# Inburgering exam: questions and answers URL: https://www.inburgeringklaar.nl/faq Publisher: Inburgeringklaar (independent, not affiliated with DUO) ## The inburgering exam, explained in plain English Source page: https://www.inburgeringklaar.nl ### Is the Dutch civic integration exam mandatory? It is mandatory if you are inburgeringsplichtig: usually a non-EU national aged 18 to state pension age who came to live in the Netherlands for a non-temporary purpose such as family or asylum. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens and people here for temporary purposes such as study or highly skilled migration usually are not obliged. DUO informs you by letter if you are. ### Do I need to take the Dutch civic integration exam if I am a highly skilled migrant? Usually not, because a highly skilled migrant permit counts as a temporary purpose of stay. You may still need an integration or NT2 diploma later if you apply for permanent residence or Dutch citizenship. Check the IND for the rules that apply to your permit. ### Can I take the inburgering exam in English? No. The language exams test your Dutch, and the KNM exam is also in Dutch, written in simple language. Explanations on websites and some preparation materials are available in English, but the exam itself is not. ### How long do I have to pass the inburgering exams? Normally three years from the start of your obligation, under both the 2013 and the 2021 law. If you do not finish on time without an extension or exemption, DUO can impose a fine. If illness or other serious circumstances slow you down, ask for an extension early. ### Is the Dutch integration exam A2 or B1? If you became obliged before 1 January 2022 you need A2. If you became obliged on or after that date you usually follow the B1-route, although your municipality can lower the level to A2 if B1 is not realistic. Your PIP or Mijn Inburgering states your level. ### Do I need the exam for Dutch citizenship? For naturalisation you normally have to show you have integrated, typically with an inburgering or NT2 diploma. Raising the naturalisation language requirement to B1 has been planned but was not in force as of November 2026. Check the IND before you plan around it. ### How hard is the inburgering exam? A2 is basic everyday Dutch and most motivated learners pass with a few months of focused practice. B1 is a big step up: longer texts, faster speech and tasks where you must explain and give reasons. Timed practice and mistake review make the biggest difference. ### Do I need inburgering for permanent residence in the Netherlands? It can, but it depends on your permit and personal situation. For many non-EU residents, an inburgering or NT2 diploma (or an exemption) plays a role when applying for longer-term residence. The rules differ per permit, so check the exact conditions with the IND before you apply. ### What happens if I don't finish inburgering in 3 years? If you do not finish inburgering within the normal three-year term, DUO can give you a fine. Under the Wet inburgering 2021 the fine for the leerroute can be up to EUR 1,000. If illness or other serious reasons are slowing you down, ask about an extension early via Mijn Inburgering or your gemeente. ### What parts does the inburgering exam have? The inburgering exam is made up of separate parts: Reading (Lezen), Listening (Luisteren), Writing (Schrijven), Speaking (Spreken) and Knowledge of Dutch Society (KNM). Depending on your law and route you may also have the participation statement (PVT), the labour-market module MAP (Wet inburgering 2021) or ONA (Wet inburgering 2013). Your PIP or Mijn Inburgering shows exactly which parts you need. ### Do I fall under the Wet inburgering 2013 or 2021? It depends on when your inburgering obligation started. If you became inburgeringsplichtig before 1 January 2022, the Wet inburgering 2013 applies and you take A2 exams plus KNM. If it started on or after 1 January 2022, the Wet inburgering 2021 applies and your gemeente sets your route in a PIP. ### What is a PIP in inburgering? A PIP (persoonlijk plan inburgering en participatie) is your personal inburgering plan under the Wet inburgering 2021. Your gemeente writes it after a brede intake and places you in one of three routes: the B1-route, the onderwijsroute or the Z-route. The PIP states which exams and level you need, so it is the first thing to check before you start studying. ### What is the Z-route in inburgering? The Z-route (zelfredzaamheidsroute) is the inburgering route for people