What is the TestAS?
The TestAS is a test from g.a.s.t. that many universities in Germany use when international applicants apply. You take it on a computer at a test center, in German or English: a Core Module with three subtests and a Subject Module for your field of study. With the break, it takes about 3.5 hours.
- with break
- 3.5 h
- Modules
- 2
- Score per module
- 0–200
- Pass mark
- none
3.5 hours. This is how test day works.
First the Core Module with three subtests, then a half-hour break, then the Subject Module. All on a computer at the test center.
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No notes
In the digital TestAS you may not write anything down. You solve equations and squares in your head.
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No points deducted
Wrong answers cost no points. An empty answer is never worth more than a guess.
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Fixed breaks
Twice 2 minutes at your seat between the subtests, 30 minutes after the Core Module outside the exam room.
Three subtests. Try them out.
Each subtest has 20 tasks in 25 minutes. That is about 75 seconds per task.
The figures follow fixed rules. Which matrix comes next? Choose one answer each for matrix 5 and matrix 6.
Show solution
Each figure follows its own rule (movement, colour change, rotation). If you continue all rules, you get option B for matrix 5 and option E for matrix 6.
- Figure 1 (circle) moves 1 square to the left per step. At the edge it bounces back (the direction reverses along the edge axis).
- All rules continue at the same time. Matrix 5: circle (green) in row 3, column 3. Matrix 6: circle (green) in row 3, column 4. Matrix 5 and matrix 6 are two separate questions, each with its own options.
- Matrix 5, option A is wrong: figure 1 (circle) increases its step size, although it stays constant.
- Matrix 5, option C is wrong: figure 1 (circle) turns 90 degrees away from its direction of movement.
- Matrix 6, option D is wrong: figure 1 (circle) increases its step size, although it stays constant.
- Matrix 6, option F is wrong: figure 1 (circle) goes one step (one square) too far.
Each letter stands for a number from 1 to 20. Enter the numbers.
A + B = 26
6 + (C + B) = 36
10 − A = 4
Show solution
A = 6, B = 20, C = 10. Solution in 3 steps: A = 6 → B = 20 → C = 10.
- Equation (3) “10 − A = 4” has only one unknown left, A. So A = 6.
- Equation (1) “A + B = 26” with A = 6 inserted: “6 + B = 26”. So B = 20.
- Equation (2) “6 + (C + B) = 36” with B = 20 inserted: “6 + (C + 20) = 36”. So C = 10.
- The unknowns were A = 6, B = 20 and C = 10.
Each letter appears exactly once in every row and column. Which one belongs at the question mark?
Show solution
The question mark is C; first you have to work out one intermediate cell.
- Row 2, column 1: Row 2 already contains A, B and E, and column 1 contains D and E. So A, B, D and E are ruled out, and C remains. C goes here.
- Question mark (row 4, column 3): Row 4 still needs a C. C already appears in columns 1 and 5, so the only column left for C is column 3.
- Figure Sequences 20 tasks · 25 min · two sub-questions with choices
- Mathematical Equations 20 tasks · 25 min · enter numbers
- Latin Squares 20 tasks · 25 min · choose a letter
Everyone takes the Core Module, whatever they want to study. You do not need to know facts, but to apply fixed rules quickly and reliably. The example tasks here are our own, not from g.a.s.t.
All three subtests explainedA Subject Module that matches your subject.
90 minutes, 10 to 15 testlets with 4 to 8 questions each. A testlet describes a situation with text, a graphic, a table or a formula. Technical terms are not assumed.
- digital only
Medicine
Anatomy, physiology, biology, (bio)chemistry and more
- digital and paper
Mathematics, Computer Science, Natural Sciences
Mathematics, computer science, chemistry, physics and more
- digital only
Life Sciences
Biology, (bio)chemistry, physics, psychology and more
- digital and paper
Economics
Business administration, economics, mathematics and statistics, law and more
- digital and paper
Humanities, Cultural Studies and Social Sciences
Philosophy, history, linguistics, political science and more
- digital and paper
Engineering
Mathematics and statistics, physics, materials, electrical engineering and more
For medicine, the MINT module often counts, not the Medicine module. The rules of your university show which module it counts.
