Inburgeringsexamen 2025: Full Guide to Content, Costs & Passing Scores

The inburgeringsexamen is your gateway to permanent life in the Netherlands. Whether you're planning to work, study, or simply build a future here, this exam proves you can communicate effectively and understand Dutch society. While the process might seem overwhelming at first, thousands of people pass these tests every year—and with the right preparation, you can join them.

What Makes This Exam Different

Unlike traditional paper-based tests, the inburgeringsexamen takes place entirely on computers at official DUO testing centers. This digital format allows for interactive speaking exercises, multimedia listening tasks, and immediate feedback on some components. The exam consists of six distinct parts, each testing different skills you'll need in daily Dutch life. Most importantly, you don't need to take all components on the same day—you can spread them out over several months if that works better for your schedule and preparation timeline.

Understanding the Components

The language components—Speaking, Listening, Reading, and Writing—test your Dutch skills at either A2 or B1 level, depending on your integration route. The Knowledge of Dutch Society (KNM) section covers everything from government structure to cultural norms, while the final component focuses on work and participation in Dutch society. Each part uses real-life scenarios you'll actually encounter, from job interviews to medical appointments to parent-teacher conferences.

The Reality of Exam Costs

Let's be honest about the financial aspect: exam fees add up quickly. Each component costs €50, with the ONA module slightly less at €40. This means a complete exam run costs €290 for most people. However, if you have asylum status, your first two attempts at each component are free—a significant saving that can total over €500. For everyone else, these costs are often covered by DUO loans or municipal funding, so don't let the price tag discourage you from starting your preparation.

Tip: Practice extensively with our 16,400 interactive exercises before booking your first attempt. The cost of retaking failed components quickly exceeds the price of thorough preparation.

Scoring and What 'Passing' Really Means

The scoring system uses a scale from 1 to 10, with 6 as the minimum passing score for each component. This grading system evaluates your performance against established language proficiency standards rather than comparing you to other test-takers. You don't need perfect answers to pass; the system recognizes that language learning is a gradual process. Many successful candidates score between 6-7 points, proving that solid preparation and consistent practice matter more than perfection.

Booking Your Exam Strategically

Registration opens approximately eight weeks before each exam date through the Mijn Inburgering portal. Popular cities like Amsterdam and Rotterdam fill up quickly, especially for weekend slots. Consider booking in smaller cities like Zwolle or Eindhoven if you have transportation flexibility—you'll often find more available dates and a less stressful testing environment. Remember that you can reschedule up to two weeks before your exam date without penalty, giving you flexibility if your preparation timeline changes.

Summary / Key Points

Official Source

DUO – Exam Information

How-to / Next Steps

Source: DUO, StaatsexamensNt2.nl (2025 figures)