Severin Frei
You have registered for the central entrance examination for the long-term Gymnasium and the exam date is approaching. Here you will find everything you need to know.
When will the 2026 entrance exam take place in Zurich?
Date Monday, March 2, 2026
Procedure
| Time | Subject |
| 08:00 to 08.45 | German: Language assessment and text understanding |
| 09:15 to 10:15 | Mathematics |
| 10:45 to 11:45 | German: Writing a text (essay) |
Checklist: What do I need to bring with me?
Materials and aids: Candidates should or must bring the following materials to the exam
- Official identification (passport, identity card)
- Writing materials: Fountain pens, ballpoint pens, or felt-tip pens in blue or black ink are permitted. Tipp-Ex and ink erasers are also permitted. Pencils are only permitted for geometry tasks and only where expressly requested.
- Ruler
For the essay in German:
The dictionary used in primary school OR Duden, Volume 1: “Die deutsche Rechtschreibung” (German Spelling)
For the math exam:
- Pencil and eraser (only allowed for geometry tasks and only where expressly requested).
- Protractor and circle.
- Candidates whose native language is not German may use a bilingual dictionary (“native language – German”) in the mathematics section of the exam. This must be indicated in the comments field when registering for the ZAP.
Not permitted:
- Erasable pens. Only pencils are permitted for the individual tasks.
- Candidates are not allowed to bring their own paper. You will receive sheets of paper at the exam.
- Candidates must hand in all their digital devices (mobile phones, smartwatches, etc.) to the invigilator before the exam. Digital devices cannot be used to display the time.
General note on materials
Be sure to bring enough pens that cannot be erased, such as ballpoint pens or felt-tip pens that write in black or blue. You do not need to bring your own paper. You should still bring a pencil and eraser, but you may only use them for certain tasks. Don't forget your compass and ruler.
Catering
You should also bring water or something else to drink. We all know how it is: we get nervous and our mouths get dry. This will prevent you from frantically searching for water. You will also have short breaks, so bring a small snack with you. You don't need to bring anything huge, because you will be finished by 12 noon and can then enjoy your lunch in peace.
How to find us
You should be there about 20-15 minutes before the exam. This gives you enough time to find out exactly where your exam is taking place. If you cannot find the room straight away, you will have enough time to do so. We also recommend that you come by public transport. Choose a connection that arrives early enough so that you have an alternative if a connection is canceled.
Mobile phones, smartwatches, and laptops
Don't wear a smartwatch. If you need a watch, it must be an analog one. Smartwatches and all other electronic devices must be handed in.
The evening before the exam
Important: Prepare yourself in advance using a study plan so that you can go to bed relaxed the night before, knowing that you have already looked at everything that might come up in the exam and that you would be able to solve it. This will give you a feeling of confidence, which is essential in an exam situation. The most important thing for a clear head is sleep. Go to bed early enough the night before the exam so that you are well rested when you take it. Avoid studying late into the night and stressing yourself out.
The exam day
If you feel nervous on the day of the exam or even before, it can help to know some techniques that will calm your nerves. These include meditation, breathing techniques, yoga, and others. If you want to find out more, you can read our blog post on Fear of exams? Some tips to read.
Unable to take the exam (illness)
All those who take the exam are eligible to do so. Illness cannot be claimed after the fact. Failure cannot therefore be excused retrospectively with a doctor's certificate. If the regular ZAP cannot be taken due to a documented reason for prevention, a medical certificate must be submitted within three days so that a re-examination can be taken.
The exam decision
The exam results will be sent by mail. The results can also be viewed online. Schools will schedule the dates for exam review. Students who pass the ZAP (Central Examination Board) but decide to pursue a different educational path must deregister from the school they will not be attending. This must be done within the deadline specified in the admission decision.
When is the exam automatically considered failed?
If a candidate uses unauthorized aids or commits dishonesty during the examination, the examination will be deemed failed.
Sources
- Information on the 2026 exam (August 2025)
- Prevention from taking the exam (August 2025)
