Study in Germany
TestAS
Academic aptitude for undergraduate study
A core assessment and a subject-specific module for international bachelor’s applicants.
The examination
Academic aptitude for undergraduate study
TestAS is an academic aptitude test for international applicants to undergraduate programmes in Germany. It assesses abilities relevant to university study; it is not a German-language qualification.
Who is it for?
- International applicants to bachelor’s programmes in Germany.
- Candidates whose university requires or considers TestAS.
- Applicants choosing a subject module for their intended field of study.
- Purpose
- Undergraduate aptitude
- Languages
- English or German
- Formats
- Digital or paper-based
- Validity
- No certificate expiry
What does it assess?
A core assessment measures general cognitive abilities, while a subject module addresses abilities relevant to a study field. Each university decides whether, how and with what score it uses TestAS in admissions.
Format & modules
Digital TestAS takes about 3.5 hours including the break; paper-based TestAS about 4.5 hours. Both include a core assessment and a subject module, but their task types differ. Some universities specify a test language, and not every centre offers both formats.
Scroll horizontally to read every column.
| Digital part | Content | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Core Module | Figure Sequences, Mathematical Equations and Latin Squares; 20 items per subtest | 25 minutes each; about 90 minutes including instructions |
| Break | Between the modules | 30 minutes |
| Subject Module | One module for the intended field; 10–15 testlets with 4–8 questions each | 90 minutes |
| Total | Core Module, break and Subject Module | About 3.5 hours |
Choose the format and module required by the receiving university. Do not assume that preparation for one version covers the other.
Digital subject modules
- Humanities, Cultural Studies and Social Sciences
- Life Sciences
- Engineering
- Mathematics, Computer Science and Natural Sciences
- Economics
- Medicine
Medicine and Life Sciences are digital-only options. The paper-based test offers the other four fields. Confirm the current provider terminology and your university’s required module.
Results & validity
Results are generally available in the participant portal after approximately three weeks for digital TestAS or four weeks for paper-based TestAS. The certificate has no expiry date. Acceptance and the weighting of core and subject results depend on the university.
Preparation with CDI
Ask CDI about individual online preparation for the format and core task types you need. Include your intended subject module so we can confirm the support available; module-specific teaching is not assumed.
Start with the official tasks
- Confirm the format, test language and subject module required by your university before choosing practice materials.
- Use the official core tasks to identify the rules behind patterns, equations and logical problems; review errors before increasing your speed.
- Practise the relevant subject tasks and timing. For the digital version, use the provider’s software tutorials as well as the sample questions.
What to include in your enquiry
Include the exam and format or module, your intended university or programme, your current German level if relevant, and your target deadline. We will discuss the appropriate next step; no exam place or preparation package is booked through this enquiry.
Please contact us to confirm which German academic exams are currently available at our Alicante centre and which are preparation-only.
Ask about TestAS preparationBefore you register
Register through the official TestAS participant portal. Confirm the test language, format, subject module, centre, deadline, current fee and identification requirements before completing registration.
Check current dates, fees, identification requirements and test-centre availability with the provider. An enquiry to CDI does not reserve an exam place.
Official provider information
Practical questions
Does TestAS replace a German-language certificate?
No. TestAS measures academic aptitude. Your programme may require separate proof of German or another language, even when you take TestAS in that language.
Should I choose the digital or paper-based test?
Follow your receiving university’s requirements and the formats offered by your chosen centre. Their tasks and subject options differ; use the matching preparation materials.
Can CDI help with every subject module?
Tell us your required format and module. We can discuss individual online preparation and confirm what subject-specific support is available before arranging lessons.
CDI Assessment Group
A clearer next step.
Tell us which exam or programme you are considering and your deadline. We can discuss the preparation options appropriate to your goal.