The Complete TestAS Study Guide
Everything you need to know about the exam format, how it's scored, and how to use this portal to prepare for it.
What is TestAS?
TestAS (Test for Academic Studies) is an aptitude test used in German university admissions, mainly by international applicants. Unlike IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE, it does not test English or German proficiency — it assesses whether your cognitive abilities and reasoning skills suit university-level study, through a Core Module plus a Subject Module matched to your intended field.
Test Format
The digital TestAS has two parts: the Core Module, which every candidate takes, and one Subject Module matched to the field you want to study. A 30-minute break separates them, and the exam takes about three hours in total. Notes are not allowed at any point.
| Component | Duration | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Core Module — Figure Sequences | 25 min | 20 series of matrices; choose matrices 5 and 6 |
| Core Module — Mathematical Equations | 25 min | 20 systems of equations |
| Core Module — Latin Squares | 20 min | 16 symbol grids |
| Break | 30 min | — |
| Subject Module | 90 min | 10–15 testlets of 4–8 single-choice questions |
Figure Sequences
25 minutes
Four matrices show figures that move, rotate or change colour according to fixed rules. You decide what matrices 5 and 6 look like — 20 series in 25 minutes.
Mathematical Equations
25 minutes
Solve systems of equations and select the value asked for — 20 tasks, worked out without notes.
Latin Squares
20 minutes
Every symbol must appear exactly once in each row and column. Deduce the symbol for the marked cell — 16 tasks.
Subject Module
90 minutes
Each testlet presents a subject-related text, formula, table or figure, followed by single-choice questions with four options. It tests whether you can work with unfamiliar material, not whether you remember facts.
TestAS Subject Modules
Engineering
For engineering programmes — the module practised on this portal.
Mathematics, Computer Science & Natural Sciences
For mathematics, informatics and natural-science programmes.
Economics
For business and economics programmes.
Humanities, Cultural Studies & Social Sciences
For humanities, cultural studies and social-science programmes.
Life Sciences
For life-science programmes such as biology.
Medicine
For medicine and related programmes.
How TestAS Is Scored
The Core Module and the Subject Module are scored separately. For each, TestAS reports a standard value from 70 to 130, where 100 is the average and 90–110 is the average range, together with a percentile rank — the percentage of candidates who scored the same as you or lower. Because the scale compares you with every other candidate, there is no fixed pass mark: check the value your target university expects.
111–130
Above the average range
90–110
Average range (mean 100)
70–89
Below the average range
Key Facts
- TestAS tests academic aptitude and reasoning, not language skills — it can be taken in English or German
- Core Module: Figure Sequences, Mathematical Equations and Latin Squares
- Subject Module: 90 minutes of text-based testlets in one of six fields of study
- About three hours in total, with a 30-minute break between the two modules
- Notes are not allowed at any point in the exam
- Results are standard values from 70 to 130 (average 100) plus a percentile rank
Everything About the TestAS Exam
The administrative details most candidates want to know before booking a test.
Why take TestAS?
Some German universities require or recommend TestAS for international applicants, particularly for competitive programs, as evidence of academic aptitude alongside your prior academic record.
Who needs TestAS?
International students applying to German bachelor's or, in some cases, master's programs where the university specifically requests a TestAS score as part of admission.
How is TestAS different from IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE?
Those exams test English proficiency. TestAS tests academic reasoning and aptitude — you could have excellent English and still need dedicated TestAS preparation, since the skills being measured are different (logical reasoning, pattern recognition, quantitative thinking).
Test frequency and registration
TestAS is offered several times a year at official test centers, and registration is handled through the official TestAS website. Always confirm current test dates and locations for your country.
Choosing a Subject-Specific Module
Pick the module that matches your intended field of study, not necessarily your prior degree — check your target university's admission requirements to confirm which module they expect.
Study materials
This portal has timed practice for all three Core Module subtests and for the Engineering Subject Module, plus 11 full-length mocks. See "How mocktests. Helps You Prepare" below.
How mocktests. Helps You Prepare
A Clear Prep Roadmap
This guide breaks TestAS down into the same stages we recommend — diagnostic, Core Test foundations, subject-module practice, timed drills, and full simulation — so you always know what to study next.
Growing Practice Library
40 sectional practice tests — 10 for each Core Module subtest and 10 Engineering Module sets — plus 11 full-length mocks timed like the real exam, including a free Reality Check.
Performance Tracking
As you complete practice sets, your Performance Overview tracks each Core Module subtest and the Engineering Module separately, so you can see exactly where to focus.
Test Day Tips
- Confirm your Subject-Specific Module well in advance — check your target university's requirements before booking.
- TestAS rewards speed under time pressure on unfamiliar problems — practice timed pattern and logic drills, not just content review.
- Arrive early and bring the same ID you registered with.
- Because scoring is standardized against other candidates, consistent accuracy matters more than getting a few extra-hard questions right.
- No notes are allowed, so practise the Mathematical Equations and Latin Squares subtests entirely in your head.
Ready to start practicing?
Explore Practice Tests