# Exams
There are many different German language tests available, and which one is best for you will depend on your proficiency level, your long-term goals, and the institution you intend to attend. The **DSH, TestDaF, and Goethe Institute exams**, which cover all **CEFR** levels from **A1 to C2**, are the most well-known tests in Germany. Additional details on a number of certificates, along with arguments to choose one over the other, are provided below.
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#### [Goethe Institut Examinations](https://www.goethe.de/en/spr/kup/prf/prf.html) (**Goethe-Zertifikat A1,A2,B1,B2,C1, C2)**
The exam has 4 modules (reading, writing, listening and speaking) which are graded from 0 to 100. to A minimum score of 60/100 is required to pass each of them.\
Validity:
* Lifelong. This certificate does not have an expiry date.
Scale score:
* 90-100: Very good
* 80-89: Good
* 70-79: Satisfactory
* 60-69: Adequate
* 0-59: Failed
Ideal to prepare for studying at a German-speaking university at graduate or postgraduate level and to demonstrate a very advanced knowledge of German for employment prospects.
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[**Test DaF**](https://www.testdaf.de/fuer-teilnehmende/infos-in-ihrer-sprache/englisch/) **(Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache)**\
From B2 to C1
Validity:
* Lifelong. This certificate does not have an expiry date.
The results are assigned to one of three levels, being 5 the highest:
* TestDaF level 5 (TDN 5)
* TestDaF level 4 (TDN 4)
* TestDaF level 3 (TDN 3)
This exam is primarily for entry in German-speaking universities, and every university in Germany recognises it. It’s also useful as a qualification for academic professions.
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[**DSH**](https://www.dsh-germany.com/) (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang)\
From B2 to C1
Validity:
* Lifelong. This certificate does not have an expiry date.
Scale score from 1 to 3,3 being the best grade. Apart from the overall grade, each part will also be given an individual grade.
Correspondence of DSH levels with the % of correct answers and CEFR levels:
* DSH 1 (≥57%): Level B2.2
* DSH 2 (≥67%): Level C1.1
* DSH 3 (≥82%): Level C1.2
Test for foreign students wishing to apply to a German-speaking university. It can also be useful for those who need a German certificate for a job qualification.
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**Which German Exam Should I Take?**
Your level is one of the key considerations you need to make. Here is a table that compares the various exams in accordance with the CEFR's 6 levels of proficiency, along with a brief description of each level. You'll see that the TestDaF and the DSH tests are designed to assess upper-intermediate and advanced users (B2-C1 level), as we've previously explained. The Goethe-Institute, on the other hand, provides 6 exams, one for each CEFR level.
You must have at least a **Goethe B1** level to be recognized if you intend to study, speak, and understand the language.
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[Gothe Exams](/exams-and-materials/exams/gothe-exams.md)
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[Testdaf](/exams-and-materials/exams/testdaf.md)
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[Gothe Exams](/exams-and-materials/exams/gothe-exams.md)
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