A1 abroad; A2 or B1 in the Netherlands
The separate three-part A1 exam abroad applies when your residence application requires it. In the Netherlands, pre-2022 duties usually require A2; later duties follow your route, normally B1 in the B1-route. These domestic exam routes test four language skills plus society knowledge. Paid language exams cost €50 each in 2026. For domestic duties, DUO (Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs, the Dutch education service) (External site, opens in a new tab) normally gives you 3 years; its letter states your tasks and deadline.
If you need an integration exam, find the level and parts for your file before you book in the Netherlands or abroad.
What can you find on this page?
Choose your question below. The rows run from law and route to exam parts, booking and fees, then deadlines and preparation.
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| Your question | Sections |
|---|---|
| Your law and route | The 2013 or 2021 law; Your language level; Learning routes; Pre-2022 exams and tasks |
| Your exam parts | Exam abroad at A1; Exam at A2; State exam at B1; Society-knowledge exams |
| Your booking and fees | Exam costs; Exam booking; Fewer or no exams |
| Your deadline and preparation | Deadlines and fines; Exam day; Your exam choice and study routine |
Does the 2013 or 2021 law apply to you?
Wet inburgering 2013 (Civic Integration Act 2013, Wi2013) generally applies if your duty started before 1 January 2022. Wet inburgering 2021 (Civic Integration Act 2021, Wi2021) applies from that date. Rijksoverheid (the Dutch government) (External site, opens in a new tab) confirms the change.
Under Wi2021, your gemeente (municipality) holds a brede intake (initial assessment). It includes the Leerbaarheidstoets (learning-ability test). The gemeente makes your persoonlijk plan inburgering en participatie (PIP, personal integration and participation plan) together with you. It records your route, exams and level in the plan. DUO then sends a letter with your starting date. DUO explains the intake, plan and three-year term (External site, opens in a new tab).
The inburgeringsplicht (duty to integrate) depends on your nationality, residence purpose, age and exemptions. A qualifying non-temporary residence purpose can bring you within the duty. The legal age range starts at 16 and ends at the AOW (Dutch state pension) age. Most people under 18 are exempt because they must still attend school or gain a school qualification. The ordinary duty therefore usually starts at 18. Articles 3 and 4 of the published Wet inburgering 2021 (External site, opens in a new tab) set the age and education rules.
You can ask DUO to start early (External site, opens in a new tab) if you are an eligible 16- or 17-year-old. You must be exempt from the education duties described above. The three-year term and applicable fine rules then apply. For more on who has the duty, see Who must integrate in the Netherlands?. For the meaning of the process, see What is inburgering (civic integration)?.
Which exam rules fit your file?
Your law and route set your language level. The table below combines DUO’s exam requirements (External site, opens in a new tab) with its learning-route overview (External site, opens in a new tab).
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| Your file | Language level | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Wi2013 | A2 or higher | Required exams in Mijn Inburgering |
| Wi2021: B1-route | B1; A2 for approved parts | Level for each part in your PIP |
| Wi2021: onderwijsroute (education route) | B1 or B2 | Language-transition course and exams in your PIP |
| Wi2021: Z-route (self-reliance route) | A1 learning goal; A2 exams optional | Required lesson hours and other tasks in your PIP |
Use the rules below to plan your booking; fees cover one paid attempt at every listed part. See Naar Nederland (To the Netherlands, the official exam-abroad website): A1 fees (External site, opens in a new tab), DUO’s integration exam fees (External site, opens in a new tab), DUO’s NT2 (Dutch as a second language state exam) fees (External site, opens in a new tab) and DUO’s fine rules (External site, opens in a new tab).
