Inburgeringsexamen: A1, A2, B1 Levels, Exams, and Costs Explained
Plain-language guide to the Dutch inburgeringsexamen: who needs it, the A1, A2 and B1 exams, KNM, MAP, costs, registration, and what to do next.
- Author
- By Inburgering.org team (Editorial team)
- Reviewer
- Reviewed by Kirill Svavolia (Editorial review)
- Last updated
The inburgeringsexamen (civic integration exam) is the Dutch test most non-EU newcomers must pass to live in the Netherlands long-term. Which exam you take depends on your situation. If you are joining a partner from abroad, you take the A1 basisexamen inburgering buitenland at a Dutch embassy before you get your visa. Once you are living in the Netherlands, your gemeente (municipality) decides your level — usually B1 under the Wet inburgering 2021, or A2 if B1 turns out to be too hard. This guide explains each level in plain English, with current costs, where you register, deadlines, and what to do next.
Direct Answer: What Is the Inburgeringsexamen?
The inburgeringsexamen is a set of Dutch language and society exams. Under the Wet inburgering 2021 you usually need four language exams (speaking, listening, reading, writing) plus the KNM exam about Dutch society. The level (A2 or B1) is set in your Persoonlijk plan inburgering en participatie (PIP). You have 3 years to finish. Before moving to the Netherlands, family migrants take a smaller A1 exam abroad (speaking, reading, KNS).
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