Start with official practice for your exam
Use Naar Nederland (To the Netherlands) (External site, opens in a new tab) for A1 abroad. For A2 language exams and society questions, use inburgeren.nl practice exams (External site, opens in a new tab). For B1 or B2, use official state-exam practice (External site, opens in a new tab). Practise on a computer or laptop. Add one or two tools for your weak skills.
Check your exam and level before paying for extra practice.
Check your exam and level
For A1 abroad, use Naar Nederland's exam guidance (External site, opens in a new tab) to check whether you need the exam before applying for a machtiging tot voorlopig verblijf (MVV, provisional residence permit). The family reunification and MVV guide explains the permit steps.
If you must integrate in the Netherlands, you receive a letter from DUO (Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs, the Dutch education service) (External site, opens in a new tab). Check Mijn Inburgering (My Integration portal) for your required exams and language level.
If you have a persoonlijk plan inburgering en participatie (PIP, personal integration and participation plan), check the route and exams it lists. For the exam parts in the Netherlands, see the inburgeringsexamen (civic integration exam) guide.
Choose official practice for your exam
The three exam routes use different official tools. Choose the row that matches your exam and level.
You can scroll wide tables sideways.
| Your situation | Official tool | Use it for |
|---|---|---|
| Basisexamen inburgering in het buitenland (civic integration exam abroad), A1 | Naar Nederland | Kennis van de Nederlandse Samenleving (KNS, knowledge of Dutch society), reading and speaking practice. |
| A2 language exams or Kennis van de Nederlandse Maatschappij (KNM, knowledge of Dutch society) | DUO practice on inburgeren.nl | Reading, listening, speaking and KNM practice tests, plus writing practice PDFs. |
| Staatsexamen NT2 (Dutch as a Second Language state exam), B1 or B2 | NT2 oefenomgeving (practice environment) | Computer practice tasks and exam instruction videos. |
Official practice helps you learn the task types and instructions. The A1 practice screen looks different from the real exam. For NT2, watch the instruction videos linked from the official practice page before starting a test.
Check these device limits before opening official practice:
- A1: use a computer or laptop with an internet connection. For speaking practice on a desktop, connect a microphone or a headset with a microphone.
- A2 and KNM: DUO recommends a desktop computer. If you use a phone or tablet, turn it sideways. A2 speaking practice does not work in Safari; choose another browser.
- NT2: use a computer or laptop. The practice environment only works properly on these devices.
Choose extra tools for one skill
Give each extra tool one job. A flashcard app can help you repeat words. Easy Dutch news gives you listening and reading practice. A grammar site can explain one pattern. A speaking partner lets you practise answers without prepared notes. Use the official exam materials for instructions.
After official practice, you can use Inburgering.org free mock exams for extra practice. These are our practice materials. Choose one or two extra tools for the skills you need to work on:
- Vocabulary: make short lists from your own mistakes.
- Listening: choose a short clip and listen twice. Listen first for the main idea, then for details.
- Writing: practise a practical message, form or short email. Check one grammar point at a time.
- Speaking: record a short answer. Listen for missing words, incomplete sentences and long pauses.
- Grammar: review a mistake you made this week, such as word order or the past tense.
Follow a weekly practice routine
Choose one official practice tool and two supporting tools. Try this weekly routine. Adjust the session length to the time you have.
- Monday: do 20 minutes of official practice.
- After Monday's session, write down the hardest task.
- Tuesday and Wednesday: practise that task with one extra tool.
- Thursday: repeat a short task without looking at your notes.
- Friday: review vocabulary and one grammar point from your mistakes.
- Weekend: do a longer practice session on a computer.
- After the weekend session, choose what to work on next week.
Check paid materials and review your practice
Before paying for an app, course or question pack, check that it matches your exam and level. Avoid tools that promise secret official questions or a guaranteed pass.
After using a PDF, review your mistakes. After studying a sample answer, practise answering a new question.
Choose what to practise next
If you know your exam and level, start with its official practice tool. Choose one skill to work on this week. If you are unsure which exam applies to you, use the exam guide below. For integration in the Netherlands, check Mijn Inburgering or your PIP before paying for practice materials.
Choose the page that fits your next task:
Official Sources
- Inburgeren.nl - Oefenen (exam practice) (External site, opens in a new tab) - A2 language and KNM practice, writing PDFs, desktop advice and the Safari limit for speaking practice
- Naar Nederland - Taking practice exams (External site, opens in a new tab) - A1 abroad practice for society questions, reading and speaking; the practice screen differs from the real exam
- Staatsexamens NT2 - Examens oefenen (practise for exams) (External site, opens in a new tab) - Official state-exam practice and instruction videos; the environment needs a computer or laptop
- Inburgeren.nl - Aanmelden examen (register for an exam) (External site, opens in a new tab) - Mijn Inburgering shows your required exams and language level; A2 and state exams have different registration routes
- Naar Nederland - Oefenexamens maken (taking practice exams) (External site, opens in a new tab) - Original Dutch source for A1 practice, device requirements and the screen difference
- Inburgeren.nl - Welke examens (which exams) (External site, opens in a new tab) - Your personal integration plan identifies your route and required exams
- Inburgeren.nl - In het kort (integration overview) (External site, opens in a new tab) - DUO letters explain your integration duty; the personal integration plan and Mijn Inburgering identify your exams
- Naar Nederland - Basisexamen inburgering in het buitenland (External site, opens in a new tab) - The exam abroad for the provisional residence permit route, including exceptions