Dutch Speaking Exams: A1, A2, B1, and B2 Spreken

The Dutch speaking exam is not one single exam. If you are applying from abroad, you may need A1 Spreekvaardigheid for the basisexamen inburgering buitenland. In the Netherlands, many people take A2 Spreken for the inburgeringsexamen (civic integration exam). B1 and B2 speaking are part of Staatsexamen NT2 Programma I and Programma II. This hub helps you choose the right guide and understand what changes at each level.

• A1, A2, B1, and B2 are different exams, not the same speaking test with harder words.
• A1 and A2 focus on short everyday answers. B1 and B2 ask you to complete practical speaking actions: explain, advise, complain, describe, or present.
• DUO describes A2 Spreken as a 35-minute computer exam with videos and questions.
• For NT2 speaking, the detailed NT2 source says about 25 minutes; DUO rounds B1 and B2 speaking to about 30 minutes.
• In NT2 speaking you use a headset and microphone, there is no dictionary, and you cannot go back to an earlier task.

Start with the level and route, not with random practice questions. The speaking task changes because the official purpose of each exam changes.

Do not imagine a friendly conversation with an examiner. In these exams you usually speak into a microphone and your answer is recorded. A1 is taken at an embassy or consulate abroad. A2 is taken on a DUO computer. NT2 speaking is also computer-based: you listen through headphones, read the task on screen, wait for the beep, speak, and then the exam moves forward automatically.

The scoring system is not identical at every level. NT2 speaking is checked by trained assessors, and a converted score of 500 or higher means you pass that NT2 component. For A1 and A2, use the level guide because the result model is different.

• A1: a short word group or one simple sentence can be enough when it answers the question clearly.
• A2: aim for one to three clear sentences: answer the question, add one visible detail, then add a reason or time/place detail.
• B1: complete the practical action in 20 or 30 seconds. For example, explain a problem, make an appointment, give advice, or describe a choice.
• B2: organize your answer quickly. You may need to compare options, defend an opinion, explain a work or study situation, or give a 2-minute presentation.
• At every level, silence and irrelevant answers are more dangerous than small grammar mistakes.

• First confirm your required level. If you are unsure, start with which Dutch exam you need and then check the message from DUO, IND, or your gemeente.
• Use the detailed level guides for practice structure: A1 Spreken, A2 Spreken, B1 NT2 speaking, and B2 NT2 speaking.
• Practise official examples first. They show the real exam environment better than any summary.
• After that, use extra Inburgering.org practice for A2 speaking, B1 speaking, and B2 speaking
• Record yourself with the real timing. Start speaking after the beep, even if your first sentence is simple.
• Learn repair phrases such as Sorry, ik bedoel..., Ik zeg het nog een keer, and Mijn antwoord is.... They help you continue instead of going silent.
• For practical rules, read the exam-day rules and the results timeline before you book or retake an exam.

• Preparing for B1 or B2 as if it were a live interview. The official NT2 speaking exam is recorded on a computer.
• Writing full scripts and freezing when the prompt changes. Train small answer frames instead.
• Using difficult grammar before giving the direct answer. First answer the task; then add detail.
• Using A2 practice to judge B1 or B2 readiness. The level jump is not only vocabulary; the task type also changes.
• Assuming unofficial practice questions are the real exam. Use them for training, not for memorizing.

Pick one level and go deep: A1 abroad speaking, A2 Spreken, B1 NT2 speaking, or B2 NT2 speaking. If you still do not know which route applies to you, start with the main inburgeringsexamen guide before you choose practice materials.