Exam Day Rules for A2, B1 & B2: What to Bring, What's Banned & How It Works
Official exam day rules for all Dutch integration exams. What ID to bring, what's banned, dictionary rules, locations, and level-specific differences.
Your exam day is the moment everything comes together β and the last thing you want is to be turned away at the door because you brought the wrong ID or forgot your oproepbrief (call letter). The rules differ depending on whether you are taking an A2-level inburgeringsexamen or a B1/B2-level Staatsexamen NT2, so this guide covers both. Below you'll find everything you need to know: valid identification, banned items, what happens inside the exam room, and the exact addresses of all six DUO test centers.
Key Points at a Glance
- Bring a valid ID and your DUO oproepbrief β without both, you cannot take the exam.
- Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled start time. Latecomers are not admitted.
- Phones, smartwatches, bags, coats, pens, and study books must be stored in a locker. You cannot bring anything into the exam room.
- For B1/B2 (Staatsexamen NT2): the Van Dale Pocketwoordenboek NT2 is allowed during the Lezen and Schrijven exams only. No dictionary is allowed for Luisteren or Spreken.
- Exams are secret β you must sign a secrecy declaration. Taking photos or sharing exam content is fraud.
- All exams take place at one of six DUO locations: Amsterdam, Eindhoven, Rijswijk, Rotterdam, Utrecht, or Zwolle.
- Only exam candidates are allowed inside the building. Friends and family must wait outside.
A2 vs B1/B2: Which Rules Apply to You?
Before diving into the details, it helps to know which exam system you're in. People who became inburgeringsplichtig (integration-obligated) before 1 January 2022 fall under the Wet inburgering 2013 and take exams at A2 level. Newcomers from 1 January 2022 onward fall under the Wet inburgering 2021 and generally take the Staatsexamen NT2 Programma I (B1). Some people voluntarily take Programma II (B2) for university admission or career purposes. For a detailed comparison, see our A2 vs B1 level guide.
Most exam day rules are the same at every level β you need ID, you arrive early, and you leave your phone in a locker. The key differences are around dictionaries (allowed for B1/B2 Lezen and Schrijven, but not at A2), exam duration, and a few practical details like food and drinks. This guide marks level-specific rules clearly so you know exactly what applies to you.
What You Must Bring
There are only two things you absolutely must bring to every exam, regardless of level. Forget either one and you will be sent home β and you'll have to register and pay again.
1. A Valid Legitimatiebewijs (Identification Document)
You must show a valid, undamaged legitimatiebewijs (identification document) before every exam. A DUO staff member will check it. If your ID is expired, damaged, or not on the accepted list, you will not be admitted. Presenting a forged ID can be reported to the police.
The following documents are accepted:
- Dutch passport, identity card, or driver's license (including brommerrijbewijs AM with photo)
- Dutch verblijfsdocument (residence permit) β types I through IV
- Dutch W-document, reisdocument voor vreemdelingen, or reisdocument voor vluchtelingen
- Diplomatic or service passport (diplomatiek paspoort / dienstpaspoort)
- EU, EEA, or Swiss identity card, passport, or driver's license
- A valid identity document, travel document, or passport issued outside the EU/EEA or Switzerland
Whatever document you bring, it must be valid (not expired) and undamaged. If you don't have any valid ID at all, contact DUO before your exam date so you can sort it out in time. For B1/B2 exams specifically, you can reach DUO's NT2 department at nt2@duo.nl or 050-599 89 33 (option 1).
2. Your Oproepbrief (Call Letter) from DUO
After you register for an exam, DUO sends you an oproepbrief (call letter) by post. For B1/B2 exams, this letter arrives about 10 days before your exam date. It tells you exactly where and when to be. Check the details as soon as you receive it β if there are mistakes, contact DUO immediately. If you haven't received your letter 10 days before the exam, call DUO right away.
For A2 exams, the oproepbrief also contains a summary of the most important exam rules. Read these carefully, because they include anything specific to your exam date and location.
Dictionary Rules: What's Allowed, What's Not
This is one of the most-asked questions, and the rules differ by exam level and component. Getting this wrong can mean having your dictionary confiscated β or not having one when you're allowed to.
B1 and B2 (Staatsexamen NT2)
During the Lezen (Reading) and Schrijven (Writing) exams, you may use exactly one dictionary: the Van Dale Pocketwoordenboek Nederlands als tweede taal (NT2). No other dictionaries are allowed β this rule has been in effect since 1 January 2021. You must bring your own copy; you cannot borrow one from another candidate during the exam.
