Can I retake just the module I failed?

Yes. In the modular format only the failed module is repeated and the passed modules are kept.

How often may I repeat a module?

As often as the exam centre's organisational capacity allows. There is no legal entitlement to a specific exam date.

Can the four module certificates be combined?

Yes, an overall certificate can be issued on request showing the best results achieved in the four modules within one year; an administration fee of up to 25% of the exam fee may apply.

How do I appeal a result?

In writing, with reasons, to the management of the exam centre within two weeks of the result being announced.

May I see my answer sheet?

You may apply within three months of the results announcement to inspect your own answers and scores; the tasks and sample answers are not shown.

Goethe B2 Module Resits, Overall Certificate and Appeals

Level:B2Duration:~3 h 15 minFee:Varies by centreValidity:UnlimitedFormat:Modular

Last updated: 21 September 2026 · Verified against current official Goethe-Institut sources

Because the Goethe-Zertifikat B2 is modular, a failed module is retaken on its own. But if you want the four module certificates combined into one document, an official time condition applies: one year.

Retaking a single module

You retake only the failed module; the modules you passed are untouched and remain valid with their own certificates.
Modules may be repeated as often as desired — the only limit is the exam centre's organisational capacity.
The exam centre may stipulate specific time periods for a resit date, which are referred to when the result is communicated.
There is no legal entitlement to a specific exam date.

The overall certificate: combining all four modules

An overall certificate is issued on request if organisational capacity permits, showing the best results achieved in the four modules within one year.
At Goethe-Instituts: modules taken at Goethe-Instituts within the European Union, or at Goethe-Instituts in third countries within one state, can be combined.
A cross-institute overall certificate can only be issued by a Goethe-Institut at which at least one module was successfully passed.
At Goethe-Zentren and exam cooperation partners: all four modules must have been passed within one year at the same exam centre.
The exam centre may charge an administration fee of up to 25% of the exam fee to issue it.

The one-year window applies only to the overall certificate; individual module certificates have no expiry date of their own.

Appeals and inspecting your paper

Exam results may be appealed within two weeks of being announced, in writing, to the management of the exam centre where the exam was taken.
Merely pointing out that a certain score was not reached does not constitute a sufficient reason; the appeal must be justified.
An appeal against the administration of the exam must be lodged immediately after taking it.
If an appeal is upheld, you may resit the exam free of charge instead of receiving a refund.
Inspection: within three months of the results being announced you may apply to see your own answers and scores; the exam tasks and sample answers are not shown.

Official sources

The exam rules and figures in this guide were checked against the official sources below.

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Target the module you still need

Focus on just the module you are retaking in Zertifly and see how far you are from the 60-point threshold after every task.