for whom the B1 exams are not realistic. The Z-route has no B1 language exams; A2 is optional, and you complete the PVT, MAP and a final conversation (eindgesprek) with your gemeente. At the end you receive a certificate rather than a diploma. ## Inburgering practice exam: free, timed and for every part Source page: https://www.inburgeringklaar.nl/inburgering-practice-exam ### Where can I find a free inburgering practice exam? DUO offers free official practice exams for A2 and KNM on inburgeren.nl, and the Staatsexamen NT2 has official practice exams on oefenexamensnt2.nl. Independent sites such as Inburgeringklaar add unlimited free practice and timed mock exams for every part. ### Is there a DUO inburgering practice exam for every part? DUO's practice page covers the A2 language parts and KNM. Practice for the B1 Staatsexamen NT2 is published separately on oefenexamensnt2.nl. Check the pages for the current versions, as they are updated from time to time. ### Are the practice exams the same as the real exam? Official practice exams use the same format and screens, but the questions are different from the real exam. Real questions are never published. Practice questions from other sites are written in the same style and should match the timing and level. ### What score should I aim for in practice? For A2 reading and listening, aim for about 18 out of 25, and for KNM about 28 out of 40. Aim a little higher in practice to leave a margin, since exam versions differ slightly. For B1, the pass mark is a scale score of 500, which you cannot calculate exactly from raw practice scores. ### Is there a Dutch civic integration exam example for speaking? Yes. The official practice exams include speaking examples, and this page shows an original A2-style example. Typical tasks ask you to react to a short video or describe one to three pictures and say what you would do. ### How many practice exams should I do before the real one? There is no fixed number, but most people benefit from one diagnostic mock exam per part at the start, weekly timed practice for the weakest parts, and one official practice exam per part in the final week. Reviewing mistakes matters more than the number of tests. ### Can I practise the inburgering speaking and writing exams with feedback? Yes. Speaking and writing are the hardest parts to practise alone because nobody tells you what went wrong. Inburgeringklaar lets you practise both for free and gives AI feedback on your answers, using criteria such as clarity, coherence, vocabulary, grammar and spelling. ### Can I do a timed mock inburgering exam online? Yes, and timed practice is one of the best ways to prepare. The real A2 exams are timed: Reading takes 65 minutes, Listening 45 minutes, Writing 40 minutes and KNM 45 minutes. Inburgeringklaar offers free timed mock exams so you can get used to that pace before exam day. ### Which part of the inburgering exam should I practise first? There is no official order, so start with the part you find hardest or the one you have booked first. Many learners begin with Reading and Listening because they are multiple choice and easy to score, then spend more time on Speaking and Writing. Check your PIP or Mijn Inburgering to make sure you practise every part you actually need. ### What is the best way to practise for the inburgering writing exam? The best way to practise inburgering writing is to copy the real exam conditions. The A2 writing exam is on pen and paper (4 tasks in 40 minutes, including a form), while the B1 Staatsexamen writing exam is on a computer without a spellchecker (about 12 tasks in 100 minutes). Write full answers by hand or without spellcheck, then check them for content, structure, word choice, grammar and spelling. ### How do I practise for the inburgering listening exam? Practise inburgering listening with short Dutch audio and video clips followed by multiple-choice questions. The A2 listening exam has 25 questions in 45 minutes; the B1 listening exam has about 39 questions in 90 minutes, and each fragment is played only once. Get used to answering after a single listen instead of replaying clips. ### Can I use a dictionary when practising for the inburgering exam? Yes, and it helps to practise with the same dictionary you can bring on exam day. A paper Van Dale NT2 dictionary is allowed in the Reading and Writing exams, but not in Speaking, Listening or KNM. Practise those last three parts without any dictionary so the real exam feels familiar. ## Inburgering exam A2: what to expect and how