The TMS: structure and preparation

Lara Wagenecker

Lara Wagenecker

Author at futuredoctor

Reading time: 5 Minuten
Last updated: 8 November 2023
The TMS: structure and preparation

📖 Table of contents

This blog post was written by our medical student in Bratislava, Isabella Raber.

You have passed the Abitur, but the grade point average is not good enough to be accepted directly at a medical university in Germany. Many applicants feel the same way. Training or a voluntary social year can improve the average grade of the Abitur by up to 0.3 grades. But this is not the only way to raise your grade. The so-called "Test for Medical Studies", or TMS for short, can also increase the chances of getting a place to study medicine at some universities.

One test for three medical degree programmes

The TMS is a test specially made for medical degree programmes, which tests applicants in various categories. This means that it is permissible for the study programmes in human medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine and can increase the chances of a place at university. The tasks change year by year, but the categories, types of tasks and the duration of the sub-tests remain the same.

The structure: The first part of the TMS

Generally, the test will be divided into Part A and Part B. Part A takes place from 9 a.m., Part B in the afternoon, after a one-hour lunch break. In the first subtest of a total of eight, pattern matching is tested. 24 tasks are to be solved in 30 minutes. For each task, 1 pattern is presented, each with 5 clippings. Only one cut-out is the correct answer and matches the pattern. All other answer options have small deviations.

In the subsequent 60-minute subtest "Basic understanding of medicine and the natural sciences", the overall knowledge of the natural science subjects physics, biology and chemistry is tested. Here the applicant(s) is/are given:24 knowledge tasks each in multiple choice format. In the third test, "Hose Figures", the spatial imagination is tested within 15 minutes in a scope of 24 tasks. Cables and hoses are shown in a transparent cube and you have to determine from which side you recognise them (for example, from above, below, right, left, front or back). Then it is the turn of the test "quantitative and formal problems". Just like the previous subtest, it consists of 24 tasks that have to be solved in 60 minutes. Medical, scientific questions are presented with numbers, percentages, formulas or other information.

Relax and recharge your batteries

The first part of the TMS is now over and the test takers can take a one-hour break. It is especially important to relax in between and recharge your batteries for the second part. A good meal, enough to drink and fresh air can be very helpful here.

The structure: The second part of the TMS

The second part, which takes place from around 2 p.m., consists of two phases: a memorisation phase and a subsequent reproduction phase in which the ability to remember is tested. In the memorisation phase, you will be presented with figures, facts and texts, about which questions will be asked in the reproduction phase. The very last part of the TMS is the subtest "Diagrams and Tables". Here the participant is presented with a table or a diagram with a question to which there are five possible answers. No prior knowledge is required for this part, as all information can be derived from the table/diagram. This part is divided by difficulty and takes 60 minutes for 24 tasks.

Not one, but two chances

The TMS is a stressful exam with many tasks that have to be solved in a very short time, which is why it is a big hurdle for many test takers. It puts examiners under great pressure and tries to test as many skills as possible over a wide range. In previous years, the TMS could only be written once. Since recently, participants who are taking the test for the first time have the chance to retake it within a year, which is a relief for many.

Preparation is key

Proper preparation for the TMS is not only important, but absolutely necessary. Many test takers report having studied for the test about three to four times a week for 2-6 months. However, how long one should study for the TMS depends on the individual. Some prepare intensively for the test within weeks, others take more time for practising and studying. Especially pattern matching, the tube figures and the second part of the TMS are easy to practise. You can find many tips and tricks online on how to solve these types of tasks more easily and in less time.

Those who live healthily have an advantage

Last but not least, a healthy lifestyle is a big plus. People who sleep, drink and eat enough can concentrate better and perform better on average. Therefore, test takers should take good care of their mental and physical health and not stress themselves too much. Although the TMS is a challenge, it can be mastered with good preparation and a cool head!