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| Exam or task | Main rules to check |
|---|---|
| A1 abroad | Speaking, reading and Kennis van de Nederlandse Samenleving (KNS, knowledge of Dutch society) at a Dutch embassy, consulate or another listed location. €50 per part; €150 total. Submit your machtiging tot voorlopig verblijf (MVV, provisional residence permit) application within 1 year after passing all three. |
| A2 in the Netherlands | Four language exams plus Kennis van de Nederlandse Maatschappij (KNM, knowledge of Dutch society): €250 total. If your Wi2013 file also requires Oriëntatie op de Nederlandse Arbeidsmarkt (ONA, orientation on the Dutch labour market), the total is €290. |
| B1 state exam | Staatsexamen Nederlands als tweede taal, Programma I (Programme I): four computer-based language parts, €200 total. Each part requires a converted score of at least 500 (External site, opens in a new tab). KNM is separate. |
| Your Wi2021 file | The gemeente decides your route and makes your PIP with you. The normal term is 3 years. Asylum-status holders get 2 free attempts per exam at their PIP level or higher. |
| Booking | A2 and KNM: Mijn Inburgering. NT2: Mijn DUO (My DUO). |
| Exam cities | Amsterdam, Eindhoven, Rijswijk, Rotterdam, Utrecht and Zwolle. |
| Exam day | Bring a valid identity document and your invitation. The specified dictionary is allowed only for NT2 reading and writing. |
| Late-completion fines | When the fine rules apply: up to €1,000 under Wi2021 or €1,250 under Wi2013. Asylum-status holders receive no late-completion fines. |
What does each learning route require?
Under Wi2021, the gemeente decides your route after the intake. It makes your PIP together with you and records your route, exams and level in it. Alongside language learning, your route may include Kennis van de Nederlandse Maatschappij, Module Arbeidsmarkt en Participatie (MAP, labour market and participation module) and participatieverklaringstraject (PVT, participation declaration process).
Find your PIP route below: the B1-route and onderwijsroute appear before the Z-route. The DUO route overview (External site, opens in a new tab) gives the exam requirements. Article 3.14 of the published Besluit inburgering 2021 (Civic Integration Decree 2021) (External site, opens in a new tab) sets the Z-route hours below.
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| Route | Who it is for | Language exams | Other tasks |
|---|---|---|---|
| B1-route | Adults who can reach B1 | Staatsexamen Nederlands als tweede taal, Programma I at B1; approved parts may be lowered to A2 | KNM, MAP and PVT |
| Onderwijsroute | Mainly younger people preparing for vocational or higher education | B1 or B2 through a taalschakeltraject (language-transition course); A2 requires a change to the B1-route | KNM and PVT |
| Z-route | People for whom B1 or the education route is not achievable | A1 learning goal; A2 exams optional | At least 800 language and KNM lesson hours; asylum migrants also have at least 800 participation hours; MAP, PVT and a final conversation with the gemeente |
Which exams and other tasks apply under Wi2013?
Under Wi2013, you take reading, listening, writing and speaking at A2 or higher, plus KNM. Oriëntatie op de Nederlandse Arbeidsmarkt applies if your duty started on or after 1 January 2015. You are exempt from ONA if you have a Dutch-language entreeopleiding (entry-level vocational course) diploma at mbo (secondary vocational education) level 1, or another ONA exemption.
PVT also applies if your duty started on or after 1 October 2017 and you are registered with a gemeente. DUO lists the ONA and PVT conditions (External site, opens in a new tab).
What is the A1 exam abroad?
The basisexamen inburgering in het buitenland (basic civic integration exam abroad) is a separate three-part exam at A1. IND (Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst, Immigration and Naturalisation Service) (External site, opens in a new tab) requires it for many people seeking a machtiging tot voorlopig verblijf to join a partner or work as a spiritual counsellor. Exemptions can apply.
You take the exam at a Dutch embassy, consulate or another official listed location. Pass all three parts before submitting your MVV application. For the residence application after the exam, see our MVV family reunification guide.
The three computer-based parts take 30 to 35 minutes each. You do not write by hand. You can take them together in about two hours, including instructions and breaks, or separately. See Naar Nederland (External site, opens in a new tab).
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| Part | Format | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Spreken (speaking) | Answer 10 questions and complete 12 sentences aloud | 30 min |
| Lezen (reading) | Read short texts and answer multiple-choice questions; try our A1 reading: 19 practice questions | 35 min |
| Kennis van de Nederlandse Samenleving | 30 questions with photos and spoken questions; choose from 2 answers | 30 min |
Naar Nederland offers a free self-study package in 33 languages (External site, opens in a new tab). Our official A1 basisexamen practice exams guide links to the correct official mock for speaking, reading and KNS. A1 has no separate writing or listening exam.