to pass Source page: https://www.inburgeringklaar.nl/inburgering-exam-a2 ### Who has to take the inburgering A2 exam? People who became obliged to integrate before 1 January 2022 (Wet inburgering 2013) need A2. Under the 2021 law most people aim for B1, but the municipality can lower the target to A2. In the Z-route, A2 exams are optional. ### Is the A2 inburgering exam difficult? A2 tests everyday, practical Dutch with short texts and slow, clear speech. Most people who practise regularly with timed exams pass. The most common problems are running out of time in reading and giving too short answers in speaking. ### Can I use a dictionary in the A2 exam? A paper Van Dale NT2 dictionary is allowed for Lezen and Schrijven. It is not allowed for Luisteren, Spreken or KNM. Check your invitation and inburgeren.nl for the current rules before the exam. ### How much does the inburgering exam A2 cost? In 2026 each A2 part and KNM cost around €50, paid when you book in Mijn Inburgering. Fees are adjusted over time, so check inburgeren.nl. Some people under the 2021 law have attempts paid by their municipality. ### What happens if I fail one part of the A2 exam? You only retake the part you failed; parts you passed stay valid. You book and normally pay again for the retake. Keep an eye on your three-year deadline when planning retakes. ### Is A2 enough for Dutch citizenship? As of November 2026, the naturalisation requirement is still A2. Raising it to B1 has been planned and debated but is not in force. Check the IND website for the latest rules before you decide. ### How long does it take to prepare for the A2 inburgering exam? There is no official preparation time for the A2 inburgering exam; it depends on your starting level, how much Dutch you use daily and how many hours you study. A2 is basic everyday Dutch, so many motivated learners are ready after a few months of regular, focused practice. Doing timed practice exams for each part shows you when you are ready to book. ### How many questions are in the A2 inburgering reading exam? The A2 inburgering reading exam (Lezen) has 25 multiple-choice questions and takes 65 minutes on a computer. You usually need about 18 of the 25 questions correct to pass. A paper Van Dale NT2 dictionary is allowed in this part. ### How long is the A2 inburgering listening exam? The A2 inburgering listening exam (Luisteren) takes 45 minutes and has 25 multiple-choice questions about short video and audio fragments. You usually need about 18 of the 25 correct to pass. No dictionary is allowed in the listening exam. ### Is the A2 inburgering writing exam on paper or on a computer? The A2 inburgering writing exam is on pen and paper. It has 4 tasks in 40 minutes: filling in a form and writing short texts such as messages. You may use a paper Van Dale NT2 dictionary during the writing exam. ### What do I have to do in the A2 inburgering speaking exam? The A2 inburgering speaking exam is done on a computer with a headset and takes about 35 minutes. It has 4 parts: answering video questions and talking about one, two or three pictures. Free speaking practice with AI feedback is available on Inburgeringklaar. ### How do I register for the A2 inburgering exam? You register for the A2 inburgering exams and KNM in Mijn Inburgering on inburgeren.nl, logging in with your DigiD. Fees are around EUR 50 per part in 2026, but check inburgeren.nl for the current price; some asylum status holders under the Wet inburgering 2021 have free attempts. ## Inburgering exam B1: the level, the format and the changes Source page: https://www.inburgeringklaar.nl/inburgering-exam-b1 ### Is the Dutch civic integration exam B1 or A2? It depends on when your obligation started. If before 1 January 2022, you need A2; if on or after that date, you usually need B1 in the B1-route. Your municipality can lower the level to A2 if B1 is not realistic for you. ### Is inburgering B1 the same as the Staatsexamen NT2? Yes. In the B1-route you prove your Dutch with the four language parts of the Staatsexamen NT2 Programma I. KNM, MAP and PVT are separate components that you complete alongside it. ### What is the pass mark for the B1 exam? Each part is reported on a scale and you pass with 500 or higher. There is no fixed number of correct answers, because the scale is calibrated per exam version. KNM is scored separately; aim for about 28 out of 40 in practice. ### Did the Dutch integration exam speaking format change? At B1 the speaking test is fully computer-based and recorded: 8 short answers