What is the SDS exam?

The SDS exam is the Swiss Digital Language Test for levels A1 to B2. It is officially recognized for naturalization, residence permits, family reunification, and other procedures.

Where does the SDS exam take place in St. Gallen?

The SDS exam is held at ILS St. Gallen: Neumarkt 5 / Kornhausstrasse 28, 9000 St. Gallen.

How much does the SDS exam cost?

Written & oral: 239 CHF. Oral only: 150 CHF. Written only: 150 CHF.

How do I register for the SDS exam?

Registration is done online using the form at https://ils-stgallen.ch/anmeldung-sds/.

What levels does the SDS exam offer?

The SDS exam covers levels A1, A2, B1, and B2—both oral and written.

When will I receive my SDS results?

The results are usually provided within 48 hours.

How often does ILS St. Gallen offer the SDS exam?

The SDS exam is held regularly in St. Gallen.

SDS exams A1, A2, B1, B2 | SDS Certificate

SDS EXAMS IN St. Gallen

SDS German exams – SDS certificate made easy with ILS St.Gallen

The Swiss Digital Language Test (SDS)is an official German language test for levelsA1 through B2.You can take the oral and/or written exam. The test is administered on a tablet and is recognized by the government. With the SDS, you can demonstrate your German language proficiency for naturalization, residence permits, family reunification, and other official procedures.

The SDS is anadaptive test. This means that the questions are tailored to your language proficiency level. This allows us to accurately assess your German proficiency. As a certified test center in Basel, we offer the SDS twice a week. You will be supervised during the test and will receive your results within 72 hours. On this page, you’ll find all the information you need about test dates, registration, and the requirements for the SDS exams atlevels A1, A2, B1, and B2.

ADVANTAGES

SDS testing advantages at a glance

Quick results within 72 hours

Recognized for naturalization, residence permits, and more

Digital, paperless, and easy to use on a tablet

MODULAR:

written, oral, or both options available

ADAPTIVE:

The test adapts to your level.

TEST DATES & PRICES

SDS exam prices, exam dates, and registration

Here you will find all the important information about the individual SDS exam levels, including exam dates, duration, and fees.

Prices for SDS German exams

module	Price	Price includes crash course
written & oral	CHF 239.-	CHF 437.-
oral only (modular)	CHF 150.-	CHF 294.-
written only (modular)	CHF 150.-	CHF 294.-

SDS German exam dates and registration deadlines

Overview of upcoming SDS exam dates

Date	Start	Registration/deregistration deadline	Available places
16.07.2026	9:00 a.m.	09.07.2026	4
23.07.2026	9:00 a.m.	16.07.2026	7
30.07.2026	9:00 a.m.	23.07.2026	6

RATINGS

Experiences of our participants

Read how our participants achieve their language goals and get off to a successful start!

SDS EXAMINATION OF SPATIALITY

Discover our SDS exam rooms!

Discover our modern exam rooms – ideal for your SDS exam!

IMPORTANT:

The certificate will be mailed to you.

If you lose your certificate, you can request a replacement document from us. A fee ofCHF 50will be charged for issuing a duplicate.

Please contact us directly byemail to place a repeat order.

Contents of the SDS exam:

Speaking, listening/comprehension, reading, and writing are tested together digitally on a tablet.

Level

A1, A2, B1, B2

requirements

Admission from the age of 16

Registration

The number of places on the exams is limited. Please register early using the registration form or directly with us on site.
The respective registration deadline can be found in the table "Examination dates & registration deadlines".

Please note that the examination fees must be paid in full by the day of the examination at the latest. Otherwise the participant will be excluded from the examination.

Deregistration

The examination fee will be waived or refunded in the event of deregistration before the end of the registration and deregistration period, although a processing fee of CHF 30 will be charged. Deregistration can only be made by e-mail. Examination fees will be charged in full in the event of deregistration after this deadline.

Recognized national certificate

The SDS certificate is recognized nationally and is accepted in Switzerland for procedures such as residence permits or naturalization.

Quick standard evaluation

Quick results within 72 hours

REGISTRATION

SDS exam online registration

Our SDS exams take place at several locations. Select the center nearest you and secure your exam date!

ILS-FILIALS

ILS SDS Test Centers

Our SDS exams take place at several locations. Select the center nearest you and secure your exam date!

Basel

SDS exams at ILS-St.Gallen

ILS-St.Gallen is a recognized examination center for the Swiss Digital Language Test (SDS) and offers exams at levels A1 to B2. Here you have the opportunity to have your German language skills digitally and officially certified. With a language certificate that is recognized by Swiss authorities for naturalization, residence permits, family reunification, and many other procedures.

The SDS tests your listening, reading, writing and speaking skills - digitally, paperless and adaptive. The test adapts to your individual language level and offers the option of taking it in writing, orally or both.

The ILS-St.Gallen not only supports you in registering for the SDS exam, but also accompanies you throughout the entire examination process. If you wish, you can attend targeted preparation courses in which you will be optimally prepared for the requirements of the digital language test. Our experienced teachers are on hand to provide you with advice and support.

All important information on the current SDS exam dates, exam content and registration options can be obtained directly from ILS-St.Gallen. Successfully passing the SDS exam opens up new opportunities for you, be it for your naturalization, your stay in Switzerland or your personal development.