Looking to study in Germany as an international student? Then you’ll most likely need to take the TestAS Exam, as many German universities require it from non-EU applicants.
But what is it? Is it hard? How do you register for it? What’s in the exam? Which universities require a TestAS?
Is it in German? (Spoiler: if you want it to be.)
We’ll answer these questions and more in this comprehensive guide to the TestAS!
Table of Contents
- What is the TestAS?
- How to Register
- Exam Dates
- How to Prepare for the test
- What Universities Accept TestAS
- Digital Vs Paper Exam
- FAQ
What is the TestAS Exam?
TestAS stands for Test for Academic Studies. It’s a standardized exam by ITB Consulting GmbH that assesses the academic competency of international students who want to study at German universities.
It evaluates cognitive abilities, like analytical thinking and problem-solving skills, all while also testing a specific academic discipline of the test-taker’s choosing (more on that later).
Many German universities require passing the TestAS for admission, especially if you’re applying to a prestigious university or into a competitive program.
Or, even if it’s not one of their hard requirements, it can be a bit of a “soft requirement,” so to speak, in the sense that your chances without a TestAS certificate may be rather slim.
What’s in the TestAS: Structure and Content
The TestAS exam is divided into two main parts, the core test and the subject-specific module.
1. Core Test (110 minutes)
The first part is the Core Test, which evaluates general academic and cognitive abilities, including:
- Language Skills (30 minutes): Assesses how well you can understand, analyze, and think critically about texts.
- Cognitive Skills (40 minutes): Tests your abstract reasoning and logical thinking skills.
- Quantitative Problem-Solving (45 minutes): Evaluates your mathematical aptitude.
2. Subject-Specific Module (145 to 150 minutes)
When registering for the TestAS, test-takers will also choose a specific area of study for which to be tested in the subject-specific module. This will be the 2nd part of the exam.
While all subjects are available for digital TestAS exams, some are only available with the paper-based test.
The subjects available are:
- Humanities, Cultural Studies, and Social Sciences (Paper-based & Digital)
- Engineering (Paper-based & Digital)
- Mathematics, Computer Science, and Natural Sciences (Paper-based & Digital)
- Economics (Paper-based & Digital)
- Medicine: (Digital Only)
- Life Sciences: (Digital only)
We’ll go into more detail with each subject below!
In total, the entire test should take around 250-260 minutes or 4-5 hours. This includes registering and breaks.
Subject-Specific Modules
The TestAS allows you to test yourself in a specific academic discipline. Choose one that is most relevant to the program you’re pursuing. Scoring high in this part of the exam can give you a big boost in your admission chances in relevant degree programs.
We’ve listed the available disciplines below, as well as their general content according to the official TestAS website.
Humanities, Cultural Studies, and Social Sciences
With questions about society and culture, this module assesses your:
- Understanding and interpretation of texts
- Understanding and use of representation systems
- Recognition of linguistic structures
Choose this if you’re taking a degree program in history, sociology, psychology, philosophy, political science, the arts and humanities, and other adjacent fields.
Engineering
This module assesses your technical problem-solving abilities as well as your spatial awareness. The subtests include:
- Formalising Technical Interrelationships
- Visualizing Solids
- Analysing Technical Interrelationships/
This should be taken by students applying to any engineering degree, like Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, and Aerospace Engineering, etc.
Mathematics, Computer Science, and Natural Sciences
Assessing your scientific reasoning and mathematical problem-solving abilities, this module includes the following subtests:
- Analyzing Scientific Relationships
- Understanding Formal Depictions
Take this if you’re going into Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, or Computer Science.
Economics
This module tests your quantitative reasoning and logic in economic contexts. Subtests include:
- Analysing Economic Interrelationships
- Analysing Economic Processes
Medicine
While the TestAS website does not specify the subtests in the Medicine module, it is evidently about the medical sciences.
Taking this is definitely crucial if you want to take med school or pursue other medical sciences in Germany. Most if not all German medical schools will require you to take the Medicine TestAS.
Life Sciences
Like Medicine, the TestAS website does not specify the Life Sciences subtests. Select this if you’re pursuing a degree in the life sciences, such as biology, zoology, or botany.
How to Register for the TestAS Exam
Registration is done online through the official TestAS website.
The process is simple:
1. Create an Account:
Create a user account on the website and input accurate information.
2. Select Your Test Type, Location, and Date
Choose whether to take a physical, paper-based exam or a digital one—though both will be held at a supervised testing center.
Select a subject-specific module, a testing center, and one of the available testing dates.
3. Pay the Registration Fee
Pay with the available payment options. Fees can vary based on the location and format of the exam, though it should be between €80 to €150.
4. Submit Registration
After all the prior steps, you should be done! Simply submit your registration (Though you should probably double-check all the details first!).
You should receive a confirmation email with the details of your exam.
We highly recommend registering as early as you can, as testing date slots can fill up quickly.
TestAS Appointment: Exam Dates and Locations
TestAS exam dates are announced periodically throughout the year and are typically held sometime in the spring and fall.
The digital and paper-based tests each have three testing dates per year.
For 2025, the available dates and registration periods:
Testing centers are available both in Germany and across the world. Most TestDaF testing centers also offer the TestAS, and there are 170 TestDaF centers in Germany and more across 95 other countries.
