How Long Does the TestAS Take?

Digital TestAS: Approx. 3.5 hours (including a break) Paper-based TestAS: Around 4.5 to 5 hours, including breaks

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Table of Contents

When coming to Germany from abroad to study, the TestAS is one of the most important exams. Many German universities use it as a criterion for admission to assess the academic aptitude of international applicants.

Note: While the TestAS isn't required by every university, it can significantly enhance your chances of admission or simplify the admissions process.

A strong TestAS score can especially increase your admission chances in competitive degree programs. Some universities award bonus points for excellent TestAS results, positively impacting your overall evaluation.

You can choose between two test formats:

The TestAS digital (also known as TestAS online)
The paper-based TestAS

Both formats assess your academic skills but differ in execution and flexibility. You can take the TestAS in either German or English, and you select your preferred language during registration.

Important: To successfully complete the TestAS, you should have at least B1–B2 language proficiency in German or English.

Each format is offered multiple times a year worldwide at certified test centers.
Upcoming registration deadlines and test dates:

Test Date	Registration Period	Format
April 26, 2025	01/06/2025 - 03/14/2025	TestAS paper-based
June 17, 2025	01/06/2025 - 06/04/2025	TestAS digital
October 25, 2025	01/06/2025 - 09/15/2025	TestAS paper-based
November 20, 2025	01/06/2025 - 11/10/2025	TestAS digital
February 24, 2026	09/01/2025 - 01/19/2026	TestAS paper-based
March 19, 2026	11/02/2025 - 03/07/2026	TestAS digital

If you're unsatisfied with your result, you can retake the TestAS as often as needed.

For more details and registration, please visit the official TestAS registration portal. There, you can also find a search feature to locate available test centers in your country.

Now, let's look at both test versions of the TestAS in detail:

The digital TestAS is conducted entirely on a computer at a test center and takes approximately 3.5 hours, consisting of two main parts:

1. Core Module (90 minutes)

The first part assesses general cognitive skills relevant to all fields of study, including:

Figural Sequences:
Identify rules and complete graphical patterns.
Mathematical Equations:
Solve equations with multiple unknowns.
Latin Squares:
Insert letters into logical arrangements, similar to Sudoku.

A 30-minute break follows the core module.

2. Subject Module (90 minutes)

The second part tests skills specifically related to your desired field of study. Available subject modules:

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

You answer multiple-choice questions based on field-specific texts and tasks.

Important: Taking notes is not permitted during the digital TestAS.

The test is supervised at certified test centers, fully computer-based, and results are available online within 2–3 weeks.

To give you a better idea of what to expect, here is one example task per section of the digital core module:

Figural Sequences

Continue the figure series correctly.

Which of the three options should be chosen for A and B?

View Explanation

The correct answers are: "A1" and "B2".

The task can only be solved correctly if the rules governing how the figures move within the grid are identified.

The blue square moves counterclockwise in a circular pattern within the center of the grid.
The triangle moves along the outer boundary of the grid in a counterclockwise direction, skipping one cell each time and alternating its color between black and white.

Using these two rules, we can predict how the figures will continue to move from the last given grid in the series:

The blue square moves downward from its position in the last given grid (A) and then one cell to the right (B).
The triangle moves two cells to the right from the last given position (A) and switches color from white to black. Then, in the next step (B), it moves two cells up and changes color back to white.

Duration: 25 minutes
Scope: 20 tasks

You will see a sequence of six matrices, with the first four given. For the last two matrices, you must choose the correct option from two possibilities to complete the sequence logically.

Each matrix contains up to four figures, which change their position, color, or orientation according to specific rules. Your task is to identify these rules and select the correct figures.

Possible movements of the figures include vertical, horizontal, or diagonal (a diagonal movement does not deviate from its path). Figures that reach a border either move along the frame or bounce off it.

Mathematical Equations

What value must C take for these equations to be solved correctly? (All values range from 1 to 20.)