of about 20 seconds and 8 longer answers with 15 seconds preparation and 30 seconds speaking. For people used to the A2 format, the longer, timed answers are the main difference. Check staatsexamensnt2.nl for the current version. ### Can I choose to take A2 instead of B1? Not on your own if you are in the B1-route. Only your municipality can lower the target to A2, and usually only after you have made sufficient effort at B1. Speak to your municipality if you think B1 is not achievable. ### Do I need B1 for Dutch citizenship? Not as of November 2026: the requirement for naturalisation is still A2. The government has planned to raise it to B1, but that is not in force. Check the IND for the latest situation. ### Is B1 much harder than A2 for inburgering? Yes, B1 is clearly harder than A2. The B1 Staatsexamen NT2 exams are longer and more demanding: reading takes 110 minutes instead of 65, and writing has about 12 tasks in 100 minutes instead of 4 tasks in 40. Which level you need is set in your PIP or shown in Mijn Inburgering. ### How does the B1 Staatsexamen NT2 speaking exam work? The B1 Staatsexamen NT2 speaking exam takes about 25 minutes. It has 8 short questions where you answer in about 20 seconds, and 8 longer questions where you get 15 seconds to prepare and 30 seconds to answer. You can practise both question types with AI feedback on Inburgeringklaar. ### How long is the B1 inburgering writing exam? The B1 inburgering writing exam (Staatsexamen NT2 Programma I) takes 100 minutes and has about 12 tasks. It is done on a computer without a spellchecker, so your own spelling counts. A paper Van Dale NT2 dictionary is allowed. ### How long are the B1 reading and listening exams? The B1 reading exam has about 35 multiple-choice questions on 6 texts in 110 minutes, with the texts in a paper booklet and answers on a computer. The B1 listening exam has about 39 multiple-choice questions in 90 minutes, and each audio or video fragment is played only once. For both, you pass with a scale score of 500. ### Where do I register for the B1 Staatsexamen NT2? You register for the B1 (and B2) Staatsexamen NT2 via Mijn DUO, not via Mijn Inburgering. Mijn Inburgering is used for the A2 exams, KNM and ONA. Check the current dates and conditions on staatsexamensnt2.nl. ### What is the onderwijsroute in inburgering? The onderwijsroute is one of the three inburgering routes under the Wet inburgering 2021, meant for people who will go on to study in the Netherlands. It includes a taalschakeltraject and leads to B1 or B2 language exams, plus KNM and the PVT. Your gemeente decides your route in your PIP. ## Inburgering exam results: timing, scores and next steps Source page: https://www.inburgeringklaar.nl/inburgering-exam-results ### How long does it take to get my inburgering exam result? DUO aims to publish results within about 8 weeks. Computer-marked parts such as Lezen, Luisteren and KNM often come sooner; Schrijven and Spreken take longer because people mark them. Check inburgeren.nl for current timelines. ### Where can I see my inburgering exam result? Results of the A2 exams and KNM appear in Mijn Inburgering on inburgeren.nl, and you also get a letter. Staatsexamen NT2 results for B1 and B2 appear in Mijn DUO. You log in to both with DigiD. ### How many times can I retake the inburgering exam? You can retake a part you failed; you only redo that part. Each attempt has to be booked, and normally paid, again. Your three-year deadline keeps running, so plan retakes with enough margin. ### What score do I need to pass? At A2, aim for about 18 out of 25 in Lezen and Luisteren and about 28 out of 40 in KNM; the exact cut-off can vary per version. At B1, every Staatsexamen NT2 part is passed with a scale score of 500 or higher. ### Do passed parts expire if I fail another part? No. A part you have passed stays passed, and you only retake the parts you failed. You receive your diploma when all required components are complete. ### Can I get an exemption instead of passing? Exemptions exist, for example for people with certain Dutch diplomas or who demonstrably cannot pass because of illness or disability. They have to be requested and are assessed by DUO. Check inburgeren.nl for the conditions. ### What happens if I fail the inburgering exam? If you fail an inburgering exam part, you can retake that part. You normally pay again for each retake, unless you have free attempts (some asylum status holders under the Wet inburgering 2021 do). Use your result to see which skills to practise