Your official documents show which exams you need
A1 is the exam abroad before some residence applications. In the Netherlands, your required language level may be A2, B1 or B2. Check Mijn Inburgering (your online integration account) for your required exams. Under Wet inburgering 2021 (Civic Integration Act 2021), your gemeente (municipality) also records your required exams and modules in a personal integration plan.
Which rules apply to you?
DUO (External site, opens in a new tab) (Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs, the Dutch education service) tells you if you are inburgeringsplichtig (required to integrate). Your letter and Mijn Inburgering show which law applies. Two people from the same country can have different obligations.
Under Wet inburgering 2021, your gemeente makes a PIP (persoonlijk plan inburgering en participatie, personal integration and participation plan) with you. The plan lists your route and exams. If this FAQ differs from your documents, ask DUO or your gemeente to clarify before booking.
If you are required to integrate, DUO gives you 3 years to finish (External site, opens in a new tab). Your letter and Mijn Inburgering show your own dates.
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| Your situation | What you may need | Where to check |
|---|---|---|
| You are abroad and need a machtiging tot voorlopig verblijf (MVV, provisional residence permit) to join a partner or work as a religious minister | The basisexamen inburgering buitenland (basic civic integration exam abroad) at A1, unless an exemption applies. | IND (Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst, Immigration and Naturalisation Service) and Naar Nederland (official exam-abroad website) |
| You must integrate under Wet inburgering 2013 (Civic Integration Act 2013) | Language exams at A2 or higher, plus the society and participation parts in your account. | Mijn Inburgering |
| You must integrate under Wet inburgering 2021 | The B1-route (B1 learning route), onderwijsroute (education route) or Z-route (self-reliance route), each with different requirements. | Your gemeente, PIP and Mijn Inburgering |
| You have no integration obligation but want naturalisation or a stronger residence permit | An inburgeringsdiploma (civic integration diploma) or other proof or exemption accepted for your application. | IND and DUO |
IND’s exam-abroad rules (External site, opens in a new tab) explain who needs A1 and which exemptions apply. For the residence application itself, see our family reunification and MVV guide.
For voluntary integration, check IND’s naturalisation requirements (External site, opens in a new tab) or integration requirements for a stronger residence permit (External site, opens in a new tab). These application requirements are separate from a DUO integration obligation.
Which society and participation parts do you need?
Your law, start date and exemptions determine which of these parts you need. DUO’s exam overview (External site, opens in a new tab) lists the requirements.
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| Part | What it covers | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Kennis van de Nederlandse Maatschappij (KNM) (knowledge of Dutch society) | How people live and work in the Netherlands | Your account shows whether you need it. |
| Oriëntatie op de Nederlandse Arbeidsmarkt (ONA) (orientation on the Dutch labour market) | Finding and keeping work | Wet inburgering 2013 if your obligation started on or after 1 January 2015. Also voluntary integration, unless you have an exemption. |
| Module Arbeidsmarkt en Participatie (MAP) (labour market and participation module) | Work and participation | Wet inburgering 2021. Your PIP shows whether you need it. |
| Participatieverklaringstraject (PVT) (participation declaration process) | Dutch core values and participation | Wet inburgering 2021. Under Wet inburgering 2013, two conditions apply: an obligation start date on or after 1 October 2017 and registration with your gemeente. |
You have 1 year from municipal registration to finish PVT if you integrate under Wet inburgering 2013. Extra time may be possible. You have 3 years to finish PVT if you integrate under Wet inburgering 2021. Check DUO’s PVT rules (External site, opens in a new tab) and your own deadline.
What do A1, A2, B1 and B2 mean?
A1 is the lowest language level in this table; B2 is the highest. Your official route sets the level you need.
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| Exam | Level | Used for | What it tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basisexamen inburgering buitenland | A1 | Before some MVV applications | Basic Dutch reading, speaking and Kennis van de Nederlandse Samenleving (KNS, knowledge of Dutch society) |
| Inburgeringsexamen (civic integration exam) | A2 | Wet inburgering 2013 and voluntary integration | Everyday Dutch reading, listening, writing and speaking, plus KNM |
| Staatsexamen Nederlands als tweede taal (NT2, Dutch as a second language state exam), Programma I (Programme I) | B1 | B1-route; work or study at mbo (secondary vocational education) level | Dutch reading, listening, writing and speaking for work and study |
| Staatsexamen NT2, Programma II (Programme II) | B2 | Work or study at hbo (higher professional education) or university level | More advanced Dutch reading, listening, writing and speaking |
Naar Nederland’s exam content (External site, opens in a new tab) explains the A1 parts. DUO’s NT2 overview (External site, opens in a new tab) explains Programma I and II. For the level descriptions, see Dutch language levels A1 to B2.
In the B1-route, you may switch to A2 if B1 exams are too difficult after at least 600 hours of language lessons. The lessons must be at a school with the Blik op Werk keurmerk (quality mark). DUO says your gemeente checks this (External site, opens in a new tab). Confirm the decision in your PIP before booking an A2 exam.
