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General
Preparation
Registration
Test Participation
Results and Certificates
General
What is TestAS?
TestAS is an aptitude test for foreign applicants who want to undertake undergraduate studies at a German university. It assesses cognitive abilities that are particularly important for a successful course of studies. It does not require any specialist knowledge. Neither does it measure any aspects of personality, motivation or interest. The TestAS is available in two different formats: paper-based and digital. Both versions are offered three times a year. You can find out about test dates here.
What are the benefits of TestAS?
TestAS provides a selection criterion for German universities. They can thus identify applicants who have the necessary intellectual pre-requisites for the area of studies they are applying for.
TestAS results will help you make informed choices. After the test, you will be able to realistically assess your chances of successfully completing your studies. You will also find out how you stand in comparison to other test takers and you become acquainted with typical requirements of the course of studies you are applying for.
What is the difference between the paper-based and the digital TestAS?
Both test forms are divided into a core test and a subject-specific module (see „How is the TestAS structured?“). Since the digital TestAS was newly developed and optimized for processing on the computer, the types of tasks also differ. However, both tests measure the same skills and the results of both versions are comparable. Another difference between the two formats is the duration of the test: The paper-based TestAS takes about 4.5 hours including a 30-minute break, the digital TestAS takes 3.5 hours. Furthermore, for the digital TestAS you can choose from six instead of four subjects for the Subject-Specific Test.
How is the TestAS structured?
The test consists of different modules:
Where can I take the TestAS?
TestAS can be taken all over the world in licensed test centres. You can find a list of all test centres here. Please note that some test centres offer only one of the test formats.
In case there is no test centre in your country, please use our
contact form
.
When can I take the TestAS?
You can take both TestAS formats three times a year. You can find the current TestAS dates here.
Is there an age limit for the TestAS?
No. TestAS is aimed primarily at applicants and students planning to take a first degree in Germany
but it is open to all age groups. It can also be taken during your last year in secondary school;
you should not take it earlier than that.
Can I take parts of TestAS as separate tests?
No, you have to take the Core Test as well as one Subject-Specific Module. It depends on
the course of study you want to apply for and on the admission requirements of the German universities which
subject-specific test you choose. We offer modules for Economics, Engineering,
Humanities, Cultural Studies and Social Sciences and Mathematics, Computer Science and Natural Sciences.
The digital TestAS also offers modules in Life Sciences and Medicine.
If you would like to test only your language skills, please register for onSET or TestDaF.
Can I repeat the TestAS?
Yes, you are allowed to repeat the TestAS as many times as you like. You should, however, take into account, that TestAS does not measure knowledge and skills which can be acquired and trained at short notice.
Instead it measures relatively solid cognitive abilities. It is therefore unlikely that you will achieve a much better result at a later date. See also "How can I prepare for TestAS?"
Can I view my examination papers after the test?
Yes, you can view your examination papers and answers at the TestDaF Institute. For that purpose, you have to send an application to the TestDaF-Institute no later than 4 weeks after announcement of the test results.
Within four weeks after the announcement of the test results you can apply for having your results checked. Your score will then be checked again by an Examination Board, and you will be notified of the result.
Preparation
Which languages are used in TestAS?
TestAS is offered in German and English. It is up to you to decide which language you want to use.
Do I know enough German or English for the TestAS?
You need at least B1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) in order to successfully complete TestAS.
In case you would like to test your language skills, please register for onSET or TestDaF. Please always make it a habit to continually improve your knowledge of German or English, this will help you to prepare for TestAS and for your studies in Germany.
Do I need to have good computer skills in order to take the TestAS?
Paper-based TestAS: No. The core test and the subject-specific test are paper-based tests.
Digital TestAS: You take the core test and the subject module on a computer. However, you do not need any special computer knowledge, just basic computer skills.
How do I prepare for the TestAS?
TestAS is not designed to test knowledge. TestAS measures cognitive abilities but not specific skills.
You cannot prepare for TestAS by short-term training and acquiring knowledge. Acquaint yourself with the test format
This website offers you model questions for the both test formats, which we strongly advise to work through.
For the digital TestAS, you will also find introductory videos that familiarise you with the structure and functions of the test software.
Registration
How can I register for TestAS?
First you have to register online here. Once you are registered, you will receive a verification mail. You can then book a test date with your user name and password and select the test centre of your choice.
Which modules should I book?
First of all, you will have to decide whether you want to take TestAS in German or in English. A change of language between parts of the test is not possible.
You always need to book the Core Test.
Additionally, you choose one of the four subject specific modules. Depending on the course of study you wish to apply for and on the admission requirements
of the university which you are applying to, you may have to book one of the four (paper-based TestAS) or six (digital TestAS) modules:
You can book only one subject-specific module.
When is the deadline for registration and booking?
