Inburgering FAQ: A1 Abroad, A2, and NT2 Explained Simply
A plain-language FAQ about A1 abroad, A2 in the Netherlands, NT2 B1/B2, costs, registration and next steps.
- Author
- By Inburgering.org team (Editorial team)
- Reviewer
- Reviewed by Kirill Svavolia (Editorial review)
- Last updated
Inburgering is not one single exam. Your official letters, Mijn Inburgering and sometimes your PIP from the gemeente decide what you must do. In simple terms, A1 abroad is before some MVV applications, A2 is the older or standard inburgeringsexamen in the Netherlands, and B1/B2 is usually Staatsexamen NT2. KNM, ONA, MAP and PVT are extra society, work and participation parts, but not everyone needs all of them.
Which inburgering exam do I need?
Start with your official situation, not with the exam name. If you are still abroad and need an MVV for a partner or religious-minister route, you may need the A1 basisexamen abroad. If DUO says you are inburgeringsplichtig in the Netherlands, Mijn Inburgering and your gemeente or PIP show whether you need A2, B1/B2 Staatsexamen NT2, KNM, ONA, MAP, PVT, or fewer exams because of an exemption.
Summary / Key Points
- Do not copy a friend's exam path. Two people from the same country can have different obligations.
- A1 abroad is the basisexamen inburgering buitenland, usually before an MVV application.
- A2 is the Dutch inburgeringsexamen in the Netherlands. Under Wet inburgering 2013 it is often the main language level.
- B1 or B2 language exams are Staatsexamen NT2: Programma I is B1 and Programma II is B2.
- KNM, ONA, MAP and PVT are not just language exams. They are about Dutch society, work, participation and values.
- Costs, registration and free attempts depend on your law, route, residence situation and official file.
Start with Your Official Situation
Use this FAQ as a map, not as a legal decision. If the table points in one direction but your DUO letter, Mijn Inburgering or PIP says something else, follow the official document and ask DUO or your gemeente before booking an exam.
| Your situation | Plain meaning | First place to check |
|---|---|---|
| You are abroad and need an MVV to join a partner or work as a religious minister | You may need the A1 basisexamen inburgering buitenland before the MVV application. | IND and Naar Nederland |
| DUO says you must integrate under Wet inburgering 2013 | You usually work toward A2 language exams plus KNM, and sometimes ONA and PVT depending on your start date. | Mijn Inburgering |
| You fall under Wet inburgering 2021 | Your gemeente makes a PIP. It can point to the B1-route, onderwijsroute or Z-route, with different exams and modules. | Gemeente, PIP and Mijn Inburgering |
| You are not obligated now, but need proof for naturalisation or a stronger residence permit | You may still need an inburgeringsdiploma, Staatsexamen NT2 diploma or other accepted proof. | IND, DUO and Mijn Inburgering |
A1, A2, B1 and B2 in Plain Words
The level names come from the European language scale. Higher is not always better for your file: you need the level that your official route requires.
| Exam name | Level | Usually used for | What it checks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basisexamen inburgering buitenland | A1 | Before some MVV applications | Basic Dutch reading, basic speaking and knowledge of Dutch society |
| Inburgeringsexamen | A2 | Many Wet inburgering 2013 and voluntary integrator situations | Practical reading, listening, writing, speaking and KNM |
| Staatsexamen NT2 Programma I | B1 | B1-route, work or study around mbo level | Independent Dutch for daily life, work and education |
| Staatsexamen NT2 Programma II | B2 | Higher education or professional goals | More advanced Dutch for hbo, university and professional settings |
What Does It Cost? (May 2026)
Fees can change, so check the official source before paying. These are the main official amounts shown in May 2026.
| Part | Official amount | Simple note |
|---|---|---|
| A1 exam abroad | EUR 150 for the full exam | If you fail one part, you register and pay again only for that failed part. |
| A2 language exams and KNM | EUR 50 per component | Under Wet 2021 the four language exams plus KNM total EUR 250. Asylum status holders usually get the first 2 attempts free if the exam is not below the PIP level. |
| ONA | EUR 40 | Mainly for Wet 2013 or voluntary integration when ONA is required. |
| MAP | Free | Done with the gemeente under Wet 2021 when your PIP says you need it. |
| PVT | Free under Wet 2021 | Under Wet 2013, it is free for asylum status holders and EUR 150 for non-asylum status holders. |
| Staatsexamen NT2 | EUR 50 per component, EUR 200 for all four | This applies to both Programma I and Programma II. |
Where Do You Register?
