Inburgering diploma, NT2 certificates, and digital extracts: what to use

DUO (External site, opens in a new tab) (Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs, the Dutch education service) provides the diplomas below. Your gemeente provides the Z-route certificate. Choose the document for your situation.

Under Wet inburgering 2021, the diploma shows whether you took the language exams at A2, B1 or B2. Under Wet inburgering 2013, the diploma is always at A2 level. It does not show the level of the exams you took. An inburgeringsdiploma proves that you completed the integration requirements that applied to you.

If you need help identifying your exam route, use the inburgeringsexamen (civic integration exam) guide. If you still have A2 exams to take, use the A2 exam registration guide.

An uittreksel is an official PDF from DUO's diploma register. It proves your diploma or certificate details and is free to download. The extract looks different from your original diploma. DUO confirms that it is valid proof of your results.

The PDF contains an authenticity marker. The organisation receiving it can use DUO's digital diploma check (External site, opens in a new tab) to check that the file is genuine. Send the original PDF unchanged when the organisation accepts digital proof.

You can start in Mijn Inburgering (External site, opens in a new tab) or go directly to Mijn diploma's. Follow these steps:

1. Log in to Mijn diploma's (External site, opens in a new tab) with DigiD (Dutch digital identity).
2. Choose Mijn Studies en diploma's (My studies and diplomas).
3. Find your inburgeringsdiploma, NT2 diploma or NT2 certificate.
4. Download the free PDF extract.
5. Save the original file in a folder you can find again.

Only you can log in to Mijn diploma's. Your employer, school or gemeente cannot log in for you.

If the download fails, DUO recommends these checks (External site, opens in a new tab):

• Check your Documents, Downloads or Files folder for the PDF.
• Try Firefox or Google Chrome.
• Switch off plug-ins that may block the download, such as an ad blocker.
• Try another computer or phone.

If the download still fails, email diplomadiensten@duo.nl. Include all of these details: your name, device, browser, any error message, and the date and time of your download attempt.

A new diploma can take 2 to 8 weeks to appear in Mijn diploma's, depending on the education type. DUO's register (External site, opens in a new tab) includes inburgeringsdiplomas from 2007. NT2 diplomas and certificates obtained after 1 January 2011 are included too.

A digital inburgeringsdiploma has the same value as a certified copy. Use the PDF digitally: DUO says a print is invalid. Ask the organisation whether it accepts the PDF before requesting paper proof.

DUO gives these paper and replacement options (External site, opens in a new tab).

For a missing certificate or another lost or damaged document, use the matching option:

• Lost Z-route certificate: ask your gemeente for a new copy.
• Other lost or damaged diploma, certificate or grade list: use DUO's diplomahulp (External site, opens in a new tab) (diploma help) to check which replacement you can request or download.

For example, if an employer accepts your digital inburgeringsdiploma, download it again for free. You only need the €72 replacement if you want another paper diploma.

An NT2 certificate proves that you passed one part. An NT2 diploma proves your Dutch level for work, study or integration. Staatsexamen NT2 is the Dutch state language exam for adults who learned Dutch as a second language. Programma I is comparable to B1. It is intended for work or study at mbo (secondary vocational education) levels 3 or 4. Programma II is comparable to B2. It is intended for work or study at hbo (higher professional education) or university level. The official NT2 diploma page explains these uses (External site, opens in a new tab).

If you pass one part, such as Lezen (reading) or Spreken (speaking), you can request a certificate from DUO. You can also download a free certificate extract in Mijn diploma's. NT2 certificates and diplomas remain valid indefinitely (External site, opens in a new tab).

Passing all four parts of Programma I gives a Programma I diploma. Passing all four parts of Programma II gives a Programma II diploma. If you pass the four parts with a mix of Programma I and II certificates, you receive a Programma I diploma. The 2026 exam rules confirm this (External site, opens in a new tab).

For example, passing Lezen at B1 and the other three parts at B2 gives a Programma I diploma. For levels and registration, use the Staatsexamen NT2 guide.

DUO sends your NT2 diploma automatically by registered post within 4 weeks (External site, opens in a new tab) if you passed your last part after 1 January 2021. If you passed all four parts before 1 January 2021 and want to exchange your certificates for a diploma, email nt2@duo.nl.

An NT2 diploma can also support a naturalisation application. Schools and universities set their own admission requirements. Employers also consider your work experience, professional knowledge and other diplomas. Ask the school or employer which proof it needs.

An inburgeringsdiploma can meet the integration requirement for a more secure residence permit or naturalisation. IND (External site, opens in a new tab) (Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst, the Immigration and Naturalisation Service) decides whether you meet the requirements for your application.

For a more secure residence permit, IND lists the inburgeringscertificaat under Wet inburgering 2021 as possible evidence for an exemption.

Completing the Z-route alone is insufficient for naturalisation. If you apply for dispensation on that basis, IND also requires advice from DUO (External site, opens in a new tab).

For naturalisation, your gemeente checks your documents and sends your application to IND. The application also has conditions about your identity, residence history and current residence status. Check the official naturalisation application requirements (External site, opens in a new tab) before your appointment.

For a residence application by post, follow the form instructions and send the requested copies or certified copies. Keep your original paper documents. At an IND desk, show the originals.

Check the requested document and format before you send proof:

• Send the original PDF for digital proof. A print, scan or edited file cannot serve as the original digital document.
• Use the Z-route certificate for the route you completed. Check the separate residence or naturalisation rules before using it for an application.
• If the organisation asks for a full NT2 diploma, send proof of the diploma rather than one passed part.
• Check Mijn diploma's before your IND or gemeente appointment. Allow for the time it takes a new diploma to appear.
• Ask the school or employer whether it needs extra documents alongside your language diploma.

If the organisation accepts digital proof, download the free PDF and send the original file unchanged. If it asks for paper proof, check whether it needs an original or a certified copy before ordering. If you completed the Z-route, get the certificate from your gemeente. For NT2, use the certificate for one part or the diploma for all four.

Keep the original PDF saved. Avoid editing, compressing, scanning or printing it for digital use. If your document is missing after the stated waiting period, contact DUO for a diploma or your gemeente for a Z-route certificate. Check before your appointment so you have time to request help.

• Integration proof for naturalisation
• Integration proof for permanent residence
• After passing the inburgeringsexamen checklist