The most recent are Start Deutsch 1 и Start Deutsch 2. First time they were presented in April, 2004. They check German language knowledge and require elementary level.
Start Deutsch 1 considered to be elementary, it was developed for citizens applying for German Permanent Residence.
Start Deutsch 2 is a bit more difficult, it was developed for people apllying for German work visa to participate in Au-Pair program.
There are more certificate of Start Deutsch group which were developed for immigrants, but they are accepted only in Germany.
ZD test
ZD test was developed by 3 institutes of Germany, Switzerland and Austria and also WBT organization (WBT Weiterbilduns-Testsysteme GmbH). Having ZD certificate you can enter technical college or apply for citizenship.
ZDfB test
Was developed for people who want to work in Germany. It checks basics of business-language.
ZMP test
Accepted by all German colleges.
PWD test
Checks level of business language.
KDS test
Checks level of literacy.
ZOP test
Checks your ability to use German language in different common situations.
GDS
Test of the highest possible level. It brings you to the level of Native speaker.
DAF2
There are other test that accepted by German universities. TestDag is analoque of IELTS, and its’ results are good for 2 years. You can also try DSH test, but it can be passed only in an University you’re going to enter.
What is DAF?
Deutsch als Fremdsprache is analogue of TOEFL or IELTS developed by DAF institute for foreign students. It evaluates listening, reading, writing and speaking skills.
How do I pass DAF?
Test is held 6 times a year. You can find a nearest test center on website: www.testdaf.de Results you will get within 6-8 weeks after the test. You can pass DAF as many times as you need.
It’s not an easy test. Try to pass it first at www.testdaf.de
Test Results
You can get one of three levels: TestDaF 3 (TDN3), TestDaF 4 (TDN4), and highest – TestDaF 5 (TDN5). If you pass all parts of the test at the TDN4 level, you can enter any German university. TDN5 result is equal to the test of Deutsch language for foreign students (DSH) and diploma of deutsch language of second degree (DSD II). Some universities accept students with TDN3 level, but they can have additional conditions. Certificate isn’t restricted in time.
Structure of DAF
As many others, this test consists of 4 parts: reading, listening, writing and speaking.
Reading
You’ll have to deal with 3 texts of different difficulty and style: short messages of students’ life, newspaper articles, science article. You also will get tasks. 1 hour.
Listening
You’ll have two listen 3 texts: dialogues of everyday life, an interview with 3-4 persons, academic speech; and complete 25 tasks. You need to demonstrate understanding of academic speech. 40 minutes.
Writing
You need to write an essay: describe graphics and state your opinion. 1 hour.
Speaking
7 tasks of different difficulty. You need to show that you can use knowledge of language in any situation. All answers are recorded. 30 minutes.
General length of the test is 3 hours 10 minutes, no breaks.
Price: around 150 euro.