When can you take A2, and what does the exam include?
A2 is the standard language-exam level for Wi2013. A2 can replace B1 for one or more parts under Wi2021 only within the B1-route. The gemeente must decide that you cannot reach B1 within your term despite sufficient effort.
You must have followed at least 600 NT2 course hours at a provider with the required keurmerk (integration quality mark) or an institution recognised to award diplomas for a taalschakeltraject. You must also show that you made sufficient effort during those lessons. The gemeente records approved A2 parts in your PIP. These conditions come from article 17 of the published law (External site, opens in a new tab) and article 5.5 of the published decree (External site, opens in a new tab). Within the onderwijsroute, you need a route change before A2 downscaling is possible.
The times below exclude the 15-minute instructions before each exam; the DUO language-exam overview (External site, opens in a new tab) and exam regulations (PDF, 105 KB) (External site, opens in a new tab) give these formats and times. DUO’s third writing practice exam (PDF, about 228 KB) (External site, opens in a new tab) shows example forms, short notes and texts. The published A2 medical protocol (External site, opens in a new tab) describes the microphone and multiple-choice formats.
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| Part | Format | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Spreken | Computer; watch videos and give spoken answers into a microphone | 35 min |
| Schrijven (writing) | Pen and paper; 4 tasks, such as filling in a form or writing a short note, letter or text | 40 min |
| Lezen | Computer; read texts and answer multiple-choice questions | 65 min |
| Luisteren (listening) | Computer; answer multiple-choice questions about videos and spoken texts | 45 min |
| KNM | Computer; questions about everyday life, work, healthcare and rights | 45 min |
Many Wi2013 files also require ONA. Under Wi2021, MAP replaces ONA in the B1-route and Z-route; the onderwijsroute has no MAP. The gemeente arranges MAP.
How is A2 marked, and when do you get your result?
The computer marks Lezen, Luisteren and KNM. People mark Schrijven; the computer and certified assessors both assess Spreken. The current DUO examination regulations (PDF, 105 KB) (External site, opens in a new tab) describe these marking rules.
The DUO results page (External site, opens in a new tab) gives a standard period of 8 weeks for A2 and knowledge exams. DUO sends results by letter and shows them in Mijn Inburgering.
A2 Spreken and Schrijven results can take up to 16 weeks after the exam. DUO’s 31 July 2026 delay notice (External site, opens in a new tab) says candidates who took an exam on the same day may receive results at different times.
What are the A2 fees and booking steps?
For a paid attempt, DUO charges €50 for each A2 language exam and KNM (External site, opens in a new tab). Check exam costs for free-attempt conditions and additional fees.
Check exemptions before booking. Book each required A2 or KNM exam separately. You can take them on different dates and in any order. Follow the booking instructions to choose a date in Mijn Inburgering.
Where can you practise A2?
Start practice with DUO’s official A2 practice exams (External site, opens in a new tab). Then use our free A2 study resources for extra practice. For a full overview, see the A2 inburgeringsexamen guide.
What does the B1 state exam include?
Staatsexamen NT2 Programma I tests B1 Dutch and is the standard exam for the B1-route. Programma II (Programme II) tests B2, for example for study or work requiring that level. The College voor Toetsen en Examens (CvTE, Board for Tests and Examinations) is responsible for exam content; DUO organises the exams.
The NT2 diploma has four language parts. Your integration file may require KNM separately: the Wi2021 B1-route and onderwijsroute require it, and many Wi2013 files do too. Check your PIP or Mijn Inburgering.
All four NT2 parts use a computer. Find your Programma I part below to check its format and time; the rows follow speaking, writing, reading and listening. See CvTE’s exam-format page (External site, opens in a new tab).
