I need to pass a Canton-certified German test for B1 level. Currently, I'm having courses with a private teacher, nearly at the end of the Menschen B1.2 book.
I want to decide between FIDE/SDS which are "progressive" in the sense that you take one test for all levels and your score determines which level you are, similar to TOEFL for English, or Telc/Goethe where you take the exam of a certain level and your score determines the binary outcome of whether you pass that level or not.
I know that to pass Tel/Goethe, you need to get (only?) 60% of the questions correct. Does this fact make them any easier/more approachable than the progressive tests or they are standardised with respect to this? What is the equivalent of that 60% in Fide then? And which exam you perceived, in general, to be "easier", if any?
Any information, material, and personal experiences are more than welcome.
I did TELC. Reputedly less academic that Goethe. You have to pass all four sections, for which the pass mark is 60% (I think). You can re-take sections if you fail.
You can find past TELC exam papers online and try them for yourself.
I've informally sat the exams in language class for each level up to B1.2, but haven't sat the formal exam yet as I only plan on doing that for B2.2.
My concern with an exam system with an almost sliding scale of how you are graded, is that it may be off putting to the student and knock their confidence during the exam itself. I feel it's better that everything on an exam paper is at least familiar to the student, and matches the areas of language they've already studied.
One thing to note about the TELC exam... I've found that I can remember things I studied over a month ago, more easily than things I learned the previous week. With the exams, it's meant that I can get 100% in one or two sections of the paper, yet completely omit another section, and still get a decent pass mark.
If it's just to get your C permit then I recommend the KDE test from Canton Zurich which satisfies the requirements of the Migrationsamt for EU citizens. Surprisingly straight forward and results inside 48 hrs. Cost CHF250 to sit.
A2 Reading & Writing and B1 Listening & Speaking. You need 60% overall and can flunk one part if you have a bad day e.g. writing and still pass overall. Same idea as outlined above by @blueangel for TELC
It's much more focused on everyday situations and they're not anal about perfect grammar et al. However, it has limited standing outside of Switzerland.
@ OP - I took the KDE test with the A2/B1 mix as above to get an early C permit following a recommendation from the Zürich Migrationsamt. Might be worth clarifying with them. Feel free to PM me if you wish to discuss further.