Complete guide to the Dutch Inburgeringsexamen Nederlands

Updated for October 2026

There is not one specific inburgeringsexamen: check first

Are you taking the civic integration exam purely out of an interest in the language? You are free to choose the exam level: A2, B1, or B2.

Are you taking it because you have a mandatory civic integration requirement? In that case, it could be A2 or B1 level (or B2 if you like) + extra requirements depending on your situation.

"I know what exams I have to do! But I have so many questions."

Great. Let's get started then! In this article you'll find:

- Info about the A2 inburgeringsexamen.

- Info about B1 inburgeringsexamen.

- Info about using the B2 exam for inburgering.

- Info about the KNM examen.

- Info about Module Arbeidsmarkt en Participatie (MAP).

- Info about Oriëntatie op de Nederlandse Arbeidsmarkt (ONA).

"I am not sure which exams I have to do."

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

If you fall under the 2021 Civic Integration Act, your municipality's Personal Integration and Participation Plan (PIP) states your learning route and requirements. Check which language level you need: A2, B1 or B2.

Step 3 - Make a checklist of required exams

Check the language exams, KNM and any additional requirements. Do not assume that all the exams or all the older integration components apply to you.

Step 4 - Register for each required exam

Select your examination dates and keep track of which exams you have passed and which remain outstanding.

Complete guide to Inburgeringsexamen A2

Did you check with DUO and are you sure the A2 exam is the one you have to take to complete your inburgering? Then read on!

Looking for concrete tips for every component of the A2 inburgeringsexamen? Check this article.

The Inburgeringsexamen A2 is the Dutch civic integration examination. It tests your basic Dutch language skills. KNM, the exam about Dutch society, is a separate exam that you need for civic integration, at A2 and at B1.

Exam components

The A2-level Civic Integration Exam (Inburgeringsexamen) consists of 4 language tests. For civic integration you also take KNM, a separate exam that you need at A2 and at B1:

1. Reading - 65 minutes - computer
About 25 multiple-choice questions · Read short real-life texts (letters, leaflets, schedules, ads, websites) and choose A, B or C

2. Listening - 45 minutes - computer
About 25 multiple-choice questions · Watch short videos and hear audio (conversations, messages, announcements) and choose the answer

3. Writing - 40 minutes - pen & paper
4 tasks · Fill in a form, write short messages (a note, a card, an email) and 1–2 short texts

4. Speaking - 35 minutes - computer
About 16 questions in 4 parts · Watch a video or look at pictures, then record your answer

Plus: KNM (Knowledge of Dutch Society), a separate exam - 45 minutes - computer
About 40 questions · Questions about life in the Netherlands.

Please note: depending on your specific civic integration requirements, you may also need to complete other components, such as ONA, PVT, or MAP.

1. Short explanation of A2 Inburgering

A2 is a basic level of Dutch on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

At A2 level, you should be able to understand and use simple Dutch in everyday situations, for example:

• Introduce yourself and talk about your family, work and daily life.
• Understand simple conversations and announcements.
• Read short messages, letters and everyday information.
• Write short texts, fill in forms and write simple messages.
• Answer basic questions in Dutch.

The inburgeringsexamen assesses your Dutch language skills and, where required, your knowledge of Dutch society.

Passing the required exams is part of the integration process for people who have a civic integration obligation. The exact requirements are shown in your personal DUO account.

2. Where is the exam?

You take the official A2 language exams and the Knowledge of Dutch Society (KNM) exam at a DUO examination location in the Netherlands.

• Important: You do not normally take these official A2 exams at your language school or at home. You register through DUO and receive confirmation of the exact location.

Official information: DUO – Exam locations.

DUO lists examination locations in cities including Amsterdam. Check the current list before booking, because your assigned location depends on your registration.

3. When is the exam?

There is no single national examination date for everyone. You choose an available date when registering for each exam.

The process is as follows:

1. Log in to Mijn Inburgering using your DigiD.
2. Register for the exam you need.
3. Select an available date and examination location.
4. Check your confirmation and the letter from DUO for the exact date, time and address.

DUO advises registering well in advance because it can take more than six weeks before you can take an exam. You should receive a letter confirming the appointment about one week before the exam.

4. How much does the inburgeringsexamen cost?

Each exam costs €50. Reading, listening, writing and speaking together cost €200, at A2, B1 or B2. KNM is a separate exam and also costs €50.

5. Most common mistakes in het inburgeringsexamen Nederlands

1. Answering from your own knowledge or common sense instead of simply looking at the exercise.
2. Spending too long on one hard question, so there is no time left for the easy ones at the end.
3. Reading or watching first and only then reading the question. Read the question first, so you know what to look and look for.
4. In Spreken: answering with one word, or answering only half of a question with two parts.
5. In Schrijven: forgetting one of the points the task asks for, or forgetting a greeting and your name.
6. In Spreken & Schrijven: Making too complicated sentences. Short, easy sentences will do, as long as you finish the entire task.

Looking for concrete tips for every component of the A2 inburgeringsexamen? Check this article.

