Complete Inburgering Exam Guide 2025: Registration, Levels, Costs & Preparation
Everything you need to know about the Dutch integration exam—from A2 vs B1 levels to registration, costs, and comprehensive preparation strategies.
The inburgering exam is your pathway to legal residence, citizenship, or simply full participation in Dutch society. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the six exam components, registration process, costs, and most importantly—how to prepare effectively for success.
Who Must Take the Inburgering Exam?
Non-EU citizens who are legally required to integrate or wish to apply for permanent residence or Dutch citizenship must pass the inburgering exams. This includes newcomers arriving in the Netherlands as well as long-term residents seeking to formalize their status. The specific requirements depend on your situation and the integration law that applies to you.
Understanding the A2 vs B1 Level Requirements
The Dutch government has raised the integration exam level from A2 to B1 for most newcomers arriving after January 2022. This change aims to help immigrants better participate in Dutch society and the job market. Here's what this means for you:
- A2 Level (Basic): Still available for permanent residence or citizenship applications submitted before end of 2022
- B1 Level (Intermediate): Required for most newcomers and increasingly for permanent residence applications after 2022
Note: The B1 exam is also known as Staatsexamen I and has been available for years for those seeking better job opportunities or educational advancement.
The Six Exam Components Explained
1. Reading (Lezen)
- A2 Level: 25 multiple-choice questions, 65 minutes, minimum 18 correct answers needed
- B1 Level: ~40 multiple-choice questions, 110 minutes, ~65% correct answers needed
2. Listening (Luisteren)
- A2 Level: 25 multiple-choice questions with audio clips, 45 minutes, minimum 19 correct answers needed
- B1 Level: ~40 multiple-choice questions with audio texts, 90 minutes, ~60-65% correct answers needed
3. Writing (Schrijven)
- A2 Level: Pen and paper format with form filling, short messages, and open writing exercises, 40 minutes
- B1 Level: Computer-based with 10 grammar exercises, form filling, and 3 longer writing tasks (14 total), 100 minutes
4. Speaking (Spreken)
- A2 Level: 12 open questions with video responses + 12 multiple-choice dialogue questions, computer-recorded
- B1 Level: 8 short + 8 longer exercises, computer-based, 35 minutes
5. Knowledge of Dutch Society (KNM)
40 multiple-choice questions about Dutch customs, education system, healthcare, housing, history, and geography. You need 26 correct answers to pass, with 45 minutes to complete. This exam is conducted in Dutch and remains at the same level regardless of the A2/B1 distinction.
6. Orientation on the Dutch Labour Market (ONA)
This component involves creating a portfolio about working in the Netherlands, followed by either a final interview or completing 64 hours of ONA courses. Important: Newcomers under the 2021 Integration Act no longer need to pass the ONA component.
Registration and Scheduling
Inburgeringsexamen Registration
Register through Mijn Inburgering well in advance. Exams take place at official locations throughout the Netherlands. You can cancel up to 2 weeks before your exam date for a full refund.
Staatsexamen I (B1 Level) Registration
Register directly through the official Staatsexamen I registration portal. You can cancel up to 6 weeks before the exam by emailing nt2@duo.nl. Later cancellations result in forfeiting the exam fee.
Exam Costs and Financial Planning
Understanding the financial commitment is crucial for planning your integration journey:
- Each language component (Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking): €50
- Knowledge of Dutch Society (KNM): €50
- Orientation on the Dutch Labour Market (ONA): €40
- Total cost for complete exam: ~€290
Many municipalities offer financial support through DUO loans or local funding programs. Check with your local gemeente about available assistance options.
Comprehensive Exam Preparation Strategy
Success in the inburgering exam requires structured preparation across all components. Our platform offers the most comprehensive preparation resources available, with over 16,400 interactive exercises and extensive theory content covering all exam components.
What Our Platform Offers
- Complete Exercise Database: Thousands of practice questions for Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking at both A2 and B1 levels
- KNM Preparation: Comprehensive coverage of Dutch society topics with interactive quizzes and detailed explanations
- Theory Content: In-depth lessons covering grammar, vocabulary, cultural knowledge, and exam strategies
- Realistic Practice Tests: Full-length simulations that mirror the actual exam format and timing
- Progress Tracking: Monitor your improvement across all skill areas and identify areas needing focus
Recommended Study Timeline
- 3-6 months before exam: Complete diagnostic assessment and begin systematic study with our theory content
- 2-3 months before: Intensive practice with our exercise database, focusing on weak areas
- 1 month before: Daily practice tests and final review of KNM topics
- 1 week before: Light review and mental preparation—avoid cramming new material
Exam Day Success Tips
- Arrive early and bring required identification documents
- Familiarize yourself with the computer interface beforehand
- Read questions carefully—many errors come from misunderstanding instructions
- Manage your time effectively—don't spend too long on difficult questions
- Stay calm and trust your preparation
Key Takeaways
- Six components: Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking, KNM, and ONA (if applicable)
- A2 level still available for some situations; B1 increasingly required
- Total cost approximately €290; financial assistance often available
- Register well in advance through appropriate portals
- Comprehensive preparation is essential—utilize our extensive exercise database and theory content
- Components can be taken separately over time
Start Your Preparation Today
Don't leave your integration success to chance. Access our comprehensive preparation courses with thousands of practice exercises and detailed theory content. Our platform has helped thousands of students pass their inburgering exams on the first attempt.
Official Sources
Source: DUO, Staatsexamensnt2.nl, Rijksoverheid (2025)
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