Choose the programme that meets your requirement
Programma I tests B1. Programma II tests B2. Choose the level your integration plan, school or employer requires. Both programmes have four parts and cost €200 in 2026. A B1 diploma meets the language condition for naturalisation (becoming a Dutch citizen).
Who decides your programme?
Your integration plan, school or employer may require a level. Check each requirement that applies to you before booking.
If you must integrate under the Wet inburgering 2021 (Civic Integration Act 2021), your gemeente (municipality) makes a persoonlijk plan inburgering en participatie (PIP, personal integration and participation plan) with you. The PIP records your route and exams. DUO (Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs, the Dutch education service) describes these routes in DUO’s civic integration overview (External site, opens in a new tab):
- The B1-route (B1 learning route) normally requires B1 language exams. If B1 is too difficult after at least 600 hours of language lessons, ask your gemeente whether you can take A2 instead.
- The onderwijsroute (education route) requires language exams at B1 or B2. Your PIP names the level.
- The Z-route (zelfredzaamheidsroute, self-reliance route) teaches Dutch at A1. You take no Staatsexamen NT2 on this route.
Your PIP or Mijn Inburgering (My Civic Integration) shows which exams you need. Under the Wet inburgering 2013 (Civic Integration Act 2013), use Mijn Inburgering to check them. Ask your gemeente if your plan and your school require different levels.
For study, ask your school which diploma it requires. CvTE (College voor Toetsen en Examens, the Board for Tests and Examinations) develops the exam. CvTE’s NT2 diploma guidance (External site, opens in a new tab) says an NT2 diploma is often required for admission. Your school sets its own requirements.
For work, check the vacancy or ask your employer. Employers mainly consider work experience, professional knowledge and vocational diplomas. CvTE says an NT2 diploma is usually not required for a job.
For naturalisation, DUO says you can use the inburgeringsexamen (civic integration exam) at A2 or Staatsexamen NT2 at B1 or B2. IND (Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst, the Dutch immigration service) decides your application and checks the other conditions. See IND’s civic integration requirements for naturalisation (External site, opens in a new tab) for the official rules. See Staatsexamen NT2 for naturalisation if citizenship is your goal.
What is each programme for?
Programma I is for work or study at mbo (senior secondary vocational education) levels 3 and 4. Programma II is for hbo (higher professional education) or university. Staatsexamenbesluit Nederlands als tweede taal (the state exam decree) (External site, opens in a new tab) describes the purposes in article 2.
The table compares those purposes with Dutch language levels and school qualifications.
You can scroll wide tables sideways.
| Question | Programma I | Programma II |
|---|---|---|
| Who the CvTE says it is for | People who want to work or study at mbo 3 or mbo 4 level. | People who want to work or study at hbo or university level. |
| Prior education or experience in the decree | You have reached at least the level of primary education. | Your prior education or work experience already puts you at least at middenkader (middle management) level. |
| What the exam tasks are about | Study, work and daily life at mbo 3 and mbo 4 level. | Study, work and daily life of someone with an hbo or university education. Beschouwende en betogende teksten (reflective and argumentative texts) play a large role. |
| Comparable Dutch school level | Referentieniveau 2F (Dutch language reference level 2F), the language level at the end of mbo 2 and mbo 3. | Referentieniveau 3F (Dutch language reference level 3F), the language level at the end of havo (general upper-secondary education) and mbo 4. |
| Vocabulary the CvTE assumes | About 4,000 to 5,000 Dutch words. | About 11,000 to 12,000 Dutch words. |
Mbo 4 uses referentieniveau 3F (Dutch language reference level 3F) as the language level at the end of the course. This level is comparable to B2. CvTE places mbo 4 in Programma I.
The decree describes the intended candidates. Your prior education does not restrict entry to the exam.
CvTE’s answers to teachers (External site, opens in a new tab) give the vocabulary figures. The allowed dictionary has 15,000 entries. CvTE designs the exams so that your vocabulary plus the dictionary is enough. When developing exams, CvTE also checks that you can work out the meaning of potentially unfamiliar words from the text around them.
Staatsexamen NT2 offers B1 and B2. For C1, CvTE’s answers to candidates (External site, opens in a new tab) point to Certificaat Nederlands als Vreemde Taal (CNaVT, Certificate of Dutch as a Foreign Language).
How do the exam parts differ?
Both programmes have Lezen (reading), Luisteren (listening), Schrijven (writing) and Spreken (speaking). The official exam format (External site, opens in a new tab) gives the timings and tasks below. Luisteren has the same format at both levels.