B = A + 2
C = B + 5
A + B + C = 24

View Explanation

Step 1:
The first equation is already rearranged for B:
B = A + 2

Step 2:
Substituting the expression for B into the second equation:
C = (A + 2) + 5 = A + 7

Step 3:
Now replace B and C in the third equation:
A + (A + 2) + (A + 7) = 24

Step 4:
Simplify:
3A + 9 = 24

Step 5:
Solve for A:
3A = 24 − 9 = 15
A = 15 / 3 = 5

Step 6:
Calculate the remaining variables:
B = A + 2 = 5 + 2 = 7
C = A + 7 = 5 + 7 = 12

Solution:
A = 5, B = 7, C = 12

Duration: 25 minutes
Scope: 20 tasks

You will be given two to four equations with two to four unknowns. Your task is to determine the correct values of the unknowns. All values range from 1 to 20.

By cleverly rearranging and combining the equations, you can determine all the required values.

Latin Squares

Five letters must be arranged in a 5×5 grid so that each letter appears only once per row and per column. Look at the following distribution:

Testas Beispiel: Lateinische Quadrate Aufgabe

Which letter must be placed instead of the question mark?

View Explanation

In the second row, the missing letters are B, D, and E.

In the second column, the missing letters are B and D.

Since there is already a B in the first row, the B in the second row must go into the second column.

Testas Beispiel: Lateinische Quadrate Lösungsweg 1

Testas Beispiel: Lateinische Quadrate Lösungsweg 2

Now, only D and E are missing in the second row.

Since there is already an E in the last column, the E in the second row must be placed in the penultimate column.

Testas Beispiel: Lateinische Quadrate Lösungsweg 3

Testas Beispiel: Lateinische Quadrate Lösungsweg 4

Correct Answer: E

Duration: 25 minutes
Scope: 20 tasks

This test works similarly to Sudoku: You are given a 5×5 grid in which you must place the letters A to E. Each letter may appear only once per row and per column.

Some cells in the grid are already filled with letters, while one cell contains a question mark "?". Your task is to determine the correct letter for that cell.

The paper-based TestAS lasts about 4.5 hours and consists of two main parts:

1. Core Test (110 minutes)

This part assesses general cognitive abilities through tasks in:

Solving Quantitative Problems:
Practical math problems
Inferring Relationships:
Solve linguistic analogies
Completing Patterns:
Identify geometric patterns
Continuing Number Sequences:
Identify numerical patterns

Answers and Aids:

Answers are recorded on a provided answer sheet. Notes on provided scratch paper are allowed; dictionaries or calculators are prohibited.

2. Subject Module (~145–150 minutes)

This section tests subject-specific skills relevant to your desired field. Available subject modules:

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

The tasks are multiple-choice questions.

Note: Your university specifies the required subject module.

Here are example tasks from the paper-based core module:

TestAS Sample Test Questions for the Paper-based Core Module

Solving Quantitative Problems

A car's fuel tank holds 60 liters of gasoline. After one hour of driving, 15% of the fuel has been consumed.

How many liters of gasoline will be used in 4 hours, assuming a constant driving speed?

35 Liter

36 Liter

41 Liter

42 Liter

View Explanation

Step 1: Calculate the fuel consumption for the first hour:
60 ÷ 100 × 15 = 60 × 0.15 = 9 liters

Step 2: Calculate the total fuel consumption for four hours:
9 × 4 = 36 liters

Solution: 36 liters

Duration: 45 minutes
Scope: 22 tasks

You will receive short word problems based on everyday situations, which you can solve using basic mathematical skills. Each question has four answer options, from which you must select the correct one and mark it on the answer sheet.

Identifying Relationships

? : Evening Twilight = Doctor : ?

Which two words logically complete the incomplete analogy?

Night - Assistant Doctor

Morning Twilight - Nurse

Moonlight - Emergency Doctor

Day - Student

View Explanation

In this task, you need to establish analogies. This means that the relationship between the two words on the left side of the "=" sign should be the same as the relationship between the two words on the right side.

