Complete guide to the Dutch Staatsexamen NT2 Programma I (B1) and Programma II (B2)

Updated for October 2026

The Staatsexamen Nederlands als tweede taal (Staatsexamen NT2) is the official Dutch language examination for adults learning Dutch as a second language. It tests your reading, listening, writing and speaking skills at B1 or B2 level.

1. For who is the Dutch Staatsexamen?

The Dutch Staatsexamen NT2 is for adults who learn Dutch as a second language, including people who need proof of their language skills for work, education or civic integration, as well as hobby learners who want to improve or demonstrate their Dutch.

The exam can also count towards Dutch civic integration (inburgering) for people whose pathway requires it. Depending on their situation, candidates may also need to complete other integration requirements, such as Knowledge of Dutch Society (KNM).

2. Two exams: Programma I (B1) and Programma II (B2)

Programma I (B1): for civic integration, and for people who want to work or study at MBO levels 3 and 4.

At B1 level, you should be able to understand the main points of clear Dutch and communicate about familiar topics at work, during your studies and in everyday life.

Programma II (B2): intended mainly for people who want to work or study at HBO or university level.

At B2 level, you should be able to understand more complex texts, follow discussions, explain your opinions and communicate in greater detail.

3. The Staatsexamen NT2 counts as inburgeringsexamen?

Depending on the rules that apply to you, you may need to achieve at least B1 level for inburgering. For some inburgeraars A2 level is enough. Check with DUO which level applies to you.

Het Staatsexamen NT2 (both B1 and B2) contribute to fulfilling your civic integration requirement for reading, listening, speaking & writing, but it is possible that you may need to do something extra (for example, the KNM exam).

Important: Passing the four language exams does not automatically complete your entire civic integration obligation. You may also need KNM, PVT, MAP or other applicable components.

Always check with DUO to know what requirements apply to your situation.

4. Exam components

The Staatsexamen NT2 consists of four computer-based tests. You can take them separately.

1. Reading (Lezen) – Programma I: 110 minutes; Programma II: 100 minutes
   6 texts · 36 multiple-choice questions.
   
   Read texts about work, education and everyday life and answer questions about their meaning, purpose and content. The texts are provided in a booklet, while questions appear on the computer. You may bring the permitted NT2 pocket dictionary.
   
   
2. Listening (Luisteren) – 90 minutes
   Approximately 40 multiple-choice questions.
   
   Listen to recordings and watch videos about work, education and everyday situations. You have time to read the questions before each recording, which can be heard only once. Headphones are provided, and dictionaries are not allowed.
   
   
3. Writing (Schrijven) – 100 minutes
   Complete several writing tasks on a computer, including sentences, texts, forms and messages.
   
   You may use the permitted NT2 pocket dictionary.
4. • Programma I (B1): 8 sentence tasks, 2 partial-writing tasks and 2 short-writing tasks.
   • Programma II (B2): 7–8 sentence tasks, 1–2 short-writing tasks and 1–2 medium-length writing tasks.
     
     
4. Speaking (Spreken) – approximately 25 minutes
   Record your answers using a microphone. You read the tasks on screen and hear instructions through headphones.
   
   Short tasks allow approximately 20 seconds, medium-length tasks approximately 30 seconds, and the long B2 task requires a two-minute response after preparation time.
   
5. • Programma I (B1): 8 short and 8 medium-length speaking tasks.
   • Programma II (B2): 4 short, 8 medium-length and 1 long speaking task.

Official information: Staatsexamen NT2 – Exam format.

5. Where is the exam?

You take the official Staatsexamen NT2 at a designated examination location in the Netherlands. The exam is administered by DUO on behalf of the College voor Toetsen en Examens (CvTE).

You do not normally take the official exam at your language school or at home. Register through DUO and check your examination invitation for the exact location.

Available locations and dates can change, so check the official Staatsexamen NT2 website before booking.

6. When is the exam?

There is no single national exam date for everyone. DUO publishes an examination schedule for Programma I and Programma II and their individual components.

The process is as follows:

1. Check the official examination schedule.
2. Register for the required component through DUO.
3. Select an available date.
4. Check your confirmation and examination invitation for the exact time and location.

You can take the four components separately. Register well in advance, as some dates may fill up.

7. How much does the Staatsexamen NT2 cost?

Each component costs €50, for both Programma I and Programma II.

• Reading: €50
• Listening: €50
• Writing: €50
• Speaking: €50

The total for all four components is €200.

Check DUO's official website for current fees and any financial arrangements that may apply to you.

Before paying, make sure you need the correct Programma and level for your civic integration requirements.

8. How do you check which exams you need to do for inburgering?

Important: check your personal requirements before registering.

Step 1 – Log in to Mijn Inburgering

Open Mijn Inburgering and sign in with DigiD. Check your integration obligation and which law applies to you.

Step 2 – Check your PIP, if applicable

Under the 2021 Civic Integration Act, your municipality's Personal Integration and Participation Plan (PIP) sets out your learning route and requirements. Check whether you need A2, B1 or B2.

Step 3 – Make a checklist

Check whether you need all four NT2 language components and whether you must also complete KNM, PVT, MAP or other requirements.

Step 4 – Register for each required exam

Choose the correct Programma and available dates. Keep track of the components you have passed and those still outstanding. If you have already passed components, check whether they can be recognised under the rules that apply to you.

9. Most common mistakes in the Staatsexamen NT2

Even if you already have the desired language level, preparing is a must! If you know what to expect and have a strategy, your chances of success are much higher. The Dutch Online Academy helps you with exactly that!

10 common mistakes:

• 1) Answering from your own knowledge instead of focusing on the text or recording, making answers way to complex.
• 2) Spending too long on difficult questions and running out of time.
• 3) Reading without checking the question first, making it harder to identify relevant information.
• 4) In Luisteren: losing concentration when recordings can only be heard once.
• 5) In Spreken: giving answers that are too short or missing part of the question.
• 6) In Schrijven: forgetting important information or using the wrong style for the task.
• 7) At B2 level, relying on basic sentences when a more detailed explanation or argument is needed.
• 8) Using complicated words you cannot use correctly. Clear, accurate Dutch is better.
• 9) Practising only without time limits instead of simulating the computer-based exam.
• 10) Assuming that passing the four language exams automatically completes your inburgering.

10. How does The Dutch Online Academy help with preparation for the Staatsexamen NT2 B1 and B2?

We have helped over 10,000 students learn Dutch, many of them preparing for language exams and civic integration.

Our website and app offer different ways to learn, ranging from group lessons to self-study.

In our app, you can find resources to improve your Dutch and prepare for the Staatsexamen NT2, including vocabulary, grammar, reading, listening, writing and speaking practice.

Our learning materials combine podcasts, grammar explanations, flashcards and other study resources with exercises to help you practise.

Whether you are preparing for Programma I (B1) for civic integration or Programma II (B2) for work or further education, structured practice can help you build the skills and confidence you need for the exam.