To register for TELC B1 in Germany, find a licensed TELC test centre, pick an exam date, pay the fee (typically €150–€220), and bring valid ID on exam day. Registration is not centralised — each centre manages its own calendar.
This guide walks through booking, costs, and what to prepare before you pay the exam fee.
Step 1: Find a TELC test centre
Search the official TELC centre directory for "Zertifikat Deutsch" (TELC B1) near your city. Common hosts:
- Volkshochschule (VHS) — often cheapest slots
- Private language schools — more frequent dates, higher fees
- Universities — limited public dates
Tip: Book 6–10 weeks ahead in Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, and Frankfurt.
Step 2: Choose your exam date
TELC B1 runs on fixed dates — not daily. Written and oral usually happen on the same day or within a few days.
Before booking, confirm:
- You can attend both written (150 min) and oral (~15 min) sessions
- The certificate type matches your goal (Einbürgerung, work, university)
For citizenship requirements, see TELC B1 for Einbürgerung.
Step 3: Register and pay
Each centre has its own form (online or in person). You typically need:
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Valid photo ID | Passport or Personalausweis |
| Registration form | Name must match ID exactly |
| Payment | Bank transfer, card, or cash — centre-specific |
Fees in Germany (2026 ballpark): €150–€220 for TELC B1, depending on city and host. Retakes cost the same.
Step 4: Prepare before exam day
Do not book until you are exam-ready — the fee is non-refundable at most centres.
Recommended prep sequence:
- Weeks 1–2: Free theory — exam guide, structure, module hub
- Weeks 3–4: Section drills — blog guides for weak areas
- Weeks 5–6: Paid written mocks — 3-month pass for timed simulation
- Final week: Exam day checklist
SprachFlow gives you all B1 theory free. You only pay for written practice exams — not for reading how the test works.
Start free Leseverstehen Teil 1 trial →
What happens on exam day
- Arrive 30 minutes early with ID
- Written exam — Leseverstehen, Sprachbausteine, Hörverstehen, Schreiben (~2.5 hours)
- Oral exam — usually with another candidate; three tasks (~15 min)
- Results in 4–6 weeks; certificate mailed or collected
FAQ
Can I take TELC B1 online?
Some centres offered digital formats during COVID; most in-person exams are standard again. Check your centre's current format.
Is TELC B1 the same as DTZ?
No. DTZ is the integration course final exam. Both prove B1 but differ in format. Compare in our citizenship guide.
Which is easier — TELC or Goethe B1?
TELC allows compensatory scoring; Goethe requires 60% per module. See full comparison.
Do I need a preparation course to register?
No course required. Self-study with free theory + mock practice is valid.