The B1 exam is an important milestone on your path to obtaining your German certificate. Before you start preparing, you need to find a suitable exam date and register. This concise guide will help you find B1 exam dates near you and navigate the registration process without stress.
Why timely planning is important
Plan your B1 exam early, as popular dates are often booked up months in advance. Most test centers have registration deadlines of 4-6 weeks. A fixed date allows you to better structure your study schedule and provides alternative options if your preferred date is booked. Ideally, start looking for B1 exam dates 3-4 months before your desired date.
For structured preparation, we recommend our article Passing the B1 exam .
How to find a suitable appointment near you
1. Online exam date finder of the providers
- telc GmbH: "Examination Center Finder" for telc B1 exam dates by postcode or city
- Goethe-Institut: "Exam search" filters by exam centers and current dates
- BAMF (DTZ): Dates for the German test for immigrants at adult education centers
2. Direct inquiry to local providers
The following institutions regularly offer B1 exam dates: adult education centers (VHS), private language schools, universities and Goethe Institutes in larger cities.
Pro tip: Call the exam center directly. Sometimes there are last-minute schedule changes or internal waiting lists that don't appear online.
3. Online search
A search for "B1 exam dates nearby + [your location]" often yields up-to-date local results. Facebook groups for German learners also share information about available dates.
What you need to register
Documents
- Valid ID: identity card or passport
- Registration form: Completed and signed
- Proof of payment: When transferring the examination fee
- Possibly proof of language courses: Especially for integration course providers
Costs & registration procedure
Examination fees vary: telc B1 (approx. 120-180 €), Goethe-Zertifikat B1 (approx. 160-220 €), DTZ (often reduced fee for integration course participants).
The registration process typically works like this:
- Online registration or personal registration at the examination center
- Fill out the registration form with personal data
- Payment of the examination fee
- Receipt of a registration confirmation with date and exam location
- For telc B1 exam dates: Often separate appointment for the oral exam
Please note: Check the cancellation policy. Some centers will refund a portion of the fee if you cancel in a timely manner.
To-do list until exam day
4-8 weeks before the exam
Read the registration confirmation, create a study plan, obtain practice materials (see B1 Model Test & Exercises ) and plan your journey.
2-4 weeks before the exam
Conduct mock tests under exam conditions, specifically practice weak points, visit the exam location if possible, and plan your exam day.
Last week & day before the exam
Complete final mock tests, gather all your materials, save the exam center's emergency contact number, and get enough sleep. The day before the exam: Check your route, pack your bag (ID, exam confirmation, pens, water), and go to bed early.
Pro tip: Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before the exam begins.
What to do when nervousness becomes a blockage?
Even with optimal preparation, test anxiety can lead to mental blocks—especially when the stakes are high. These techniques can help:
- Breathing exercises (4-7-8 method)
- Positive visualization of exam success
- Progressive muscle relaxation
- Set realistic expectations
If exam anxiety is particularly severe, a discreet cheat sheet can serve as a psychological safeguard – often just knowing there's an emergency option is enough to reduce nervousness. You can find out more about natural remedies for exam anxiety in our article "Natural Remedies for Exam Anxiety ."
Conclusion: With good planning for a successful B1 certificate
A timely search for B1 exam dates nearby and a structured registration process are crucial first steps. With our tips, you can find suitable dates, navigate the registration process smoothly, prepare optimally, and effectively combat exam anxiety.
With a fixed appointment in your calendar, you can concentrate fully on what matters most – learning and practicing for your B1 exam.
