Inburgering exam results: timing, scores and next steps

DUO's general guideline is that inburgering exam results are available within about 8 weeks after the exam. In practice the wait differs by part:

Part	Marked by	What to expect
Lezen	Computer	Usually among the faster results
Luisteren	Computer	Usually among the faster results
KNM	Computer	Usually among the faster results
Schrijven	Trained assessors	Takes longer; handwritten A2 work is marked by people
Spreken	Trained assessors	Takes longer; recordings are assessed by people

Waiting times also vary with how busy DUO is. If you need a result by a specific date, for example for a residence or naturalisation application, take the exam well in advance. DUO's own sites give the current timelines; this page cannot guarantee a date.

1. A2 language exams and KNM: log in to Mijn Inburgering on inburgeren.nl with DigiD. Your result is listed per part. You also receive it by letter.
2. Staatsexamen NT2 (B1 or B2): log in to Mijn DUO. When you have passed all parts of a programme you receive the NT2 diploma.
3. MAP, PVT and other components under the 2021 law: progress is tracked through your municipality and visible in Mijn Inburgering.

When every required component is complete, you receive your inburgering diploma (or, in the Z-route, a certificate). Keep it safe; you may need it for permanent residence or naturalisation. If something looks wrong or missing, contact DUO through the official channels on inburgeren.nl.

A2 exams

Lezen and Luisteren have 25 questions each and KNM has 40. DUO does not use one fixed cut-off for every version, but as a practice target, about 18 out of 25 for reading and listening and about 28 out of 40 for KNM corresponds to a pass. Your result shows per part whether you passed.

B1 exams (Staatsexamen NT2)

Each part is reported on a scale. A score of 500 or higher is a pass. The scale is calibrated per exam version, so you cannot convert a raw number of correct answers directly into a score.

Writing and speaking

Assessors look at whether you completed the task and are understandable, coherence, vocabulary, grammar, and spelling or pronunciation and fluency. Missing parts of a task is the most common reason for failing.

Failing one part is common and does not undo your other results. Parts you have passed remain valid.

1. Identify the problem. Was it time pressure, vocabulary, listening speed, or incomplete answers in writing or speaking?
2. Practise that part specifically. Use practice per part and redo the questions you got wrong in the mistakes review.
3. Take a timed mock exam in that part, for example Luisteren or Schrijven, and only rebook when you score comfortably above the target.
4. Rebook the exam in Mijn Inburgering (A2/KNM) or Mijn DUO (NT2). You normally pay again for each attempt, unless your municipality covers your attempts under the 2021 law.
5. Watch your deadline. Your three-year term keeps running. If circumstances outside your control slow you down, ask DUO or your municipality about an extension early.

For speaking and writing, frequent feedback is the fastest way to improve. AI correction on this site gives a quick estimate against the official criteria; it is not an official mark.

If you believe something went wrong, for example a technical problem during the exam or an incorrect result, you can raise it with DUO. Under Dutch administrative law there are formal routes for objections (bezwaar), and DUO explains the procedure and deadlines in its letters and on its website. Deadlines are short, so act quickly and keep a copy of any correspondence. For the Staatsexamen NT2, the examination rules published in the Staatscourant describe the procedure.

In most cases, though, retaking the part is faster than an objection, especially if your score was close.

Your inburgering exam results show that you have met your integration obligation, which stops the risk of fines. They are also commonly used for:

• Permanent residence (a non-temporary residence permit), where integration is generally required;
• Naturalisation, where the current requirement is A2. Raising it to B1 has been planned but was not in force as of November 2026;
• Work and study, where an NT2 diploma (especially B1 or B2) is evidence of your Dutch level.

Requirements differ per permit and change from time to time, so check the IND for your situation before applying.