Strong preparation can be undermined by a preventable test-day problem. The official dMAT terms contain strict rules on identification, arrival, electronic devices, breaks and prohibited behaviour.
Use this checklist as a planning aid, but follow the personalised instructions in your participant portal and from your test centre.
Independent preparation notice: dMAT Prep is not affiliated with or endorsed by APS India, g.a.s.t., dMAT, DAAD or any German university. This article explains publicly available information and offers independent study guidance. Rules and dates can change, so always verify important decisions with the official sources.
Five days before the test
The official terms state that relevant information about the exam procedure is normally provided in the participant portal around five days before the test.
Check:
- test-centre address;
- reporting time;
- meeting point;
- registration documents;
- technical introduction material;
- any centre-specific instructions; and
- the identity document linked to your registration.
Take screenshots only for your personal travel planning where permitted, but treat the live portal as the authoritative source.
Confirm your identification document
You must present a valid identity document, such as the passport or ID used for online registration.
The document presented on test day must match the one used during registration. Without a valid matching identity document, the official rules say you will not be admitted.
Check:
- the document has not expired;
- the name matches the registration;
- the document is physically available;
- it is not packed in checked luggage; and
- you know where it will be stored during travel.
Plan to arrive early
Late arrival can lead to refusal of admission once exam materials have been distributed.
Plan for:
- traffic;
- unfamiliar routes;
- security procedures;
- locating the correct building;
- public-transport delays; and
- time to use the washroom before reporting.
If travelling to another city, consider arriving the previous evening rather than relying on a same-day connection.
Electronic devices are prohibited
The official rules prohibit carrying or using devices such as:
- mobile phones;
- tablets;
- MP3 players;
- wristwatches;
- smartwatches;
- fitness watches;
- calculators; and
- other electronic devices.
Stored devices must remain switched off. A phone ringing during the examination can lead to exclusion.
Use a simple travel plan that does not depend on checking your phone after entering the controlled test process.
What may be on the desk
According to the official rules, only your identity document is allowed on the desk during the examination.
Notes and personal aids are prohibited. Do not bring self-written formula sheets, scratch paper or printed preparation material into the room.
Follow the supervisor's instructions about bags, food and drinks.
Food, drinks and the break
The rules state that candidates cannot leave the exam building during the examination period and cannot visit a cafeteria or canteen during breaks.
Obtain food before the test begins.
Pack something:
- easy to eat;
- unlikely to leak;
- familiar to your stomach;
- sufficient for a long session; and
- compliant with the centre's instructions.
Take required food, drinks and toiletries from your bag before the exam begins if instructed.
Washroom planning
Once seated, leaving the room during a test module is restricted. The official terms indicate that washroom use is generally tied to the designated break, with exceptional departures controlled by supervisors. Missed test time cannot be recovered.
Use the washroom before seating and during the permitted break.
During the test
Follow instructions from test administrators.
Do not:
- use prohibited aids;
- consult notes;
- communicate with other candidates;
- attempt to copy;
- leave without permission;
- record test content; or
- discuss or publish test items afterwards.
The official rules prohibit recording, sharing or publicly posting dMAT content, including on social networks and internet forums.
Manage the digital interface calmly
Before test day, review the official interface videos.
During the test:
- read section instructions;
- verify that your intended answer is selected;
- use navigation deliberately;
- watch the official timer;
- do not panic after one difficult question; and
- follow the interface rather than habits from an unrelated mock platform.
The test cannot be paused so you can relearn how an interface element works.
After the test
Results are accessed through the participant portal rather than by telephone or email.
When the certificate becomes available:
- Download the original PDF.
- Save backups securely.
- Follow the APS submission procedure if the result is required for your case.
- Do not alter the certificate file.
- Keep portal access available for future use.
The official terms state that the dMAT certificate is valid indefinitely.
Printable checklist
Documents
- Valid matching passport or ID
- Registration details checked
- Test-centre address saved
- Reporting time confirmed
- Travel booking confirmed
Personal preparation
- Food prepared
- Drink prepared if permitted
- Comfortable clothing
- Sleep plan
- Backup travel route
Devices
- No smartwatch or fitness watch
- No calculator
- Phone fully switched off when stored
- No tablets or other electronics
Exam readiness
- Official introduction video reviewed
- Task interfaces reviewed
- Pacing plan decided
- Skip-and-return rule decided
- No last-minute memorisation plan
Final advice
Test day should be operationally boring. The fewer decisions you need to make that morning, the more attention remains for the actual tasks.
Prepare your documents, route, food and device plan in advance, then focus on applying the methods practised during preparation.