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| Part | Format | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Spreken | Headphones and microphone; short and medium spoken tasks | ~25 min |
| Schrijven | You type sentences, short messages and short texts | 100 min |
| Lezen | A paper booklet of texts plus questions on the computer | 110 min |
| Luisteren | About 40 multiple-choice questions on audio and video; each fragment plays only once | 90 min |
For NT2 Lezen and Schrijven, you may bring only the Van Dale Pocketwoordenboek Nederlands als tweede taal (NT2) (Dutch as a second language pocket dictionary). It must contain no notes or loose papers. Dictionaries are allowed only in those two NT2 parts. CvTE explains the dictionary rules (External site, opens in a new tab). See the exam-day dictionary rules before choosing a dictionary for Lezen or Schrijven.
You pass each part with a converted score of 500 or higher (External site, opens in a new tab).
When do you get your NT2 result and diploma?
Your result appears in Mijn DUO about 5 weeks after the exam; the schedule gives the exact date. After you pass all four parts, DUO sends your diploma to your home address. If you passed the final part before 1 January 2021, ask DUO to exchange your certificates for a diploma. The NT2 diploma and certificates remain valid for life (External site, opens in a new tab).
What are the NT2 fees and booking steps?
A paid NT2 attempt costs €50 per part, or €200 for all four parts (External site, opens in a new tab). Check exam costs for free-attempt conditions and any separate KNM fee.
Book through Mijn DUO using your DigiD (External site, opens in a new tab). You can book several parts together. Follow the booking instructions for registration dates, payment and cancellation deadlines.
Where can you practise NT2?
Start with the official NT2 practice environment (External site, opens in a new tab). Use our guide to official NT2 practice exams to choose a mock, then our extra free B1 study resources. The Staatsexamen NT2 guide explains B1 and B2 in more detail.
Which society-knowledge exam do you need?
KNS belongs to the A1 exam abroad. KNM is a separate exam in the Netherlands. Your residence stage, law and route decide which one you need.
- KNS: 30 questions with photos, read aloud; choose from 2 answers. It is one of the three A1 parts.
- KNM: a 45-minute computer exam with themes such as housing, work, income, healthcare, education and rights.
The DUO knowledge-exam overview (External site, opens in a new tab) gives KNM’s format and duration, without a fixed question count or raw correct-answer pass mark.
KNM remains separate when you use B1 or B2 language proof for inburgering. The B1-route and onderwijsroute require the exam; Z-route learners cover society knowledge in lessons.
What do the exams cost?
Check exemptions and dispensations before paying. If you must integrate, check the required parts in your official file before paying for them. For paid attempts, the fee is per part and per attempt; if you fail one part, you retake and pay for that part only. See DUO’s integration exam fees (External site, opens in a new tab), DUO’s NT2 fees (External site, opens in a new tab) and Naar Nederland’s A1 fees (External site, opens in a new tab).
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| Exam | Paid parts | Fee per part | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1 abroad | Speaking, reading, KNS | €50 each | €150 |
| A2 language exams and KNM | 4 language parts and KNM | €50 each | €250 |
| Wi2013 with ONA | 4 A2 language parts, KNM, ONA | €50 each; ONA €40 | €290 |
| B1 or B2 NT2 | 4 language parts | €50 each | €200; KNM separate |
These totals cover exam fees for one attempt at every listed part. Courses and other route tasks are separate. For example, an A2 candidate who pays for all five exams pays €250. One paid reading resit brings the exam total to €300.
Asylum-status holders under Wi2021 get their first 2 attempts at each exam free, at the level in their PIP or higher. MAP and PVT are free under Wi2021. Under Wi2013, PVT costs €150 for people without asylum status; it is free for asylum-status holders.
Eligible family migrants can borrow from DUO (External site, opens in a new tab) for courses and exams. A course funded by the loan must be at an approved school. Our costs, loans and fees guide and DUO integration loan guide explain borrowing and payment conditions.
Where do you book each exam type?
After checking exemptions, use the booking system for your exam type. The DUO registration instructions (External site, opens in a new tab) separate A2 and knowledge exams from B1 and B2 language exams.