before booking again. ### Do I have to pay again to retake the inburgering exam? Usually yes: each retake of an inburgering exam part costs the exam fee again, around EUR 50 per A2 or KNM part in 2026. Fees can change, so check inburgeren.nl. Some status holders under the Wet inburgering 2021 have free attempts; Mijn Inburgering shows what applies to you. ### How is the inburgering writing exam marked? The inburgering writing exam is marked on five criteria: whether your answer fits the task and is understandable, coherence, vocabulary, grammatical correctness and spelling. Answering every part of the task clearly matters as much as perfect grammar. Inburgeringklaar gives free AI feedback on practice writing along these lines. ### Why do inburgering writing and speaking results take longer? Reading, listening and KNM are computer-marked, so those results usually come faster. Writing and speaking are assessed by people, which takes more time. DUO says results arrive within about 8 weeks, in Mijn Inburgering and by letter. ### What does a score of 500 mean on the B1 Staatsexamen NT2? A score of 500 is the pass mark on the B1 Staatsexamen NT2 (Programma I). Results are given as a scale score, not as a number of correct answers, so 500 or higher means you passed that part. Below 500 means you need to retake that part. ### Do I get a diploma when I finish inburgering? On the B1-route and onderwijsroute you work towards exam results and an inburgering diploma; on the Z-route you receive a certificate instead of a diploma. Check Mijn Inburgering for the status of your obligation once all parts are done. ## KNM exam: the knowledge of Dutch society test explained Source page: https://www.inburgeringklaar.nl/knm-exam ### How many questions are in the KNM exam? The KNM exam has 40 multiple-choice questions and you get 45 minutes. Each question is based on a photo or short film of a situation. It is taken on a computer at a DUO exam location. ### What is the pass mark for KNM? DUO does not publish one fixed cut-off for every version, but about 28 out of 40 correct is a reliable practice target. Aim for 30 or more in practice to leave a margin. ### Is the KNM exam in English? No. The KNM exam is in Dutch, written at a simple level. You cannot use a dictionary, so learn the key words for each theme. Explanations and study material in English can help you understand the content. ### Is the KNM exam different for A2 and B1? No. KNM is the same exam for everyone who has to take it, whether your language level is A2 or B1. In the Z-route of the 2021 law, KNM is not one of the required exams. ### Where can I find a free KNM practice test? DUO publishes an official KNM practice exam on inburgeren.nl. Inburgeringklaar also offers free KNM practice questions by theme and a timed 40-question mock exam with a mistakes review. ### How do I book the KNM exam? You book KNM in Mijn Inburgering on inburgeren.nl, logging in with DigiD. In 2026 it costs around €50 per attempt, but fees change, and some people under the 2021 law have attempts paid by their municipality. ### What topics are on the KNM exam? The KNM exam covers 8 themes: work and income; manners, values and norms; housing; health and healthcare; history and geography; government organisations (instanties); the political system and rule of law; and education and parenting. These themes are set in the Besluit inburgering 2021. Practising questions from every theme is the safest way to prepare. ### How long is the KNM exam? The KNM exam takes 45 minutes and has 40 multiple-choice questions on a computer. That is a little over a minute per question, so most people have enough time if they have practised. You can try free timed KNM practice tests on Inburgeringklaar. ### Can I use a dictionary in the KNM exam? No, a dictionary is not allowed in the KNM exam. The paper Van Dale NT2 dictionary is only allowed in the Reading and Writing exams. The KNM exam is in Dutch, so learn the key Dutch words for each KNM theme in advance. ### Is the KNM exam hard? The KNM exam is manageable with preparation, but you do need to know the material. You need about 28 of the 40 questions correct to pass, roughly 70%. The questions are about everyday situations in the Netherlands, so studying all 8 themes and doing practice tests makes a big difference. ### What does KNM stand for? KNM stands for Kennis van de Nederlandse Maatschappij, which means Knowledge of Dutch Society. It is the part of the inburgering exam that tests what you know about life, work, rules and