How to register for the German citizenship test

You register for the German citizenship test (Einbürgerungstest) yourself, directly with a test centre (Prüfstelle) approved by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF). In most places that is a Volkshochschule (VHS), the local adult education centre. The test costs €25. In big cities, book early: in Berlin, the adult education centres typically have waiting times of around three months just for a registration appointment.

Where you can take the test

The test is run by BAMF-approved test centres. Most of them are adult education centres, but other education providers are approved too. Here is how to find one:

• BAMF lists: The BAMF naturalisation page has a downloadable list (PDF) of test centres for each federal state.
• BAMF-NAvI: The search portal BAMF-NAvI shows course and exam locations and advice centres near you.
• Your naturalisation authority: Your naturalisation authority (Einbürgerungsbehörde) can tell you which test centres operate in your area.

Your 3 state questions are always based on where you live, not on where the test centre is. So it can be worth looking for a date in neighbouring towns as well.

How to register, step by step

1. Pick test centres: Choose two or three centres near you from the BAMF list.
2. Get in touch: Check their website or call. Each centre runs its own registration – some online, some by email, some only at a fixed in-person registration slot. In Berlin, for example, you first book an appointment just to register; the test itself takes place on a later date.
3. Give your details: The centre needs your surname, first names, date and place of birth, and your address. Write them exactly as they appear on your ID – they will be printed on your test paper and your certificate.
4. Pay: You pay €25, normally when you register.
5. Note your date: You get the date, time and place of the test. Keep the confirmation.
6. Study: Use the time until the test. Enter your test date in the study plan and it will tell you how much to do each day.

How much does the test cost?

The test costs €25 per attempt. The amount is set in the regulation governing the test (§ 2(1) Einbürgerungstestverordnung). If you need to retake it, you pay €25 again.

Naturalisation itself costs more on top of that – mainly the €255 naturalisation fee per adult and your language certificate. For the full breakdown, see how much German citizenship costs.

When to register

As early as you can, for three reasons:

• Waiting for a date: In big cities, places are often booked months ahead. In Berlin it takes around three months just to get a registration appointment at an adult education centre. Short-notice bookings don't work elsewhere either: under the BAMF's exam rules (Prüfungsordnung), the test centre has to register each test date with the BAMF at least three weeks in advance.
• Waiting for the result: The BAMF marks all tests centrally. Normally the certificate arrives after around 6–8 weeks; at the end of September 2026 it was taking about 11–12 weeks. Details in citizenship test results.
• It's independent of your application: You don't need to have applied for citizenship to take the test. If you pass the test first, you can submit the certificate with your application, which keeps things moving. See how to apply for German citizenship.

Don't worry if your date is a while away: the wait is useful study time. For a realistic timetable, read how long to study for the citizenship test.

Tips for getting a date sooner

• Contact several centres: Don't just ask the nearest VHS – try every test centre you can reasonably reach, including in neighbouring towns.
• Ask about a waiting list: Places open up when people cancel. Ask whether you can be put on a waiting list.
• Check regularly: Centres often post new dates on their websites. Checking often means you see free places sooner.
• On an integration course? Then you'll take the "Leben in Deutschland" test at the end of it, and a score of 17 or more counts as a passed citizenship test: Leben in Deutschland vs. the citizenship test.

What to bring on the day

Phones, notes and dictionaries are not allowed during the test. For a walk-through of the day itself, read the German citizenship test: format, questions and pass mark.

Disabilities and health conditions

If you need support because of a disability or illness, tell the test centre when you register. Ask specifically what arrangements they can make, for example a step-free room. Raise it early, as the centre needs time to plan.