Diploma, Certificates & Downloading Your Uittreksel

You've passed all the required components of your civic integration — congratulations. But what exactly do you receive, and how do you prove it to the IND, your employer, or a university? The answer depends on which exams you took and which law applies to you. This guide walks you through every document you might receive — the inburgeringsdiploma (civic integration diploma), the Staatsexamen NT2 diploma and its individual certificates, and the uittreksel (official digital extract) — so you know exactly what you have, where to find it, and when to use it.

Key Points at a Glance

The Inburgeringsdiploma

The inburgeringsdiploma is the main document proving you have met your civic integration requirement in the Netherlands. DUO (Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs) issues it automatically — you do not need to apply. Once you pass your final required component, DUO processes the results and makes the diploma available. Which components you need to pass depends on whether you fall under the 2021 Act (Wi2021) or the older 2013 Act (Wi2013).

Under the Wi2013 (before 1 January 2022)

If your integration obligation started on or before 31 December 2021, you fall under the Wet inburgering 2013. Under this law, you must pass six exam components to receive the diploma:

The Wi2013 diploma is always issued at the A2 level, even if you scored higher on individual components. It does not state the actual level you achieved on each skill.

Under the Wi2021 (from 1 January 2022)

Newcomers who started their integration obligation from 1 January 2022 onward fall under the Wet inburgering 2021. This law introduced three learning routes, each with different targets:

Under Wi2021, you typically need to pass the language exams plus KNM, MAP (Module Arbeidsmarkt en Participatie), and PVT (Participatieverklaringstraject — Participation Declaration Trajectory). Unlike Wi2013, the Wi2021 diploma does state the language level you achieved (A2, B1, or B2), making it a more informative document.

How You Receive the Diploma

Since 1 January 2026, DUO has shifted to a digital-first approach. Your diploma becomes available for download through the Mijn Inburgering portal, which redirects you to the Mijn diploma's website. If you prefer a paper copy, you can request one through Mijn Inburgering — the first copy is free, but delivery takes up to eight weeks.

Staatsexamen NT2 Diploma and Certificates

The Staatsexamen Nederlands als tweede taal (NT2) is a national state exam for adults learning Dutch as a second language. It is distinct from the inburgeringsexamen and tests language proficiency at a higher level, primarily for people who want to work or study in the Netherlands professionally. DUO administers it on behalf of the College voor Toetsen en Examens (CvTE).

There are two programmes:

Both programmes test the same four language skills: Lezen (Reading), Luisteren (Listening), Schrijven (Writing), and Spreken (Speaking). All exams are computer-based.

Individual Certificates vs. the Full Diploma

When you pass a single component — say, only Lezen — you receive a deelcertificaat (partial certificate) for that skill. These partial certificates are valuable on their own: they never expire, and employers or educational institutions may accept them as proof of specific language ability. Once you have passed all four skills at the same programme level, DUO automatically issues the full Diploma Staatsexamen NT2.

If you passed all four components after 1 January 2021, the diploma is sent automatically by registered post within approximately four weeks. If you collected four separate certificates before that date, you need to email nt2@duo.nl to exchange them for the diploma.

How NT2 Relates to Inburgering

The Staatsexamen NT2 is purely a language exam — it does not cover KNM, ONA, MAP, or PVT. However, passing all four NT2 components does satisfy the language requirement of your civic integration obligation. You will still need to pass the remaining non-language components (such as KNM) separately to receive your inburgeringsdiploma. Many people choose the NT2 path because it proves a higher language level (B1 or B2), which is useful for university admission or better job prospects. Our A2 vs. B1 comparison explains the differences between levels.

Downloading Your Official Digital Extract (Uittreksel)

For most official purposes — applying for a residence permit, naturalizing as a Dutch citizen, enrolling in a study programme — you need a verifiable digital copy of your diploma rather than the paper original. This digital document is called an uittreksel (extract), and DUO provides it for free through the Mijn diploma's portal.

The uittreksel is a PDF with a built-in digital signature, shown as a blue bar at the top of the document. This signature is what makes the document officially verifiable. It has the same legal value as a certified copy of your diploma.

Step-by-Step: How to Download

The extract typically becomes available two to eight weeks after you pass your final exam. If it does not appear within that timeframe, contact DUO's diploma services at diplomadiensten@duo.nl or call +31 50 599 77 78 (weekdays 9:00–12:00).

Important: Digital Only

Do not print the uittreksel. A printed version is not legally valid. The digital signature embedded in the PDF is what proves the document is authentic and unaltered. When someone asks for an official copy of your diploma, email the PDF file directly. Employers and institutions can verify its authenticity using DUO's online verification tool.

Physical Diploma vs. Digital Uittreksel: When You Need Which

Many people are confused about whether they need the paper diploma or the digital extract. In practice, the digital uittreksel from Mijn diploma's has become the standard for nearly all official purposes. Here is a practical breakdown:

The paper diploma is still a nice document to have for your personal records, but for all practical interactions with the government, employers, and schools, the digital uittreksel is the go-to document.

What If Your Diploma Is Lost or Damaged?

Losing your paper diploma is not a disaster, thanks to the digital system DUO maintains. Here are your options:

DUO also offers a diploma wizard (diplomahulp) that helps you figure out exactly which replacement documents you can request based on your situation.

Where You Need Your Diploma or Certificates

Your diploma or certificates serve different purposes depending on your goals. Understanding which document is needed where can save you time and confusion.

IND: Residence Permits and Naturalization

To apply for a permanent residence permit (verblijfsvergunning onbepaalde tijd) or Dutch citizenship through naturalization, you generally need to prove you have met the integration requirement. The IND accepts the inburgeringsdiploma, the Diploma Staatsexamen NT2 (Programma I or II), or a Dutch education diploma conducted in Dutch at a level above elementary school. Certain exemptions also apply — for instance, Belgian or Luxembourgish nationals are exempt.

Education: University and HBO Admission

If you plan to study in Dutch, the Staatsexamen NT2 is typically the required proof of language proficiency. Programma I (B1) generally qualifies you for MBO-3 and MBO-4 programmes, while Programma II (B2) is required for HBO and university-level education. Individual institutions may have additional requirements, so always check with the admissions office of your target programme.

Employers

While Dutch law does not generally require employers to verify your language certificates, many employers in healthcare, education, and government-related roles do ask for proof of Dutch proficiency. The Staatsexamen NT2 diploma or certificates are widely recognized. You can share your digital uittreksel with an employer by email, and they can verify its authenticity online.

DUO's Two Portals: Mijn Inburgering vs. Mijn Diploma's

It is easy to confuse DUO's two main portals. They serve different purposes, though they are connected:

From Mijn Inburgering, clicking "Diploma" redirects you to Mijn diploma's, where you can download your uittreksel. Think of Mijn Inburgering as the portal for your integration journey, and Mijn diploma's as the archive where your credentials live permanently.

How to Prepare and Next Steps

If you are still working toward your diploma, here are the most important things to keep in mind:

Official Sources