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| Exam | Where to book | Changing or cancelling |
|---|---|---|
| A1 abroad | Register with DUO, pay, then book with the embassy, consulate or listed provider | Follow the appointment instructions in your payment confirmation |
| A2 and KNM | Mijn Inburgering with DigiD; choose date and place | Change or cancel at least 1 week before. You get a refund if you cancel by then. |
| ONA | Submit your portfolio in Mijn Inburgering and pay €40 | If you fail or cancel the final interview too late, you must submit your portfolio again, pay €40 again and attend a new final interview. |
| B1 and B2 NT2 | Mijn DUO with DigiD | Email nt2@duo.nl at least 4 weeks before for a refund. Later cancellation still requires payment. |
For ONA, your portfolio contains 8 resultaatkaarten (result cards) plus evidence. After approval, you complete an eindgesprek (final interview) or a 64-hour ONA course at an approved school. The course route requires digital portfolio submission. The ONA guide explains the process.
NT2 registration normally opens about 8 weeks before the exam. CvTE’s NT2 registration page (External site, opens in a new tab) gives the 09:00 or 10:00 opening times in the schedule. Check DUO’s NT2 registration page (External site, opens in a new tab) for available places.
A2 and NT2 exams take place in Amsterdam, Eindhoven, Rijswijk, Rotterdam, Utrecht and Zwolle. Arrive 30 minutes early. Your oproepbrief (exam invitation letter) gives the address and time.
For online A2 bookings, DUO sends it by letter or email 1 week before. If a fee is due, DUO must receive it first. The examination regulations (PDF, 105 KB) (External site, opens in a new tab) give this rule. For NT2, it arrives by email and post. DUO says it sends the NT2 invitation 10 days before the exam once it has received payment. CvTE says about 12 days. If it has not arrived, contact DUO.
If you must integrate in the Netherlands, follow these booking steps:
- Check the exams and levels in Mijn Inburgering or your PIP.
- Check exemptions before you pay.
- Open the booking system for your exam type in the table above.
- Follow its registration and payment instructions.
- Check your exam invitation letter for the address and arrival time.
For A1 abroad, use the separate registration process in the table above. Our exam registration guide gives the booking screens for each path.
Can you take fewer or no exams?
A vrijstelling (exemption) can remove the full requirement or only the parts covered by your proof. An ontheffing (dispensation) can apply when illness, disability or exceptional circumstances prevent you from completing the requirement. Under Wi2013, a dispensation after proven effort is also possible. DUO or the IND must decide whether your case qualifies.
Citizens of the Europese Unie (EU, European Union), Europese Economische Ruimte (EER, European Economic Area) and Switzerland generally have no domestic integration duty.
Check the DUO diploma-exemption list (External site, opens in a new tab). Any one of these qualifying diplomas may support a full exemption:
- vmbo (pre-vocational secondary education), havo (general secondary education) or vwo (pre-university education).
- mbo level 2 or higher.
- hbo (higher professional education) or wo (university education), if you studied in Dutch.
An NT2 diploma or certificate may give a partial exemption for the corresponding language parts. KNM and tasks such as MAP, PVT or ONA can remain. DUO decides which parts you still need.
For the A1 exam abroad, the IND also exempts citizens of Australia, Canada, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, South Korea, the United Kingdom, the United States and Vatican City. EU, EER and Swiss citizens are exempt too. Check the IND’s A1 exemption and dispensation conditions (External site, opens in a new tab) before registering.
The IND decides A1 dispensations. Medical applications need the assigned doctor’s assessment. Personal circumstances need evidence showing what you tried and why you cannot pass. Examples include study records or exam attempts.
In the Netherlands, DUO decides medical dispensations after an Argonaut doctor’s assessment (External site, opens in a new tab). Your gemeente can advise on your situation.
DUO considers a dispensation for exceptional personal circumstances (External site, opens in a new tab) only if you meet all three conditions. You must have tried to learn Dutch. You must remain permanently unable to integrate. You must be unable to obtain another dispensation or extra time. Course hours and exam attempts can support a Wi2013 dispensation after proven effort (External site, opens in a new tab). The exemptions and special cases guide gives the detailed conditions and forms.
When is your deadline, and what happens if you miss it?