Correct Answer: "Night - Assistant Doctor"
If we insert these words into the blanks, we see that in both word pairs, the first word represents an end state, and the second word represents the stage immediately preceding that state.

Just as night follows evening twilight, a doctor was previously an assistant doctor.

The answer choice "Day - Student" might initially seem promising - after all, evening twilight follows the day, and a doctor comes from being a student. However, the relationship is not analogous:

In the first pair (Day → Evening Twilight), there is a chronological sequence (one state follows another).
In the second pair (Doctor → Student), the later state (Doctor) is placed before the earlier one (Student), which disrupts the analogy.

Thus, the best answer is "Night - Assistant Doctor."

Duration: 10 minutes
Scope: 22 tasks

This task focuses on verbal analogies. You will see two word pairs that share the same logical relationship. In both pairs, two words are missing, and you must select the correct words from four answer choices to complete the analogy logically.

Completing Patterns

Which of the six options should replace the "?" symbol in the grid?

View Explanation

The correct answer is the third option.

In this test section, each task follows 1 to 3 rules that determine how elements within the 3×3 grid change. In this case, there are three rules, all applied only to the rows (operating from left to right):

Position of the black "L": The black L-shape moves between the corners of the object, step by step counterclockwise. Therefore, in the missing frame, the black L should be in the bottom-left corner of the object.
Rotation of the black "L": The black L rotates 90° in the first step and then 90° in the opposite direction in the second step. This means that in the rightmost frame of the row, the L's orientation should match the L's orientation in the leftmost frame.
Position of the white "L": Each frame contains three gray "L"s and one white "L". The white L moves clockwise, one step at a time. Therefore, in the missing frame, the white L should be in the top-right corner.

Duration: 20 minutes
Scope: 22 tasks

In this task type, you will be given a 3×3 grid containing geometric shapes. The bottom-right field is empty and marked with a question mark ( ? ). Your task is to identify the rule that determines how the shapes are arranged and select the correct shape from six options.

Tip: The pattern rule may follow a horizontal, vertical, or combined direction.

Continuing Number Sequences

0 1 1 3 6 9 27 ?

Which number correctly continues the sequence?

View Explanation

The correct answer is: "31".

In this sequence, addition and multiplication alternate, with the number increasing by 1 in each cycle.

The rule follows this pattern: +1, ×1, +2, ×2, +3, …

Applying this rule:
27 + 4 = 31

Thus, the next number in the sequence is 31.

Duration: 20 minutes
Scope: 22 tasks

You will be shown a series of seven numbers. The eighth number is missing and marked with a question mark ( ? ). Your task is to identify the rule governing the sequence and enter the correct answer on the answer sheet by marking the boxes corresponding to the correct digits.

Tip: Each digit appears only once in the answer. Double digits such as "55" or "99" do not occur.

The following table provides an overview of selected German universities that use or require the TestAS as part of their admission process.

Please note that this list is not exhaustive, and all information is provided without guarantee. For official and up-to-date details, always check the respective universities' websites.