institutions in the Netherlands. It is the same KNM exam for everyone, whether you take A2 or B1 language exams. ### Is KNM the same as the KNS exam abroad? No. KNM is taken in the Netherlands as part of inburgering and has 40 multiple-choice questions in 45 minutes. KNS (Kennis van de Nederlandse Samenleving) is part of the basic civic integration exam abroad for an MVV and has 30 photo questions in 30 minutes. ## Dutch civic integration exam abroad: the A1 exam for your MVV Source page: https://www.inburgeringklaar.nl/dutch-civic-integration-exam-abroad ### What level is the Dutch civic integration exam abroad? It is at level A1, the most basic level of the European language framework. You need to understand and use very simple Dutch: introducing yourself, answering simple questions and reading short messages. KNS questions test basic knowledge of Dutch society. ### Do I need to pass the exam abroad before getting an MVV? If you are a family migrant who needs an MVV and you are not exempt, yes: you must pass all three parts before the MVV application. Many groups are exempt, including EU/EEA citizens and people coming for study or highly skilled work. Check the IND for your situation. ### Where can I take the Dutch civic integration exam in the Philippines? At the Dutch embassy in Manila, as of 2026. You first register and pay through DUO's Naar Nederland website, then book an appointment with the embassy using your candidate number. Check the embassy page for current procedures. ### Where can I take the Dutch civic integration exam in India? At the Dutch embassy in New Delhi, as of 2026. The steps are the same as elsewhere: register and pay via DUO, wait for your candidate number, then email the embassy to book. Bring a valid passport and the documents the embassy lists. ### How much does the basic civic integration exam cost? At the time of writing, the full exam cost around €150, paid to DUO, with retakes of a single part priced separately. Fees can change, so check naarnederland.nl before paying. ### Has the civic integration exam abroad been abolished? As of November 2026 the basisexamen inburgering buitenland is still in use and embassies still offer it. Political proposals about integration rules come up regularly, so check naarnederland.nl and the IND for the current position. ### Is the exam abroad the same as inburgering A1 in the Netherlands? Not exactly. The A1 exam abroad is a requirement for the MVV. Inside the Netherlands, A1 is mainly a learning stage, for example in the Z-route, while the formal exams are at A2 or B1. ### What parts does the civic integration exam abroad have? The basic civic integration exam abroad (basisexamen inburgering buitenland) has three parts: KNS (Knowledge of Dutch Society), Speaking and Reading. The language parts are at level A1, the most basic level. You normally need to pass it before you can get an MVV. ### How many questions are in the KNS exam abroad? The KNS exam abroad has 30 questions based on photos, and you have 30 minutes to answer them. KNS stands for Kennis van de Nederlandse Samenleving (Knowledge of Dutch Society). The official practice material is on naarnederland.nl. ### Where can I practise for the Dutch exam abroad for free? The official free practice material for the basic civic integration exam abroad is on naarnederland.nl. Because the exam is at A1, building basic Dutch reading and speaking skills also helps. Inburgeringklaar offers free Dutch practice with AI feedback on speaking. ### Is the civic integration exam abroad in English? No, the civic integration exam abroad is in Dutch, because the Speaking and Reading parts test your Dutch at A1 level. Information about the exam and some preparation materials exist in other languages, but you answer in Dutch. Check naarnederland.nl for the official details. ### Is the Dutch civic integration exam abroad hard? The civic integration exam abroad is set at A1, the lowest level of Dutch, so it tests only very basic language skills. Most of the challenge is learning enough Dutch from scratch and getting familiar with the question types. Regular practice with the official material on naarnederland.nl is the best preparation. ### Do I still need to do inburgering after passing the exam abroad? Usually yes. Passing the exam abroad is a step towards an MVV, but it is not the same as completing inburgering in the Netherlands, where the exams are at A2 or B1 level. After you arrive, check Mijn Inburgering or your gemeente to see whether you are inburgeringsplichtig.