How to Prepare for the TestAS Exam
Preparation is key to succeeding in the TestAS exam. Here are some tips to help you get ready:
1. Study
It goes without saying, but make sure to study, especially for the subject-specific module of your choice.
2. Understand the Exam Structure
Familiarizing yourself with the format of the test can help you envision how exam day will play out, reducing stress.
3. Practice with Sample Questions
The official TestAS website offers sample questions and practice tests, including those for the subject-specific modules. These are invaluable as they closely mimic the actual questions of the exam.
4. Manage Your Time
The TestAS is a 4-5 hour marathon, with each section having time limits. Learn how to properly manage your time with sample tests.
5. Use Online Resources
Online resources about the TestAS (like this guide) are numerous. Watch YouTube videos, read forum posts, and join online study groups!
Which Universities Accept the TestAS?
Many top German universities require a TestAS result as part of their admission process for international students. Some of the top institutions that require the TestAS include:
- Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU)
- Technical University of Munich (TUM)
- University of Heidelberg
- RWTH Aachen University
- University of Freiburg
- University of Cologne
However, even when the TestAS is not listed as an official requirement, it can still strongly enhance your application.
It may also depend on the exact degree program you’re applying for, so be sure to check the specific requirements. Most medical and engineering degrees will require taking the TestAS.
TestAS Results: When and How to Access Them
TestAS results come out after 4 to 6 weeks and can be accessed online. You’ll also see your percentile ranking against the other test-takers of your batch.
Digital TestAS vs. Paper-based TestAS: Which Should You Take?
When deciding between the digital and paper-based tests, first consider what subject-specific module you’re taking.
Medicine and Life Sciences can only be taken with the digital exam, while the others can be taken with either format.
With the digital test being optimized for computers, the types of tasks also differ between the two formats. However, the same skills are evaluated and results are comparable.
In the digital TestAS, you cannot go back to a previous question once you’ve submitted your answer. With the physical test, you are free to do so.
The digital test is also a bit shorter, being at 3.5 hours, with the physical TestAS being 4.5 hours (including a 30-minute break).
Note that, according to a 2022 report by the TestAS, the digital exam will replace the paper-based exam in the future, though the 2025 TestAS will still feature both.
Final Thoughts: Is the TestAS Exam Right for You?
Are you an international student looking to study in Germany? If so, then yes! You should take the TestAS.
After all, as said, many German universities require a TestAS result from international applicants. This is especially true for more prestigious universities and competitive programs.
Yes, some may universities and degree programs may not (so check the specific one you’re pursuing), but a strong TestAS score can still greatly enhance your chances of getting in. So we still highly recommend it.
However, since the TestAS is specifically about academic aptitude, you probably don’t need it if you’re moving to Germany for work. You should probably take—or will probably be required to take, actually—an integration course and the DTZ exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
In what format are the TestAF questions?
Both the digital and paper-based TestAF will consist of multiple-choice questions.
In what language is the TestAF conducted?
You can take the TestAF in either English or German. We suggest taking it in your native language—or whichever language you feel the most confident in, at least academically speaking.
You may be tempted to take it in German if you’re an advanced German language learner to prove your ability with the language. However, there are better ways to test your German proficiency.
Can I use a German TestAF result to fulfill language proficiency requirements?
No, a high TestAS score, even when taken in German, will likely not be accepted for language proficiency requirements.
Most universities—and all public and state-funded ones—will actually also require you to take the TestDaF, which specifically measures your academic language proficiency.
Can I use the TestAF to fulfill my Visa German language requirements?
The TestAS, when taken in German, can help with the Visa requirements of international students. However, if you’re taking it just for the Visa requirements, other tests are better.
The telc exam, for example, can be taken in various CEFR levels to meet your specific Visa, citizenship, or residence application needs (as different Visas may require different CEFR levels).
Can my TestAS affect my chances of getting scholarships?
A high TestAS score is likely not enough to net you a scholarship. However, if combined with a strong academic background in general, it can help strengthen your case.
Can I reschedule or cancel my TestAS?
TestAS allows you to reschedule or cancel your exam date as long as you do so well in advance. You may even be eligible for a partial refund if canceling.
However, policies for each testing center and date may differ, so check with your testing center.
Does the TestAS offer special accommodations?
For students with specific needs due to disabilities or other circumstances, TestAS offers special accommodations. If you require additional time, a different testing environment, or other adjustments, make sure to contact and inform your test center during the registration process.
How are TestAF results used?
The TestAF evaluates your general academic ability, as well as your competency in the subject-specific module of your choice. Universities use this as a gauge if you are fit for the program you’re applying to.
How heavily the university weighs your TestAF score depends on the institution and the exact degree program you’re applying for.
How many times can I take the TestAF?
You can take the TestAF as many times as you need or want! Though you will have to pay the fees every time you do so.
Can a high TestAS score help me get into a Studienkolleg?
Yes, a high TestAS score can help you get into a university preparatory program, otherwise known as a Studienkolleg. In fact, some Studienkolleg even require you to take the TestAS.
These programs aim to help international students acculturate into the academic culture of German universities.
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