What does each exam cost?
The totals cover 3 parts for A1, 5 for A2 language exams plus KNM, and 4 for NT2. Compare totals only after checking which parts you need. See DUO’s integration fees (External site, opens in a new tab), Naar Nederland’s A1 fee (External site, opens in a new tab) and NT2 fees (External site, opens in a new tab).
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| Part | Fee in 2026 | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| A1 exam abroad | €150 for all 3 parts | If you fail a part, register and pay again for that part only. |
| A2 language exams and KNM | €50 per part; €250 for all 5 | Four language exams plus KNM. Free attempts may apply; see below. |
| ONA | €40 | Wet inburgering 2013 or voluntary integration. |
| MAP | Free | Arranged with your gemeente under Wet inburgering 2021 when required. |
| PVT | Free under Wet inburgering 2021 | Under Wet inburgering 2013: free for asylum residence permit holders; €150 for other migrants. |
| Staatsexamen NT2 | €50 per part; €200 for all 4 | Both Programma I and Programma II. |
Your first 2 attempts at each exam are free if you hold an asylum residence permit and integrate under Wet inburgering 2021. The exam level must be at least the level in your PIP. DUO charges for further attempts (External site, opens in a new tab).
For example, if you pay for four A2 language exams and KNM, the total is 5 × €50 = €250 in 2026. If you also need ONA, add €40: €290. PVT, resits and course fees are separate. See integration costs, loans and fees for funding questions.
Where do you register?
Use the registration route for the exam you need. MAP and PVT are arranged through your gemeente.
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| Exam or module | Where to arrange it | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| A1 basisexamen abroad | Naar Nederland, then the embassy or consulate | Pay after registering. Wait for confirmation before making the appointment. |
| A2, KNM or ONA | Mijn Inburgering with DigiD (digital identity for government services) | DUO provides paper forms if you cannot log in. The ONA postal route has a separate condition below. |
| MAP or PVT | Your gemeente | Your gemeente reports completion to DUO. |
| Staatsexamen NT2 | Mijn DUO (DUO’s state-exam account) with DigiD | Registration opens about 8 weeks before the exam. Check the timetable for the opening date. |
For A1, follow Naar Nederland’s registration instructions (External site, opens in a new tab) in this order:
- Register for the required parts.
- Pay for those parts.
- Wait for the confirmation.
- Make an appointment with the embassy or consulate.
See our A1 exam-abroad registration guide for the registration steps and appointment documents.
For A2, KNM and ONA, use DUO’s registration page (External site, opens in a new tab). A2 booking can involve a wait of more than 6 weeks, so allow time before your deadline. Our A2 registration in Mijn Inburgering guide explains the steps. If you need DigiD first, see Get and use DigiD.
For ONA, you submit a portfolio (your completed assignments and evidence) and then complete an eindgesprek (final interview) or a 64-hour ONA course. If you post your portfolio, you must finish with the interview. The 64-hour course route requires an online portfolio. See DUO’s ONA instructions (External site, opens in a new tab).
For NT2, start with the official NT2 registration page (External site, opens in a new tab). DUO’s NT2 booking page (External site, opens in a new tab) also gives a registration route for people who cannot apply for DigiD. See our NT2 registration with DUO guide for the steps.
NT2 exams take place in Amsterdam, Eindhoven, Rijswijk, Rotterdam, Utrecht and Zwolle.
What should you know before and after an exam?
Does A1 abroad finish my integration?
The A1 exam abroad meets the exam condition for the MVV application. After you receive your MVV and residence permit and live in the Netherlands, IND says you must continue integration (External site, opens in a new tab). Your DUO letter and gemeente tell you what to do next.
Can NT2 replace the A2 exams?
For a DUO integration obligation, NT2 can meet the language requirement. Check Mijn Inburgering for the other parts you need. Under Wet inburgering 2021, also check your PIP.
For naturalisation, IND lists a full NT2 diploma from Programma I or II as an exemption (External site, opens in a new tab). Ask your gemeente which proof to bring for your application.
What if I fail one part?
For A1 abroad, register and pay again for the failed part. Passed parts stay valid until you pass the whole exam. Then apply for the MVV within 1 year (External site, opens in a new tab). If you wait longer, you must pass the whole exam again.
For A2, check Mijn Inburgering for the part you still need and book it through DUO (External site, opens in a new tab). For NT2, register again for the failed component (External site, opens in a new tab). Keep your integration deadline in mind when choosing a new date.
Can I take the exams in my own language?
KNS questions and answers are in Dutch, as Naar Nederland’s manual (PDF, 882 KB) (External site, opens in a new tab) explains. KNM questions use Dutch at A2 level under the official KNM exam rules (External site, opens in a new tab).
The language exams test your Dutch at the required level. A1 tests reading and speaking; A2 and NT2 test reading, listening, writing and speaking. DUO explains the language exams (External site, opens in a new tab).
Naar Nederland’s official exam-abroad brochures (External site, opens in a new tab) and study materials (External site, opens in a new tab) are available in several languages.