Important: your dictionary must be clean. There may be no notes, sticky tabs, loose papers, or any kind of writing inside it. If DUO staff find annotations, your exam may be invalidated. You also cannot use electronic dictionaries or apps like Google Translate β only the physical Van Dale pocket book.
During the Luisteren (Listening) and Spreken (Speaking) exams, no dictionary is allowed at all.
A2 (Inburgeringsexamen)
For A2 exams, the general rule according to the examenreglement is that you may not bring any items into the exam room β including study books, pens, and personal belongings. Check your oproepbrief for the specific rules that apply to your exam session, as it contains the definitive instructions.
What You Cannot Bring Into the Exam Room
The rule is straightforward: you cannot bring anything into the exam room. DUO staff actively check for prohibited items. Everything you bring to the test center must go into a kluisje (locker) before you enter. Staff will show you where the lockers are.
Specifically prohibited items include:
- Your phone, smartwatch, or any other electronic device β these must be turned off and stored in a locker.
- Your coat, bag, or any personal belongings.
- Paper, pens, pencils, or study books.
- Cameras, earpieces, or recording equipment of any kind.
- A watch or horloge (wristwatch) β the time is shown on the computer screen.
If you bring prohibited items into the exam room, keep your coat on, or are caught making photos or recordings, you must leave immediately. Your exam will be declared invalid (ongeldig). This applies to both A2 and B1/B2 exams.
Food and Drinks (B1/B2 Only)
For Staatsexamen NT2 (B1/B2), you are allowed to eat and drink during the exam. However, you must bring your own food and drinks β there is nothing available to purchase at the test center. Drinks must be in a bottle with a cap, and the bottle must be placed on the floor to protect the computer. No open cups are allowed in the exam room.
In the waiting area, free coffee and tea are available, but you need to bring your own cup or mug β there are no disposable cups at the location. You cannot take your cup into the exam room.
Arriving at the Exam Center
You must be at the exam location at least 30 minutes before your exam is scheduled to begin. This time is needed for ID verification, security checks, and getting you seated. If you arrive late, you will not be admitted and your exam fee is lost.
Only exam candidates may enter the building. Friends, family members, and children cannot come inside β not even to the waiting area (for B1/B2 locations). If someone accompanying you causes a disturbance, it may affect your ability to take the exam. Plan ahead: if you have children, arrange childcare for that time.
For B1/B2 exams, the Staatsexamen NT2 site lists specific start times. For example, the Luisteren exam starts at 09:45 or 13:00, the Lezen exam at 09:45 or 13:20, the Schrijven exam at 09:45 or 13:10, and the Spreken exam at 09:45, 11:15, 13:15, or 14:45. Remember: with the 30-minute early arrival rule, if your exam starts at 09:45, you need to be there by 09:15 at the latest.
Getting There
All exam locations are well connected by public transport. DUO has no parking spaces of its own, and parking at or near the exam centers is limited. If you're driving, check parking options in advance and build in extra time. The safer option is to take the train or metro β for example, the Amsterdam location is directly across from Metrostation Overamstel (metro 50 and 51, take exit 'Joan Muyskenweg').
Dress Code and Access
For A2 exams, there is an explicit rule about face coverings: you may not wear clothing that completely covers your face or leaves only your eyes visible. If you do, DUO staff will ask you to remove it. If you refuse, you will not be allowed to take the exam and must leave the building. This rule exists because DUO needs to verify your identity by matching your face to your ID photo.
Your coat must go into a locker β you cannot wear it in the exam room. This applies at all levels.
Rules Inside the Exam Room
Once you're inside, the rules are strict but simple. The exam environment is designed to be fair for everyone, so any disruption is taken seriously.
- No talking or communicating: You cannot speak to or communicate with other candidates in any way. If you disturb others, you'll receive a warning first. If it continues, you'll be removed and your exam will be invalidated.
- Toilet breaks: You may go to the toilet during the exam, but only with permission. You must ask a DUO staff member first, and they will accompany you. You may only leave the exam room after asking permission.
- No aggressive behavior: Verbal or physical aggression β including cursing, threatening, or hitting β is not tolerated. You'll be removed immediately, your exam will be invalidated, and you may be banned from the exam building for 3 months.
- Follow all instructions: Before each exam you get about 15 minutes of explanation (uitleg). Listen carefully β the instructions cover how the exam works on the computer, time limits, and what to do if you have a technical issue.
Exam Secrecy and Fraud
All exam content is strictly confidential. Before you begin, you must sign a geheimhoudingsverklaring (secrecy declaration) promising not to share anything about the exam β not the questions, not the answers, not even the general topics. This applies after the exam too: you cannot tell others what was on the test.
