Goethe-Institut exam centre

• The certificates issued by the Goethe-Institut are the most qualified and prestigious, recognized worldwide by companies, institutions and universities;
• The certificates have unlimited validity;
• The Goethe-Institut is a member of ALTE (Association of Language Testers in Europe), the European institution with the mission of studying, improving and implementing common language assessment standards throughout Europe. The exams of the Goethe-Institut comply with the most widely recognized European standards;
• The Goethe-Institut examination center in Italian-speaking Switzerland offers certifications at levels B1 and B2 for young people and adults, C1 and C2;
• The exams take place at West Campus Lugano, Via Giuseppe Buffi 13.

For further information about the Goethe-Institut, please visit www.goethe.de/germania

Goethe-Institut certificates guarantee the level of language proficiency both in education and in one's professional career.

Exams vary according to language proficiency level. In the list below, they are arranged from lowest to highest level. By clicking the links below, you can find information about each exam and choose the one best suited to your needs.

• Goethe-Zertifikat B1
• Goethe-Zertifikat B1 J (for young people)
• Goethe-Zertifikat B2
• Goethe-Zertifikat B2 J (for young people)
• Goethe-Zertifikat C1 In the spring semester, a preparatory course for the exam is offered, which is also open to external candidates. For further information -> [email protected]
• Goethe-Zertifikat C2: GDS

October 2026 exam session

Exam date: October 24, 2026

Registration deadline: September 24, 2026

Starting September 25, 2026, registration is only possible for the February 2027 exam session.

February 2027 exam session

Exam date: February 27, 2027

Registration deadline: January 27, 2027

Starting January 28, 2026, registration is only possible for the May 2027 exam session.

May 2027 exam session

Exam date: May 22, 2027

Registration deadline: April 22, 2027

Starting April 23, registration is only possible for the October 2027 exam session.

October 2027 exam session

Exam date: October 23, 2027

Registration deadline: September 23, 2027

Starting September 24, registration is only possible for the February 2028 exam session.

Session progress:

• The exams will take place on Saturday.
• Approximately two weeks before the exam date, candidates will receive an official invitation via email with the times and useful instructions for reaching the venue.
• Applicants must present a valid identification document (passport, identity card, driving license, or permit for foreigners).

Exams and prices

Online registration and payment

• Registration and payment are completed simultaneosly through the online form. Payment can be made with a credit card (not a debit card) or via PayPal.
• At the time of registration, candidates must read and accept the Goethe-Zertifikat Examination Regulations, the examination rules for the exam they will take, and the Privacy Policy (see the attachements on the pages dedicated to each type of exam).
• Candidates who require specific examination conditions are invited to read the Supplement to the Examination Regulations for Candidates with Special Needs. In the registration form, they can indicate their requirements and provide any relevant details.

Withdrawals and refunds

In case of withdrawal from the exam before the registration deadline:

• the full payment will be refunded; or, at the candidate's choice,
• the payment may be used to partecipate in the next exam session (but no later than that).

In In case of withdrawal from the exam after the registration deadline:

• with a medical certificate or in the case of extraordinary circumstances, subject to evaluation by the examination centre: refund minus an administrative fee of CHF 50.00;
• without a valid justification: refund limited to 30% of the amount paid..

Notifications regarding withdrawal, or any changes to the registration, must be sent promptly to [email protected].

In case of absence from the exam without a justification, no refund will be issued.

Results and Certificates

The exam result will be communicated by email within three weeks after the exam has been taken.

Certificate will subsequently be sent by registered mail.

Note: In case of a prolonged absence from your place of residence, candidates are advised to inform the examination centre, as uncollected registered mail will be returned to the sender and subject to a fee, which will be charged to the candidate.

Candidates who do not pass the exam will receive by post a certificate of partecipation, indicating the results achieved.

Preparation for the Exams

To find materials to download or order, as well as to view the Examination Regulations (Prüfungsordnung), the Implementation Regulations (Durchführungsbestimmungen), and other informational materials, please consult >>> this link.

>>> Diagnostic test