if possible, there are chances that one can register to do the new test under test in order to be familiar with the test format. Before registering for the exam, it is also possible to do a placement test at the website of TestDaF, so as to check the level of one's language and decide if it is suitable to register for the examination at that time. The TestDaF-Institut, however, does not release the test to the public, making it very hard to study alone, and most of the time, acquire a preparation course which could get expensive, considering the already high price of the test. Advantages and disadvantages of TestDaF TestDaF-Institut claims that there are many advantages for the candidate to decide to sit for the TestDaF: All German universities recognise the TestDaF certificate. The TestDaF assesses the language skills necessary for study in Germany. The content and tasks of TestDaF are all academic, scientific and study-relevant topics. The four language skills are separately assessed and the certificate shows the results of all the sub-tests, giving the candidate an idea of their strengths and weaknesses in each area. The TestDaF can be taken in the home country of a candidate and the certificate is sent directly to them. This saves a trip to Germany and enables the candidate to collect all the required documents for the university application before traveling to Germany. The candidates can concentrate on specific preparation by working on model tests and samples tests provided by TestDaF-Institut at its website. And the sub-tests are guaranteed to be of same level of difficulty, regardless of the time and place of taking the exam. There is a worldwide network of licensed test centres where further information and advice are available. Information can be obtained from DAAD lecturers, Goethe Institutes, language centres and university departments of German studies or German embassies and consulates in the candidates' home country. The TestDaF certificate is valid for an unlimited period of time. The examination can be re-taken as often as one wishes should the candidate be unsatisfied with their results. However, there are also disadvantages to the TestDaF, especially when compared with the Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang (DSH), which is likewise tailored to the language requirements for entering German universities. It typically takes around six weeks for a TestDaf certificate to come through, whereas DSH is much faster. The candidates need