Exam overview: all five parts at A2 and B1
Duration, number of questions, format, dictionary rules and pass marks in one place.
6 min read
At a glance
Formats are updated from time to time. The figures below are based on DUO and Staatsexamen NT2 information and public practice exams as of 2026. Always check the official site before your exam.
A2 (DUO inburgering exams)
| Part | Duration | Questions / tasks | How you take it | Dictionary | Marked by |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lezen | 65 min | About 25 multiple-choice | Computer | Paper Van Dale NT2 allowed | Computer |
| Luisteren | 45 min | About 25 multiple-choice, short videos and audio | Computer | Not allowed | Computer |
| Schrijven | 40 min | 4 tasks: one form plus short texts (emails, notes) | Pen and paper | Paper Van Dale NT2 allowed | Trained assessors |
| Spreken | About 35 min | 4 parts with short video questions and picture tasks | Computer, you speak into a microphone | Not allowed | Trained assessors |
| KNM | 45 min | 40 multiple-choice, with photos and short films | Computer | Not allowed | Computer |
Practice targets: aim for about 18 out of 25 for A2 Lezen and Luisteren, and about 28 out of 40 for KNM. The exact cut-off can vary per exam version.
B1 (Staatsexamen NT2 Programma I)
| Part | Duration | Questions / tasks | How you take it | Dictionary | Marked by |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lezen | 110 min | About 35 multiple-choice on around 6 longer texts | Texts in a paper booklet, answers on the computer | Check the current rules (a paper NT2 dictionary has been allowed) | Computer |
| Luisteren | Up to 90 min | Around 39–40 multiple-choice; audio and video, each played once | Computer | Not allowed | Computer |
| Schrijven | 100 min | Around 12 tasks: complete sentences, fill in a form or letter, write short and longer practical texts | Computer, no spellcheck | Paper Van Dale NT2 allowed | Trained assessors |
| Spreken | About 25–30 min | Deel 1: 8 short answers (about 20 s each). Deel 2: 8 longer answers (about 15 s preparation + 30 s speaking) | Computer, recorded | Not allowed | Trained assessors |
| KNM | 45 min | 40 multiple-choice (same exam as above) | Computer | Not allowed | Computer |
Scoring at B1: NT2 results are given on a scale. You pass a part with a score of 500 or higher. There is no fixed "X out of 35" rule, because the cut-off is set per exam version.
What the assessors look at (Schrijven and Spreken)
- Adequaatheid / begrijpelijkheid – did you do what the task asked, and is it understandable?
- Samenhang – do your sentences connect logically?
- Woordgebruik – right words, enough variety?
- Grammatica – correct forms and word order.
- Spelling (Schrijven) / uitspraak & vloeiendheid (Spreken).
Content counts most: a perfect sentence that does not answer the question earns little.
How this app mirrors the exams
The Mock exams section uses the timings above. Lezen, Luisteren and KNM are marked instantly. Schrijven and Spreken are marked by AI against the same criteria as the assessors use — a useful estimate, not an official result.