a key to a wide range of international opportunities. Take the opportunity to optimally prepare yourself for the demands of a dynamic educational and working world. We support you in achieving your goals safely and efficiently!