The following actions are considered examenfraude (exam fraud):
- Taking photos, screenshots, or any recordings of the exam screen or materials.
- Copying or writing down exam questions.
- Sharing exam content with others, in person or online.
- Using unauthorized aids β phones, earpieces, electronic devices, notes hidden in a dictionary, cheat sheets.
- Having someone else take the exam in your place.
The consequences of fraud are severe. DUO will declare your exam ongeldig (invalid), which means you have to register and pay again. You will also be banned from taking any exam for 3 months. In serious cases, DUO can file a police report. Don't risk it β the exams are very much doable with honest preparation.
Official DUO Exam Locations (2026)
All inburgeringsexamens (A2) and Staatsexamens NT2 (B1/B2) are held at DUO test centers in six cities across the Netherlands. The A2 and B1/B2 exams are held at the same addresses, with one exception in Zwolle. Locations are open Monday through Friday, from 9:00 to 16:30. You can choose your preferred location when you register.
Parking is very limited at all locations and DUO does not have its own parking spaces. Public transport is the recommended option.
Exam Durations by Level
Each exam component has a fixed duration. Before every component, you get approximately 15 minutes of explanation (uitleg) on how the exam works β this is not counted as exam time. Here's an overview of the actual exam times:
Note that the A2 Schrijfvaardigheid exam is done on paper, while all B1/B2 exams (including Schrijven) are done on a computer. For a full breakdown of every exam component, see our complete inburgering exam guide.
Special Circumstances: Illness, Disabilities, or Complaints
If you are sick on exam day or have experienced the death of a close family member, you can request a replacement exam. Contact DUO as soon as possible β for B1/B2 exams, email nt2@duo.nl. You must submit supporting documents (a doctor's note or death certificate) within 10 days after the exam date. Only then may you receive a free replacement sitting.
Candidates with a disability or personal circumstances β such as visual impairments, dyslexia, or psychological conditions β can request an aangepast examen (adapted exam). You might get extra time or a large-print version. Indicate "personal circumstances" when you register, and DUO will contact you. You'll need a statement from a medical specialist. Note that not all locations offer adapted exams, so you may be assigned to a different city or date. All locations are wheelchair-accessible by default.
If something goes wrong during the exam itself β a technical problem, a disturbance, or unfair treatment β report it immediately to the examenleider (exam supervisor) on site. If your complaint is not resolved, you can send a written klacht (complaint) within 3 weeks after the exam. For A2 exams, send it to DUO's Servicecentrum Inburgering at KlachtenRNE@duo.nl. For B1/B2 exams, email nt2@duo.nl addressed to the College voor Toetsen en Examens (CvTE).
Quick Checklist: The Night Before Your Exam
Use this checklist the evening before your exam to make sure everything is ready:
- β Valid ID β check the expiry date.
- β Oproepbrief β confirm the date, time, and address.
- β Van Dale NT2 dictionary β if taking B1/B2 Lezen or Schrijven. Make sure there are no notes or stickers inside.
- β Travel plan β route to the exam center, aiming to arrive 30+ minutes early.
- β Snacks and a water bottle β for B1/B2 exams. Bottle must have a cap.
- β Your own cup β if you want free coffee/tea in the waiting room (B1/B2).
How to Prepare: Next Steps
Knowing the rules is half the battle β the other half is being well-prepared for the content of the exam itself. Here are some practical next steps:
- Take free practice exams: DUO offers official practice exams for both A2 and B1/B2 levels. These are the best way to experience the real format. See our overview of free practice tests.
- Understand the full exam format: Read our guides on the Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking exams so you know exactly what to expect.
- Register via DUO: For A2 exams, register through Mijn Inburgering. For B1/B2, register through Mijn DUO. Both require a DigiD.
- Understand costs and payment: Each language exam costs β¬50 (both A2 and B1/B2). A complete Staatsexamen NT2 costs β¬200. If you're inburgeringsplichtig, you may be able to use your DUO loan. See our costs and fees guide.
Official Sources
This article is based on the following official sources. Rules may change β always check the latest version before your exam day:
- Inburgeren.nl β Regels voor het examen (A2 exam rules and examenreglement)
- Staatsexamens NT2 β Wat moet ik meenemen? (B1/B2 what to bring)
- DUO β Staatsexamen NT2 waar en wanneer (B1/B2 exam locations and schedule)
- Inburgeren.nl β Locaties examen (A2 exam locations)
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