Society for Academic Study Preparation and Test Development (g.a.s.t.)

g.a.s.t. develops, implements and evaluates worldwide recognised tests for international students to certify German language proficiency (TestDaF certificate and onSET placement test) and scholastic aptitude (TestAS). The multimedia learning platform Deutsch-Uni Online (DUO) offers a broad preparation for studying in Germany and is provided in cooperation with Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich.

g.a.s.t. is connected with licensed test centres and partner institutions in a widespread network, covering more than 100 countries. Especially universities and Goethe Institutes offer the g.a.s.t. language proficiency and aptitude tests. Cooperations in Brazil include initiatives with the DAAD and the Federal University of Paraná (UFPR). Among other successful projects, g.a.s.t. has been involved in language training within the teacher qualification programme Parfor, and the Ministry of Education’s foreign language acquisition programme Languages without Borders. Furthermore, g.a.s.t. has established a close collaboration with the Brazilian partner institution digitALE, specialized in teaching and promoting the German language in Brazil.

As a one of its kind institution in Germany, g.a.s.t. is also engaged in extensive research and development activities in the field of language and aptitude tests, including related software solutions. g.a.s.t. and the TestDaF-Institute are members of the following scientific associations and organizations: Association of Language Testers in Europe (ALTE), European Association for Language Testing and Assessment (EALTA), European Association for Quality Language Services (EAQUALS), Gesellschaft für Medien in der Wissenschaft (GMW), Guide to Academic Training and Education (GATE), International Language Testing Association (ILTA) and International Test Commission (ITC).

g.a.s.t. at a glance:

• German as a foreign language test – TestDaF: certificate of proficiency in German for studying in Germany, recognised by all German higher education institutions
• Since October 2020, g.a.s.t. is also offering the digital TestDaF. The exam contains new task types and is taken entirely on the computer at the test centre. To prepare for the new testing format, g.a.s.t. has developed the DUO online course Training digitaler TestDaF and provided TestDaF preparation material. Another training resource are specific course books for the digital TestDaF. Further information on the digital TestDaF are available here.
• Test for International Students – TestAS: Scholastic aptitude test to access higher education and for selecting international students in Germany
• Online placement test – onSET: Assessment of linguistic competence for placement in language courses or self-evaluation
• Deutsch-Uni Online – DUO: Learning platform for German as a foreign language
• g.a.s.t. Academy: Training and qualification for teachers, scientists and test centre staff
• g.a.s.t. Research & Development