Your normal Wi2021 term is 3 years from the start date in DUO’s letter after your PIP is set. For people without asylum status, DUO describes a reminder 2 months before the end. Your letter gives your exact deadline.
As of October 2026, DUO says asylum-status holders under either law receive no late-completion fines. Their duty to integrate continues. Other candidates can receive a Vooraankondiging termijnoverschrijding (notice of a missed deadline). The DUO fine rules (External site, opens in a new tab) give the following Wi2021 amounts.
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| Unfinished Wi2021 task | Fine when the rules apply |
|---|---|
| Learning route | Up to €1,000 |
| PVT | €340 |
| MAP | €340 |
After a Wi2021 fine, you still have to integrate. For a late learning route, DUO gives 6 months to 2 years of extra time, depending on your route and completed exams or hours.
If only PVT or only MAP is late, you get 6 extra months. If both are late, you get 1 extra year. With multiple fines, the longest extension applies; the extra time is not added together.
Under Wi2013, the maximum late-diploma fine is €1,250 for people covered by the fine rules. DUO then gives 2 extra years.
What do you bring on exam day?
For A2 and NT2, arrive 30 minutes early with a valid legitimatiebewijs (identity document) and your exam invitation letter. Accepted documents include a passport, Dutch residence document, EU or EER identity card, or EU or EER driving licence. Check DUO’s A2 exam rules (External site, opens in a new tab) and your invitation for the full conditions.
Keep your phone, watch, bag, notes and other personal items in the locker. For A2, your jacket goes there too. For NT2, follow staff instructions about your jacket.
You must keep exam content confidential: the rules prohibit photographing or sharing questions. For A2, you sign a form promising secrecy when registering or before the exam.
The dictionary rule depends on your exam. A2 exams allow no dictionary. Only NT2 Lezen and Schrijven allow the Van Dale Pocketwoordenboek Nederlands als tweede taal (Dutch as a second language pocket dictionary), with no notes or loose papers. Electronic dictionaries, translation tools, your own pens, paper and headphones are forbidden. DUO supplies the exam equipment. Breaking the rules can invalidate your exam.
For NT2, you may bring a drink in a bottle with a lid; keep it on the floor. Bring a cup for free coffee or tea in the waiting area, and leave the cup outside the exam room. CvTE lists what to bring to the NT2 exam (External site, opens in a new tab). For A2 drinks, follow your invitation and staff instructions.
Which exam should you choose and practise?
If the IND requires an exam before your MVV application, choose the A1 exam abroad. Apply within 1 year after passing all three parts. In the Netherlands, choose the level shown in Mijn Inburgering and, under Wi2021, your PIP. Check your deadline before booking. An A1 result abroad does not finish your integration duty in the Netherlands.
Choose the guide for your file: A1 basisexamen abroad, A2 inburgeringsexamen or Staatsexamen NT2 at B1 or B2. Then use 7 practical exam preparation tips for A2 and B1 to plan your study routine.
Try official practice first: Naar Nederland for A1, DUO for A2 and KNM, or the official NT2 environment for B1 and B2. Our online tools guide: official practice and a study routine helps you choose tools for the skills you need to practise. Then try an Inburgering.org practice round as extra practice.
If you still cannot reach B1 after 600 NT2 course hours at a provider meeting these course-provider requirements, with evidence of sufficient effort, ask the gemeente whether you can take approved parts at A2. The B1-route guide explains this option. It requires the B1-route and approved changes to your PIP.
Only NT2 reading and writing allow the specified Van Dale dictionary. Check your exam type before buying it.
Choose one of these pages for your next step:
Official Sources
- Inburgeren.nl (DUO's civic integration website): Welke examens (Which exams) (External site, opens in a new tab) - DUO's overview of which exams you must do under the Wet inburgering 2021 and the older Wet inburgering 2013.
- Inburgeren.nl: Taalexamens (Language exams) (External site, opens in a new tab) - DUO's overview of the language exams at A2, B1 and B2 (Staatsexamen NT2).
- Inburgeren.nl: Obtained a diploma (External site, opens in a new tab) - DUO's rules for full and partial exemption, including NT2 diplomas and component certificates.