6. How does The Dutch Online Academy help with preparation for the inburgeringsexamen A2?

Since 2019, we have helped tens of thousands students learn the language, many of them on their way to taking the civic integration exam.

With this experience under our belts, we have developed an app that is perfectly tailored to the needs of newcomers integrating into society.

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

• Download The Dutch Online Academy app: In our app, you can find a learning path specifically designed for students preparing for the civic integration exam (inburgeringsexamen).

This learning path combines various components from our extensive website (podcasts, grammar explanations, flashcards, and more) with exam exercises.

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.

In this article, we'll give a complete guide to the Dutch Staatsexamen B1 & B2. Already all set? Then check out this article with concrete tips for each component of the exams.

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 or education, 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):

• Intended for civic integration, and for people who want to work/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/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?

Yes, if you pass the Staatsexamen NT2 reading, writing, listening & speaking (B1 or B2), you've covered those requirements for inburgering. But it is possible that you may need to do something extra (for example, the KNM exam).

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 (in that case, B1 or B2 counts as well, of course). Check with DUO which level applies to you.

• 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. Here you can find concrete strategy/tips for each part of the exam.

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!

Here you can find concrete strategy/tips for each part of the exam.

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.
• Here you can find concrete strategy/tips for each part of the exam.

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.

Complete guide to Kennis Nederlandse Maatschappij (KNM-examen)

What is the KNM exam?

KNM stands for Kennis van de Nederlandse Maatschappij, which means Knowledge of Dutch Society.

It is part of the Dutch civic integration (inburgering) process and tests how well you understand everyday life in the Netherlands.

• The exam covers topics such as living in the Netherlands, work and income, healthcare, education, Dutch institutions, and how people interact in society.

The questions are in Dutch and are answered on a computer. The exam takes 45 minutes.

Who has to take the KNM exam?

You may need to take the KNM exam if you are required to complete civic integration in the Netherlands.

Whether you have to take it depends on your personal situation, the civic integration law that applies to you, and your assigned integration route.

"But I passed all the language exams!"

Even if you take Dutch language exams at B1 or B2 level through the State Examination NT2 (Staatsexamen NT2), you may still need to pass KNM. Passing the language exams does not automatically mean that you have completed every part of your civic integration requirement.

Check your personal requirements in Mijn Inburgering or ask your municipality which exams you need to complete.

How can you prepare?

Study the topics. Learn about daily life in the Netherlands, including healthcare, work, education, housing and Dutch society.

Use The Dutch Online Academy app to gain knowledge about all the different topics!

Practise exam questions. Use the official practice exams provided by DUO .

Study vocabulary for every topic of the KNM exam: Make sure you know your vocabulary! Otherwise you won't understand the question or all possible answers. It's crucial to study words related to the different topics. Our app offers a learning path to do exactly that!

• • Werk en inkomen: For example - Solliciteren, contracten, salaris, uitkeringen.
  • Omgangsvormen, waarden en normen: For example - Op tijd komen, gelijkheid, relaties, feestdagen.
  • Wonen: For example: Huren, kopen, energie, verhuizen.
  • Gezondheid en gezondheidszorg: For example - Huisarts, tandarts, apotheek, eigen risico.
  • Geschiedenis en geografie: For example - Provincies, waterbeheer, de Tweede Wereldoorlog.
  • Instanties: For example - Gemeente, DUO, Belastingdienst.
  • Staatsinrichting en rechtsstaat: For example - Stemmen, parlement, rechtbanken, politie.
  • Onderwijs en opvoeding: For example - Leerplicht, schoolniveaus, kinderopvang.

In our The Dutch Online Academy app you will find vocabulary exercises and flashcards specifically made for preparation for the KNM-exam.

Book your exam. Follow the instructions on the DUO website to register for the KNM exam.

You can find official information and practice materials on the DUO website.

Important to remember

The KNM exam is about understanding Dutch society, not just learning Dutch. Prepare by studying the topics and practising questions. Most importantly, check which exams apply to your own integration route, because requirements differ from person to person.

Labour Market and Participation Module (MAP) / Module Arbeidsmarkt en Participatie

This module is for people who must integrate under the 2021 law and whose personal integration plan (PIP) requires it. Check DUO.

• Note: You complete it through your municipality.

It teaches you about finding a job, understanding the Dutch labour market, applying for jobs, and participating in society.

You also do practical activities, such as volunteering, an internship, or paid work.

Orientation on the Dutch Labour Market (ONA) / Oriëntatie op de Nederlandse Arbeidsmarkt

This exam is mainly for people integrating under the 2013 law or integrating voluntarily. It helps you understand how to find work in the Netherlands.

It has two parts:

• Completing assignments and preparing a portfolio.
• Taking a final interview or completing a 64-hour ONA course.

Some people are exempt from this exam.

Important to know / Belangrijk om te weten

Not everyone has to complete all these modules. The requirements depend on your personal situation and the integration law that applies to you.

Check Mijn Inburgering to find out exactly which exams or modules you need to complete.