Registration is different for each exam family. This is one of the easiest places to lose time, so check the right portal before you pay.
| Exam or module | Where to arrange it | Important detail |
|---|---|---|
| A1 basisexamen abroad | Register through Naar Nederland / DUO, then make an appointment with the embassy or consulate. | You do the exam abroad and receive confirmation before making the appointment. |
| A2, KNM or ONA | Log in to Mijn Inburgering with DigiD. | If you cannot log in, DUO has paper forms for some registrations. |
| MAP or PVT | Arrange this with your gemeente. | The gemeente reports completion to DUO when the module is finished. |
| Staatsexamen NT2 | Register with DUO / MijnDUO through the Staatsexamen NT2 route. | Registration opens about 8 weeks before the exam; exams are offered in Amsterdam, Eindhoven, Rijswijk, Rotterdam, Utrecht and Zwolle. |
Common Questions
Does the A1 exam abroad finish my inburgering?
No. The A1 exam abroad is usually a condition before an MVV application. After you receive the MVV and live in the Netherlands, IND says you may still need to integrate further. Wait for your DUO letter and gemeente contact before assuming you are finished.
Can Staatsexamen NT2 replace the A2 inburgeringsexamen?
It can satisfy the language part when your official route accepts NT2, but it does not automatically remove KNM, MAP, PVT or ONA. Check Mijn Inburgering and your PIP before skipping any non-language part.
Do I need ONA, MAP and PVT?
Not always. ONA belongs mainly to the older Wet inburgering 2013 system and voluntary integration. MAP and PVT are arranged with the gemeente under Wet inburgering 2021 when your PIP says you need them.
What if I fail one part?
Usually you retake the part you failed, not the whole route. For A1 abroad, passed parts stay valid while you retake failed parts until you pass the full exam. For A2 and NT2, register again for the component you still need and watch your deadline.
Are the exams in my language?
The exam tasks are in Dutch. Official information and study materials may be available in other languages, but on exam day you should be ready to read, listen, speak or write in Dutch according to the exam level.
How to Prepare / Next Steps
- Open Mijn Inburgering and read your newest DUO or gemeente letter before booking anything.
- If you are not sure which route applies, use the exam decision guide first.
- For the full map of exams and modules, read the Dutch integration exams overview.
- If you are still abroad, start with the basisexamen buitenland guide.
- If you are preparing for A2, use the main inburgeringsexamen guide and official practice exams.
- If your route is B1 or B2, read the Staatsexamen NT2 guide and practise each component separately.
- For extra practice after checking official rules, use free exam practice and the free KNM summary.
Official Sources
Official source checked: May 2026.
- Inburgeren.nl: U gaat inburgeren - DUO overview of the first steps, three-year term, Wet 2021 routes, DUO letters and voluntary integration.
- Inburgeren.nl: Welke examens - Official DUO overview of which exams apply under Wet inburgering 2013 and Wet inburgering 2021.
- Inburgeren.nl: Aanmelden examen - DUO guidance on registering for A2, KNM, ONA, MAP, PVT and B1/B2 exams.
- Inburgeren.nl: Hoeveel kost inburgeren? - Official DUO fee table for A2, KNM, ONA, MAP, PVT and free attempts.
- IND: Civic integration exam abroad - IND explanation of the A1 basisexamen abroad, MVV connection, exemptions and one-year validity after passing all parts.
- Naar Nederland: Registering for the exam - Official Naar Nederland registration flow and A1 exam fee.
- Staatsexamens NT2: Aanmelden bij DUO - Official Staatsexamen NT2 registration route, timing and exam cities.
- Staatsexamens NT2: Betalen bij DUO - Official Staatsexamen NT2 fee and payment information.
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