Combined TestDaF Certificate: How to Combine Your Best Section Results
Last updated: 25 July 2026 · New official service introduced in 2026
Since 12 May 2026, digital TestDaF candidates can show their best Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking results from several exams on one combined certificate. Important limits apply to the exam format, time window and institutional recognition.
What does the combined certificate do?
It creates a new document by selecting the best result for each skill from several eligible digital exams. Reading and Writing can therefore come from one sitting, with Listening and Speaking from another.
It does not overwrite an old certificate. A new combined certificate is created and downloaded from the participant portal.
Eligibility rules
| Rule | Official condition |
|---|---|
| Exam format | Digital TestDaF only |
| Time window | Exams within a maximum period of 6 months |
| Earliest eligible exams | Digital exams from November 2025 |
| Service launch | 12 May 2026, with results from the 21 April 2026 exam |
| Fee | €29 |
| Delivery | Download under Zertifikate in the participant portal |
Does this mean retaking only one section?
No. Under the general TestDaF rule, candidates sit all four sections; individual sections cannot be taken separately. The combined certificate selects the best skill results after complete digital exams have been taken.
The official information describes the service specifically for digital TestDaF and does not state that paper-based results can be added.
Illustrative example
| Exam | Reading | Listening | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital exam 1 | TDN 5 | TDN 3 | TDN 4 | TDN 3 |
| Digital exam 2 | TDN 4 | TDN 4 | TDN 3 | TDN 4 |
| Combined certificate | TDN 5 | TDN 4 | TDN 4 | TDN 4 |
This is an explanation, not a real candidate record. Eligibility depends on your actual dates and portal options.
What should you ask the university first?
- Do you accept the Kombiniertes TestDaF-Zertifikat?
- Do you impose any extra restriction on the exam dates used?
- Do you require TDN 4 in all sections or a programme-specific model?
- Should the document be uploaded through uni-assist or directly to the university?
TestDaF explicitly leaves recognition to the university or institution. Obtain written confirmation before paying €29.
Official sources
Launch date, six-month window, eligible exams, fee and recognition warning come from the 2026 TestDaF FAQ and announcement.
Related guides
Plan a skill-based retake
Identify which result must improve and train all four sections with a targeted plan.