University	TestAS Requirement
University of Cologne	Mandatory for all bachelor's applicants (non-EU) – TestAS certificate (core and subject-specific module test) required with minimum percentage thresholds depending on the faculty.
RWTH Aachen	Mandatory for Medicine/Dentistry (TestAS must be taken in German; required score in the top 20%) and conditionally required for other bachelor's programs – if the Abitur grade is worse than 2.5 (German scale), TestAS is needed as compensation.
University of Hamburg	Optional – accepted for bonus points in all study programs. High TestAS scores provide bonus points for admission (extra points based on the score).
Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg	Mandatory for Medicine/Dentistry – TestAS (digital, medical subject module in German) is required; TestAS results account for about 49% of the selection process.
University of Bielefeld	Optional – serves as an alternative entrance exam for applicants with an indirect HZB (Studienkolleg required). A TestAS standard score ≥90 in core and subject module can replace the Studienkolleg, allowing direct application.
University of Greifswald	Mandatory for Medicine/Dentistry – applicants must achieve at least 100 points in the core TestAS. TestAS results are included in the selection formula alongside the Abitur grade.
Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz	Optional – accepted as a bonus for all study programs. TestAS core and module scores can improve the converted Abitur grade by up to 0.5, with a maximum overall improvement of 1.0.
Heidelberg University	Mandatory for Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy – TestAS results are part of the university's selection criteria (additional points in the ranking).
University of Ulm	Mandatory for Medicine/Dentistry – TestAS (subject module "Mathematics, Computer Science & Natural Sciences" in German) is required and constitutes 50% of the selection ranking.
Albert Ludwig University of Freiburg	Optional – considered in the selection process for Medicine/Dentistry. High TestAS scores provide significant bonus points.
Georg August University of Göttingen	Mandatory for Medicine/Dentistry – TestAS (core + one module from STEM/Medicine/Life Sciences) is a required part of the application. Only the module score counts for the bonus.
Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg	Optional – supports TestAS as a bonus to improve admission chances. A score above the 80th percentile in core and module improves the Abitur grade by 0.2 points.
University of Leipzig	Optional for all restricted-admission study programs – TestAS can improve the HZB grade by up to 0.4 points. Achieving at least the 90th percentile in core or module earns a 0.2-point bonus; high scores in both parts can result in a total bonus of 0.4.
Westphalian Wilhelms University Münster	Optional – used to support admissions in Medicine/Dentistry. Münster applies a tiered bonus system based on the TestAS STEM module score.
Goethe University Frankfurt	Mandatory for Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, and Biochemistry – Non-EU applicants must take TestAS (core + "Mathematics/Computer Science/Natural Sciences" module) in German. TestAS results make up 49% of the selection score.
Justus Liebig University Giessen	Mandatory for Medicine/Dentistry – TestAS core + "Mathematics/Computer Science/Natural Sciences" module required (can be taken in German or English). A bonus applies for high scores (above 80 points); the maximum bonus is awarded for scores ≥123.
Hannover Medical School (MHH)	Mandatory for Medicine/Dentistry – TestAS "Mathematics/Computer Science/Natural Sciences" module required (core is not used). Only the module score is considered in the evaluation, equally weighted with the Abitur; a score >126 is considered equivalent to a 1.0 Abitur grade.

Note: Different universities handle multiple TestAS results differently. Always check directly with the university of your choice for specific policies.

The TestAS consists of two parts: a core test and a subject module.
The core test assesses general cognitive abilities relevant to all fields of study.
The subject module evaluates skills specific to your chosen field of study.
Both parts are taken back-to-back. You can choose to take the test in German or English. It is conducted under supervision in certified test centers and follows a multiple-choice format.

The TestAS is intentionally challenging to assess cognitive abilities such as analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
The time pressure is high, making it difficult to answer all questions within the given time.
Thorough preparation and a good test-taking strategy can help you manage this pressure and achieve a strong score.
Important: You cannot pass or fail the TestAS. Instead, you receive a score that is relevant for university applications.

A good score is well above average, typically around a percentile rank of 70–80 or a standard score above 100.
Top scores (around 125+ in the paper-based test or 150+ in the digital test) significantly improve your chances of university admission.

Targeted preparation is essential to improve your chances on the TestAS.
Start with the official sample questions from the TestAS website to familiarize yourself with the question formats.
We will soon offer our specialized TestAS PrepPack™, which includes comprehensive online courses, practice tests, and detailed solutions to help you prepare effectively.
Time management is crucial - our practice exercises are designed to match the exact format and time limits of the real test.

Exclusive Offer: 15% Discount on Your TestAS Training!
Our new TestAS PrepPack™ 2025 is coming soon – secure your exclusive discount now!
Send us an email, and you'll receive 15% off as soon as the training becomes available.

team@jobtestprep.com

TestAS: Everything You Need to Know

Digital TestAS: Procedure and Requirements