- Inburgeren.nl: Knowledge exams (External site, opens in a new tab) - DUO’s overview of KNM, MAP, ONA and PVT. It gives KNM’s 45-minute computer format without a fixed question count or raw correct-answer pass mark on this page.
- Inburgeren.nl: Aanmelden examen (Registering for an exam) (External site, opens in a new tab) - How to register A2, KNM and ONA through Mijn Inburgering, the 1-week rule for changing or cancelling an A2 exam, and where to register the Staatsexamen NT2 at B1 or B2.
- Inburgeren.nl: Hoeveel kost inburgeren? (How much does civic integration cost?) (External site, opens in a new tab) - Current exam fees per component for Wi2021 and the legacy Wi2013.
- Inburgeren.nl: U gaat inburgeren (External site, opens in a new tab) - DUO's overview of the three-year inburgering term, the brede intake, the PIP and the three learning routes.
- Inburgeren.nl: Eerder beginnen met inburgeren (External site, opens in a new tab) - DUO's early-start process for eligible 16- and 17-year-olds who are exempt from compulsory or qualification education duties.
- Inburgeren.nl: Boete (Fines) (External site, opens in a new tab) - When DUO can give a late-completion fine, the current exception for asylum status holders, and how much extra time follows a fine.
- Staatsexamensnt2.nl: Hoe ziet het examen eruit (What does the exam look like?) (External site, opens in a new tab) - CvTE's official description of the four NT2 exam parts (Schrijven, Spreken, Lezen, Luisteren) for Programma I and Programma II.
- Staatsexamensnt2.nl: Aanmelden bij DUO (External site, opens in a new tab) - How to register for the Staatsexamen NT2 in Mijn DUO, the 09:00 or 10:00 registration openings and the six exam cities.
- IND: Basisexamen inburgering in het buitenland (External site, opens in a new tab) - IND page on the A1 basisexamen abroad, exemptions and medical dispensation.
- Naar Nederland: Registering for the exam (External site, opens in a new tab) - Official A1 registration flow and current fees: €50 each for KNS, reading and speaking, or €150 for all three.
- Wet inburgering 2021 (External site, opens in a new tab) - Official text of the current civic integration law, including the age scope and education-related exemptions.
- Besluit inburgering 2021 (External site, opens in a new tab) - Article 5.5 conditions A2 downscaling on 600 followed NT2 course hours at a qualifying provider and evidence of sufficient effort.
- Inburgeren.nl: Kennisexamens (Knowledge exams) (External site, opens in a new tab) - Who takes ONA (not people who had to start before 1 January 2015, entreeopleiding holders or people with an exemption), the €40 fee, the portfolio, the eindgesprek or 64-hour course, and resubmitting after a failed or late-cancelled eindgesprek.
- Rijksoverheid: Wet inburgering 2021 (External site, opens in a new tab) - The 1 January 2022 law cutoff and the three learning routes.
- Staatsblad (official law publication): published Wet inburgering 2021 (External site, opens in a new tab) - Articles 3 and 4: age, nationality and education exemptions; article 17: A2 downscaling within the B1-route.
- Staatsblad: published Besluit inburgering 2021 (External site, opens in a new tab) - Article 3.14: Z-route hours and the family-migrant exception; article 5.5: qualifying 600 hours and sufficient effort before A2 downscaling.
- Inburgeren.nl: Mijn Inburgering login (External site, opens in a new tab) - DigiD login and checking your exams, results and DUO letters.
- Naar Nederland: Taking exams (External site, opens in a new tab) - Computer delivery, separate or combined attempts, about two hours for all three parts and resitting failed parts.
- Naar Nederland: Taking practice exams (External site, opens in a new tab) - A1 speaking, reading and KNS formats and durations; links to official mocks.
- Naar Nederland: Self-study package (External site, opens in a new tab) - Free official study package with 33 language options.
- Inburgeren.nl: Examenreglement (Exam regulations; PDF, 105 KB) (External site, opens in a new tab) - Current examination regulations, November 2025 edition: A2 instructions, automated and certified-assessor marking, invitation channels and timing after payment, arrival, belongings, confidentiality and invalidation rules.
