Aptitude test: Appraising your academic success chance

What Is the Test For?

The TestAS measures the general aptitudes of candidates, which are necessary to successfully complete a bachelor's degree in Germany. When you take the test, you don't need specific knowledge of your chosen program.

Previously, the "Magister" and "Diplom" were both considered as the first degree in Germany, but the German education system has changed a lot. Now, the first cycle generally refers only to the bachelor's degree. However, in certain fields like law and medicine, the first cycle may also include the "Magister", "Diplom", or "Staatsexam".

The Advantages

Advantages for Students

The test results can help you recognize your strengths and weaknesses and help you choose a program suited to your abilities. After the exam, you get a realistic perspective on your chances of obtaining a degree in your preferred field of study. You can also compare your results with those of others, and you'll get used to the typical requirements of the desired program.

Advantages for Universities

The TestAS provides universities with a standardized technique for comparing the academic aptitudes of their candidates. The test evaluates candidates' aptitude for the required study program, regardless of their country of origin or the grading system used in their country. Each university can then select students who have the required prerequisites for a particular program. TestAS results allow for accurate prediction of academic progress.

Recognition

TestAS recognition varies from university to university. Although the TestAS is a mandatory prerequisite for admission at some universities, at others it's not mandatory but may be recommended.

The TestAS offers advantages to students at nearly 40 German universities. At six universities in North Rhine-Westphalia, the test serves as an entrance exam for candidates who haven't obtained a higher education entrance qualification (such as the Abitur). After passing the TestAS, the candidate no longer needs to take a foundation course. Several universities in Brandenburg offer similar individualized admission procedures.

Facts and Figures

Languages: German or English

Test centers: 281 sites in 76 countries

For test dates and fees, check in your home country as they vary depending on where you take the test.

German universities that have integrated the TestAS into their admission policies recognize the TestAS certificate. Each university can determine the importance and weighting of the TestAS results. Ask your chosen university (or faculty) whether the TestAS is considered in the admission decision.

Structure

The TestAS is available in German or English. In either case, your German language level must reach B1 or above. The test consists of 2 parts: the basic test and "subject-specific" test modules.

The basic test evaluates the general skills needed for all university courses. The subject-specific test modules evaluate the abilities required to efficiently complete a study program in a particular field.

You can select one of the following four modules:

• Humanities, Cultural Studies, and Social Studies
• Engineering
• Mathematics, Computer Science, and Natural Sciences
• Economics

The TestAS certificate is permanently valid. You can check your final results online after 4 weeks via your TestAS account.

Preparation and Requirements

The TestAS doesn't measure your knowledge, but rather evaluates your cognitive abilities. No specific knowledge is tested. Familiarizing yourself with the TestAS format is the best way to prepare for the test. Sample questions are available on the TestAS website. The TestAS Institut strongly recommends that all candidates answer these sample questions before taking the exam.

To pass the language component of the TestAS, your language skills must be at level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Note, however, that level B1 is below the level required if you want to study in Germany.

If you're not satisfied with the results, you can register for the next TestAS. But keep in mind that only the results of the latest test count. Also make sure to submit your TestAS certificate on time! Otherwise, you'll miss university application deadlines.

Important!

The TestAS is different from TestDaF! TestDaF is a language exam that evaluates your German skills, while the TestAS measures the cognitive abilities needed for university studies. For more information, you can visit the TestAS website.