The University Teaching Qualification (UTQ; BKO in Dutch) is regarded as a proof of competence of lecturers who teach in academic settings. It is used as a means for remedying the often limited didactic schooling of lecturers and also an instrument for assuring the quality of university education.

The proof of competence is tested by means of a so called UTQ portfolio. For that purpose a lecturer gathers items of proof which show the lecturer has the compentences required. A departmental portfolio committee which consists of at least three experts, decides whether the items of proof meet the requirements. To compile a portfolio four different tracks are open to the lecturer:

• The lecturer gets an intake and follows the complete BKO training program subsequently. This implies following courses, including work guidance at compiling a portfolio.
• The second track is an intake and components of the BKO training program. This means following a few courses tailored to someone's needs, including work guidance at compiling a portfolio.
• The third possibility is an intake and work guidance at compiling a portfolio.
• The last track is the do-it-yourself track: after an intake the lecturer collects proof according to his/her own discretion, gathers and creates selfreflections and validations and includes these in the portfolio. The lecturer needs to make use of the format which is described in the TU/e handbook UTQ. This track is not recommended because of the risk of unclarities. This can lead to wasting energy by the lecturer who compiles the portfolio.

Before you start, please contact the UTQ coordinator of your department. Furthermore, it's considered wise to read the TU/e handbook UTQ in advance carefully. In case of a positive judgement of the portfolio the lecturer receives a UTQ certificate. This certificate is recognized by all Dutch universities.

New assistant, associate and full professors at the University of Technology Eindhoven need to obain the UTQ certificate within three years. It is a condition for promotion.

[The complete regulation can be read in the TU/e regulation UTQ.]