Paper-based TestAS: The deadline for registration and booking is about five weeks prior to the TestAS exam.
Digital TestAS: The deadline for registration and booking is about one week prior to the TestAS exam.
For further information on the registration period click here.
How much does participation in the TestAS cost?
TestDaF-Institut has definded three country groups with different prices. The price applicable for you will be announced during registration process.
I have registered but did not receive an e-mail. How do I proceed?
After registration, you should receive an email with a link. If you have not received it, log in again on the test taker’s page with your user name and password. You can then check your e-mail address and have the mail sent to you again.
You should also check if your mailbox is full thus preventing you from receiving e-mails. In addition, look into your spam or junk folder.
Test Participation
What do I need to bring for the test?
You are required to carry a valid ID (passport, identity card).
It has to be the same ID that you used when registering for TestAS. You will need to
present it at the identity check before the test. In addition, you will be asked
to present the admission e-mail that your test centre sent to you in the run up to the test.
You should also bring along a black or blue ballpoint pen.
Can I bring any aids?
No, neither dictionaries nor other reference books or teaching materials or calculators are allowed.
For the paper-based TestAS you will be given everything you need at the test centre, including note paper.
In the digital TestAS no notes are allowed. In case you use any forbidden aids you will be excluded from the test.
How long does it take to do the TestAS?
Paper-based TestAS: You will need 110 minutes for the core test.
After a break of 30 minutes, you will start the subject-specific test which will take 145 to 150 minutes, depending on the module you choose.
Digital TestAS: The Core Test and the Subject-Specific Test each last 90 min. The pure examination time is therefore about three hours with a break of 30 minutes between the two examination parts.
What is the test procedure?
Paper-based TestAS: The Core Test and the Subject-Specific Tests are paper-based tests in a multiple choice format.
You will be given a test booklet for each module which contains the questions and a separate answer sheet.
You are to mark the correct answer with a black or blue ballpoint pen on this machine-readable answer sheet.
Digital TestAS: In the Core Test and the Subject-Specific Module, you work on multiple-choice tasks on the computer. You click your answers on the screen with the mouse.
How is TestAS marked?
The results of each part of the TestAS are calculated automatically.
For the TestAS paper-based you will receive a differentiated certificate which indicates your achievements in the subtest in points, percentile ranks and standard values. The Digital TestAS certificate shows your performance for the core test and the chosen subject module in percentile ranks and standard scores.
Both test takers and universities receive information about the ranking of the individual as compared to all other TestAS takers.
The percentile values of both test formats are directly comparable. A conversion table is available for a comparison of the standard values.
You will not find the predicates "passed" or "failed" on your certificate. There is no minimum score and thus no pass mark. The German universities will use the ranking lists which are based on the test results for the selection of applicants at their own discretion.
Results and Certificates
When and where do I get my results?
You can access your results about four weeks (paper-based TestAS) or three weeks (digital TestAS) after the test by logging into the TestAS website for
test takers with your user name and password. You will not receive special notification when the
results are uploaded. A sample of the certificate can be viewed.
What can I do if I forget or lose my user name and my password?
In order to book online and to print your certificate a few weeks after the exam, you need your user name and
your password that you have chosen when registering.
In case these access data are no longer at your’s disposal, retrieve them
here.
For how long is the certificate valid?
The validity of the certificate is unlimited.
How do I obtain additional certificates?
You can log into the TestAS website at any time and print out as many copies as you like.
How can the university access my TestAS certificate?
As soon as you send your certificate or just your participant number and date of birth to the
university, the university can verify your certificate at any time by logging into the TestAS
website for universities (paper-based TestAS) or via the QR-Code on your certificate (digital TestAS ).
It will no longer be necessary to physically authenticate copies.
Do all German universities accept the TestAS certificate?
The TestAS certificate is recognised by German universities who have included it in their admission
regulations. The weighting of the TestAS results, however, varies depending on the university.
While TestAS is compulsory for some universities or subjects, it is optional for others.
Some universities do not require TestAS at all.
Please inquire at the university or faculty you are applying
to if TestAS is considered for admission.
Can I benefit from a TestAS certificate in my home country?
Yes. The certificate contains descriptions of the various subtests and the intellectual abilities tested as well as your achievements in these tests. These detailed descriptions provide differentiated information about you for companies, organisations and other institutions.
Can I balance a low score in one part of the test with a higher score in another part of the test?
This is not necessary because you will receive a detailed certificate which presents your achievements in all parts of the test. The universities will weight your achievements depending of the course of study you are applying for. You will not see the predicate "passed" or "failed" in any part of the test, and there is no minimum score for the test or for any part of it.
Can I combine scores from different tests I took?
This is not possible. If you have taken part in the test several times, the most recent certificate will
be shown by default. But you can decide which certificate the universities can view by marking this certificate in your individual portal.
The universities can view only one certificate.