TestDaF Exam Day: Timing, Breaks and Checklist
Last updated: 20 July 2026 · 12-minute exam-day guide
The pure test time is 3 hours 15 minutes for both digital and paper TestDaF. ID checks, breaks and trial items in the digital test mean you will stay longer. Always follow the arrival and start time sent by your test centre in the participant portal.
Typical exam-day sequence
| Stage | What happens? |
|---|---|
| Arrival | Arrive at the portal time; lateness can prevent admission. |
| ID check | Staff check the same valid photo ID used for registration. |
| Reading | The first subtest; digital tasks may prevent returning to an earlier task. |
| Break and listening | There is a break after each section; note the required return time. |
| Long break | A longer 20–60 minute break is planned between listening and writing, set by the centre. |
| Writing | Typed digitally; handwritten on the supplied Schreibbogen in the paper test. |
| Break and speaking | Speaking is recorded on a computer with headset and microphone, including in paper TestDaF. |
Bring these and leave these away
Required / permitted
- ✓ The valid photo ID used at registration
- ✓ Printed admission letter for paper TestDaF
- ✓ Black or blue ballpoint pen for the paper test
- ✓ Water in a transparent unlabelled bottle
- ✓ Food for breaks, not for the exam desk
Not on your desk or person
- × Phone, tablet and recording devices
- × Smartwatch and fitness tracker
- × In-ear or personal headphones
- × Dictionary, study notes and private paper
- × Labelled or opaque drink bottle
Eight exam-rule scenarios
Choose the permitted option in each case. These are original check questions based on the official rules.
- My powered-off phone stays in my pocket during the test. — Permitted / Not permitted
- I bring water in a transparent bottle without a label. — Permitted / Not permitted
- My smartwatch only shows the time and stays on my wrist. — Permitted / Not permitted
- I read vocabulary notes during a break. — Permitted / Not permitted
- In paper TestDaF I write my final answer only on draft paper. — Assessed / Not assessed
- I show the same valid photo ID used for registration. — Correct / Incorrect
- I return late after a break. — No problem / Test may be terminated
- I bring a black or blue ballpoint pen to paper TestDaF. — Correct / Incorrect
Show answers and explanations
1 Not permitted · 2 Permitted · 3 Not permitted · 4 Not permitted · 5 Not assessed · 6 Correct · 7 Test may be terminated · 8 Correct
A powered-off phone still cannot remain on your person. Smartwatches are prohibited and notes cannot be read during breaks. On paper, only final answers on the answer or writing sheet are assessed.
Five things to do the day before
- Recheck the date, address, building, room and arrival time in the portal.
- Confirm that your ID is valid and is the document used for registration.
- For paper TestDaF, print the admission letter and prepare two working pens.
- Plan the route with at least 30 minutes for transport disruption.
- Review the format briefly, stop learning new topics and prioritise sleep.
Complete one final rehearsal
Do not experience the section order and time pressure for the first time on test day. Complete at least one uninterrupted mock in the final week.
Continue to TestDaF sample questions →Official sources
Rules were compiled from g.a.s.t./TestDaF information current in July 2026. The centre's portal message always takes priority for time and location.