Where can I practise?
Start with official DUO practice for A2, B1 and B2 (External site, opens in a new tab), or Naar Nederland’s A1 study materials (External site, opens in a new tab) if you are abroad. For A2, see our guide to official practice exams. For B1 or B2, see the Staatsexamen NT2 guide and practise each part separately.
For extra free practice, use Inburgering.org’s mock exam selector or the free KNM summary. These are our study materials, separate from the official exams.
What should you check before booking?
If you are abroad, check the A1 requirement and exemptions before your MVV application. After passing all A1 parts, apply for the MVV within 1 year. If you live in the Netherlands, read your newest DUO letter and check Mijn Inburgering. Under Wet inburgering 2021, also check your PIP.
Check which parts remain and when each is due. DUO gives a general integration term of 3 years (External site, opens in a new tab); your official account and letters show your own dates. Under Wet inburgering 2013, PVT has a separate 1-year term. A2 booking can involve a wait of more than 6 weeks (External site, opens in a new tab), so allow time before your deadline.
If the required level or an exemption is unclear, ask DUO or your gemeente before paying. Choose the exam listed in your documents. Paying for a lower-level language exam does not change the level you must complete.
Choose one of these guides for your next step:
Official Sources
- Inburgeren.nl (DUO's civic integration website): U gaat inburgeren (External site, opens in a new tab) - DUO overview of the first steps, three-year term, Wet 2021 routes, DUO letters and voluntary integration.
- Inburgeren.nl: Welke examens (External site, opens in a new tab) - Official DUO overview of which exams apply under Wet inburgering 2013 and Wet inburgering 2021.
- Inburgeren.nl: Aanmelden examen (External site, opens in a new tab) - DUO guidance on registering for A2, KNM, ONA, MAP, PVT and B1/B2 exams.
- Inburgeren.nl: Kennisexamens (ONA) (External site, opens in a new tab) - DUO explanation of ONA, including the post route: a portfolio sent by post can only be finished with an eindgesprek, not the 64-hour ONA course.
- Inburgeren.nl: Hoeveel kost inburgeren? (External site, opens in a new tab) - Official DUO fee table for A2, KNM, ONA, MAP, PVT and free attempts.
- IND: Civic integration exam abroad (External site, opens in a new tab) - IND explanation of the A1 basisexamen abroad, MVV connection, exemptions and one-year validity after passing all parts.
- Naar Nederland: Registering for the exam (External site, opens in a new tab) - Official Naar Nederland registration flow and A1 exam fee.
- Staatsexamens NT2: Aanmelden bij DUO (External site, opens in a new tab) - Official Staatsexamen NT2 registration route, timing and exam cities.
- Staatsexamens NT2: Betalen bij DUO (External site, opens in a new tab) - Official Staatsexamen NT2 fee and payment information.
- IND: basisexamen inburgering in het buitenland (External site, opens in a new tab) - Dutch source of record for the exam-abroad requirement, exemptions, retakes, one-year MVV deadline and further integration after arrival.
- Naar Nederland: A1 registration (External site, opens in a new tab) - Dutch registration, payment, confirmation and embassy appointment sequence.
- Naar Nederland: A1 exam content and study materials (External site, opens in a new tab) - A1 reading and speaking, KNS, and study materials in several languages.
- DUO: how Staatsexamen NT2 works (External site, opens in a new tab) - Programma I at B1, Programma II at B2, intended work and education levels, and four language skills.
- DUO: Staatsexamen NT2 registration (External site, opens in a new tab) - Mijn DUO booking with DigiD and the route for applicants unable to apply for DigiD.
- DUO: Staatsexamen NT2 results (External site, opens in a new tab) - Retaking failed NT2 components through the standard registration process.
- IND: integration for naturalisation (External site, opens in a new tab) - Integration proof and exemptions for naturalisation, including a full NT2 diploma.
- IND: integration for a stronger residence permit (External site, opens in a new tab) - The application’s integration requirement and possible exemptions are separate from a DUO integration obligation.
- DUO: language exams (External site, opens in a new tab) - Dutch language assessment at A2, B1 and B2 and the four language skills.
- DUO: official practice exams (External site, opens in a new tab) - Official practice for the A2 language exams and KNM, and access to B1 and B2 practice.
- DUO: exams under Wet inburgering 2021 (External site, opens in a new tab) - Conditions for lowering B1 exams to A2, remaining integration duties after NT2, and municipal reporting of MAP completion.
- Naar Nederland: exam-abroad information and brochures (External site, opens in a new tab) - Official exam-abroad brochures are available in several languages.
- Naar Nederland: exam-abroad brochures (External site, opens in a new tab) - Official brochure page with information in several languages.
- Naar Nederland: English self-study manual (PDF, 882 KB) (External site, opens in a new tab) - Page 14 states that KNS questions and answers are in Dutch. Used here only for the exam language.
- Official KNM examination programme (External site, opens in a new tab) - The KNM rules effective from 1 July 2025 specify questions at A2 level of the Dutch as a second language framework.