Free Inburgering Exam Attempts Under Wet Inburgering 2021
Who gets two free exam attempts under Wi2021, which routes count, and when lower-level exams stop being free.
- Author
- By Inburgering.org team (Editorial team)
- Reviewer
- Reviewed by Kirill Svavolia (Editorial review)
- Last updated
As of May 2026, the free inburgering exam attempts rule mainly helps asylum-status holders under the Wet inburgering 2021. The basic rule is two free attempts for each relevant exam component, but only within the route and level in your PIP. Family migrants, other migrants, and most voluntary candidates usually pay themselves or use a DUO loan.
Who gets free inburgering exam attempts?
Under Wi2021, asylum-status holders can usually take the first two attempts of each required exam component for free. The exact components depend on the B1-route, onderwijsroute, or Z-route. If you take an exam below the level in your PIP, the free-attempt rule may not apply.
Key Points
- The rule is for asielstatushouders under Wi2021, not for everyone who takes an inburgering exam.
- The first two attempts can be free per exam component. Extra attempts are paid.
- The exam level must normally match your PIP level or be higher. A lower level may cost money.
- For B1/B2 language exams, Mijn DUO can show automatically whether you have a free attempt, a loan option, or an invoice.
- If you are not an asylum-status holder, check whether you must pay yourself or can use a DUO loan.
Who the Rule Covers
Start with your PIP, because that plan records your route, level, and sometimes whether a Z-route candidate may take exams. The table below is a practical reading of DUO and the Wi2021 rules, not a replacement for your personal DUO or gemeente letter.
| Situation | Free attempts | Check before booking |
|---|---|---|
| Wi2021 B1-route asylum-status holder | Two free attempts per inburgeringsexamen component when the level is at least the level in the PIP. | PIP level, attempts already used, and registration screen. |
| Wi2021 onderwijsroute asylum-status holder | Two free attempts for KNM. NT2 attempts can also be free when the official taalschakeltraject conditions apply. | PIP, school or taalschakeltraject, gemeente, and Mijn DUO. |
| Wi2021 Z-route asylum-status holder | Two free A2 language attempts and KNM can apply if the municipality records that you can take these exams. | Ask the gemeente before booking. |
| Family migrant, other migrant, Wi2013, or voluntary candidate | The Wi2021 asylum-status-holder free-attempt rule usually does not apply. | Loan, invoice, or self-payment options. |
Important Limits
- Free attempts are counted per exam component, not as unlimited free repeats.
- More than two attempts normally means you pay for the extra attempt yourself.
- DUO says a lower level than your PIP level is not free. A higher level is allowed.
- If you pass an exam the first time, DUO says you may still take that exam once more at a higher level.
- Wi2021 asylum-status holders normally cannot use a DUO loan for extra attempts.
How Booking and Payment Work
For A2 language exams and KNM, use Mijn Inburgering. For B1 or B2 language exams, register through Mijn DUO; DUO says the payment screen shows automatically whether you have a free attempt, can pay from a loan, or must choose an invoice. For the broader money picture, use the costs, loans, and fees guide, the DUO loan guide, and the exam registration guide.
What to Check Before You Book
- Which law applies to you: Wi2021 or Wi2013.
- Whether DUO or the gemeente records you as an asielstatushouder.
- Your route and level in the PIP.
- How many attempts you have already used for this exact exam component.
- Whether the exam is below, equal to, or above the level in your PIP.
Official Sources
Official source checked: May 2026.
- DUO Inburgeren - Hoeveel kost inburgeren? - DUO guidance on course payment, exam fees, free attempts for asylum-status holders, and PVT/MAP costs.
- DUO Inburgeren - Lenen bij DUO - DUO explanation that Wi2021 asylum-status holders cannot borrow because the municipality pays the course and 2 exam attempts.
- DUO Inburgeren - Examen betalen met lening - payment guidance for A2/knowledge exams and B1/B2 language exams, including automatic free-attempt checks in Mijn DUO.
- Regeling inburgering 2021 - Article 3.5 sets the free inburgering exam attempts by route.
- Besluit inburgering 2021 - Article 3.7 gives the exam-fee basis and allows rules for free attempts.
- Staatsexamenbesluit Nederlands als tweede taal - NT2 exam-fee rule for candidates taking Staatsexamen NT2 as part of a taalschakeltraject.
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