- Inburgeren.nl: Uitslag examen (Exam results) (External site, opens in a new tab) - Standard eight-week period for A2 and knowledge-exam results, by letter and in Mijn Inburgering; see the separate July 2026 notice for current A2 speaking and writing delays.
- Inburgeren.nl: Oefenen (Practice) (External site, opens in a new tab) - Official A2 and KNM practice and the official NT2 practice environment.
- DUO: NT2 registration (External site, opens in a new tab) - Registration about eight weeks before, cancellation at least four weeks before, arrival and the invitation sent 10 days before once payment has been received.
- DUO: NT2 results (External site, opens in a new tab) - Results in about five weeks and requesting a diploma if the final part was passed before 1 January 2021.
- Staatsexamensnt2.nl: Beoordeling examen (Exam assessment) (External site, opens in a new tab) - Converted pass score of at least 500 per part.
- Staatsexamensnt2.nl: Uitslag via DUO (External site, opens in a new tab) - Diploma sent after passing all four parts; diploma and certificates valid indefinitely.
- Staatsexamensnt2.nl: Hoe gaat het examen? (How does the exam work?) (External site, opens in a new tab) - NT2 dictionary and belongings rules; approximate 12-day invitation timing.
- Staatsexamensnt2.nl: Wat moet ik meenemen? (What must I bring?) (External site, opens in a new tab) - Permitted NT2 dictionary, bottle and cup rules.
- Staatscourant (official regulation publication): NT2 exam regulations for 2026 (External site, opens in a new tab) - 2026 NT2 confidentiality, identity documents, belongings and dictionary rules.
- Inburgeren.nl: Examenplaatsen (Exam locations) (External site, opens in a new tab) - Six A2 exam cities and separate A2 and NT2 addresses in Zwolle.
- Inburgeren.nl: Regels voor het examen (Exam rules) (External site, opens in a new tab) - Accepted A2 identity documents and confidentiality rules.
- Inburgeren.nl: Lenen bij DUO (External site, opens in a new tab) - Eligibility to borrow for integration courses and exams, and approved-school condition.
- Inburgeren.nl: Diploma gehaald (Obtained a diploma) (External site, opens in a new tab) - Full and partial diploma exemptions and entreeopleiding conditions.
- Inburgeren.nl: Niet inburgeren vanwege ziekte of beperking (No integration requirement because of illness or disability) (External site, opens in a new tab) - DUO decision after an assigned Argonaut doctor’s assessment.
- Inburgeren.nl: Ontheffing bijzondere individuele omstandigheden (Dispensation for exceptional personal circumstances) (External site, opens in a new tab) - Dispensation for exceptional permanent personal circumstances.
- Inburgeren.nl: Genoeg cursus en examens gedaan (Enough courses and exam attempts) (External site, opens in a new tab) - Wi2013 dispensation after proven effort; detailed course-hour and exam-attempt conditions.
- DigiD: official login service (External site, opens in a new tab) - The Dutch government identity and login service.
- DUO: official NT2 practice environment (External site, opens in a new tab) - The official Facet practice portal linked by DUO for the Staatsexamen NT2.
- Staatscourant: Regeling inburgering 2021 (Civic Integration Regulations 2021) (External site, opens in a new tab) - The published medical protocol describes A2 reading and listening as multiple-choice exams. Current exam durations are taken from DUO's live pages and exam regulations.
- DUO: NT2 exam fees (External site, opens in a new tab) - €50 per language component and €200 for all four components, for both Programma I and Programma II.
- Inburgeren.nl: A2 writing practice exam 3 (PDF) (External site, opens in a new tab) - Official writing mock with four tasks: a form, short text, email and short note.
- Inburgeren.nl: Uitslag Spreken A2 en Schrijven A2 duurt langer (A2 speaking and writing results take longer; 31 July 2026) (External site, opens in a new tab) - Current maximum of 16 weeks for A2 speaking and writing results; automatic six-month extension when the integration deadline is approaching and the candidate is awaiting either result.