No pass mark. Just a score.
Core ModuleTestAS Score 0 to 200
Subject ModuleTestAS Score 0 to 200
Overall score0 to 400, Core Module plus Subject Module
Percentile rank1 to 100, per module
No pass mark, no minimum score. Your university decides which score is enough.
For the Core Module and the Subject Module you each get a TestAS Score from 0 to 200 and a percentile rank from 1 to 100. Together they give an overall score from 0 to 400.
The evaluation of the digital test takes about 3 weeks. The certificate has no expiry date.
You can retake the test as often as you like. Results from different dates cannot be added together, though.
Results and scoreWhen do you have to take the test?
Work backwards from your application deadline: first the evaluation, then test day, then registration.
Enter the date by which your TestAS result must reach the university. The calculator shows roughly when you should take the test and register.
Guide for the digital TestAS: results take about 3 weeks, registration closes about 1 week before the date. Always check dates, registration deadlines and test centers with g.a.s.t. on testas.de.
Upcoming dates
- 26 November 2026 Digital registration until about 19 November 2026
- 25 February 2027 Digital registration until about 18 February 2027
- 18 March 2027 Digital registration until about 11 March 2027
You can find the upcoming dates with g.a.s.t. on testas.de.
g.a.s.t. states whether a date is digital or on paper and which test center offers it.
What does the test cost? The fee depends on the test center and the country; g.a.s.t. does not state a general fee. One example: for the digital TestAS on 26 November 2026, the Sprachenakademie Aachen quoted a fee of €160 (as of 25 October 2026). That applies only to this test center. Every retake costs again.
Can you practise for the TestAS?
g.a.s.t. says: The test measures abilities that cannot be learned at short notice. That is true.
But if you know the format, you lose no minute on test day understanding the task, you divide the 25 minutes better and you stay calmer. You can practise the format.
- Core Module simulation in the original order, with 25-minute blocks and breaks
- Every task with an explanation: why the answer is right
- All three subtests in English, all six Subject Modules in German
Quick answers
How long does the TestAS take?
About 3 hours of testing, about 3.5 hours with the break. The Core Module takes about 90 minutes including the instructions at the start, then comes a 30-minute break and 90 minutes of Subject Module. Structure in detail
In which language do I take the TestAS?
The digital TestAS is available in German and in English. g.a.s.t. recommends at least language level B1 (CEFR) in the test language.
Can I take notes?
Not in the digital TestAS. You solve Latin Squares and equations in your head. Only the paper-based test comes with scratch paper.
How often can I retake the TestAS?
As often as you like. Each attempt costs again. Results from different dates cannot be added together. Results and score
How long is the TestAS certificate valid?
The certificate has no expiry date. If you have taken the test several times, you can retrieve several certificates and choose one.
What is the difference between the digital and the paper-based test?
The digital TestAS runs on a computer, has six Subject Modules, allows no notes and is evaluated after about 3 weeks. Registration closes about 1 week before the date. The paper-based test has four Subject Modules (without Life Sciences and Medicine), scratch paper, an evaluation after about 4 weeks and a registration deadline about 5 weeks before. Digitally you get a score, on paper standard values; the percentile ranks are directly comparable.
Everything about the TestAS in detail.
- 3.5 h
Structure
Parts, times, breaks and answer format of the digital TestAS.
- 3 × 25 min
Core Module
The three subtests with their own examples and typical mistakes.
- 6 modules
Subject Modules
All six modules with topics and how to find the right one.
- 0–200
Results and score
Score, percentile rank, overall score and certificate explained.
- ≈ 3 weeks
Dates and registration
Registration deadline, evaluation and where to find the official list of dates.
- per test center
Costs
What the test costs, an example and what can come on top.