You can scroll wide tables sideways.
| Part | Programma I | Programma II |
|---|---|---|
| Lezen | 110 minutes. 6 texts in a paper booklet, 36 multiple-choice questions. | 100 minutes. 6 texts in a paper booklet, 36 multiple-choice questions. |
| Luisteren | 90 minutes. About 40 multiple-choice questions on 5 or more listening texts and 1 to 3 videos. | 90 minutes. About 40 multiple-choice questions on 5 or more listening texts and 1 to 3 videos. |
| Schrijven | 100 minutes. 8 sentence tasks, 2 part-writing tasks, 2 short writing tasks. | 100 minutes. 7 to 8 sentence tasks, 1 to 2 short writing tasks, 1 to 2 medium-length writing tasks. |
| Spreken | About 25 minutes. 8 short tasks of 20 seconds and 8 medium tasks of 30 seconds. | About 25 minutes. 4 short tasks of 20 seconds, 8 medium tasks of 30 seconds, and 1 long task of 2 minutes with preparation time. |
Both programmes have 6 reading texts and 36 questions. Programma I gives you 110 minutes; Programma II gives you 100. For B2 Lezen, you need about 25 correct answers to pass.
In Spreken, Programma II has four fewer short tasks and adds one two-minute task on a single subject.
In Schrijven, Programma II replaces the two part-writing tasks with one or two medium-length tasks. For example, you describe a problem and propose a solution. Some tasks give you a table, graph or pictures that you must use. Some Programma II tasks show a word count and let you underline text or use bold or italics.
Which rules are the same at B1 and B2?
Both programmes use these exam and marking rules. The official marking page (External site, opens in a new tab) explains how points become a score:
- You pass each part with a converted score of 500 or higher.
- A computer marks Lezen and Luisteren. Two trained assessors mark each Schrijven and Spreken answer. A third assessor may mark it if needed.
- You answer all four parts on a computer. In Lezen, you read the texts in a paper booklet.
The booking rules and fees also apply to both programmes:
- The exam fee (External site, opens in a new tab) is €50 per part, or €200 for all four.
- Registration (External site, opens in a new tab) opens about eight weeks before the exam.
- You take the exam in Amsterdam, Eindhoven, Rijswijk, Rotterdam, Utrecht or Zwolle. Check DUO’s exam locations (External site, opens in a new tab) when you book. You must attend in person in the Netherlands.
You register in Mijn DUO (My DUO) with DigiD (Dutch digital ID). If you cannot get a DigiD, you can register without one. See Get and use DigiD to set up your digital ID.
The minister may adjust the fees in line with consumer prices under article 5 of the decree. Check the payment page before paying. If you are inburgeringsplichtig (required by law to integrate), you may qualify to pay from your integration loan or use a free attempt. Mijn DUO checks your entitlement automatically when you register. See Paying for the NT2 exam with an integration loan (External site, opens in a new tab) for the payment rules.
These dictionary and document rules apply at both levels:
- You may bring a paper Van Dale Pocketwoordenboek Nederlands als tweede taal (NT2) (pocket dictionary for Dutch as a second language) to Lezen and Schrijven. Luisteren and Spreken allow no dictionary.
- Certificates and the diploma stay valid indefinitely. See CvTE’s NT2 results and certificates page (External site, opens in a new tab).
How do you get a diploma?
Passing all four parts of one programme earns you its diploma. Article 15 of the decree sets the rule. CvTE uses separate diploma and certificate models for each programme. The pass score is 500 for each part. If you want a Programma II diploma, plan to pass its four parts.
If you have passed all four parts with a mix of Programma I and Programma II certificates, you receive a Programma I diploma. Regeling examenreglement Staatsexamen Nt2 2026 (2026 NT2 exam regulations) (External site, opens in a new tab) sets this exception in article 14. For a Programma II diploma, you need all four Programma II parts.
You can also take single parts. Article 4 lets you choose which parts of which programme you take. Each part you pass earns a certificate. In Mijn diploma’s (My diplomas), you can download a free digitaal uittreksel (digital extract) for diplomas and certificates you earned after 1 January 2011. See DUO’s NT2 results page (External site, opens in a new tab) for the document rules.
DUO sends your diploma automatically by registered mail within four weeks if you passed all four parts and your last pass was after 1 January 2021. If you passed all four before that date, email nt2@duo.nl to exchange your certificates for a diploma.
If you fail a part, you can retake that part. The 2026 fee is €50 per retake unless you qualify for a free attempt. See NT2 results and resits for the procedure.
Can you take B2 without passing B1 first?
You can take Programma II directly. A Programma I diploma proves B1. See CvTE’s Staatsexamen NT2 overview (External site, opens in a new tab).
How can you check the level before booking?
- Try the official NT2 practice exams (External site, opens in a new tab) on a computer or laptop.
- Use Inburgering.org’s free mock exams for extra practice.
The official practice environment works poorly on a phone or tablet.
Individual practice tasks can appear in the real Spreken and Schrijven exams. The real exams also contain other tasks.
See the NT2 practice exam guide for practice by exam part.
Which booking mistakes can cost you money?
Each exam part has a €50 fee in 2026. Check the programme and part before booking. These assumptions can lead to an exam you do not need:
- Taking Programma I only to qualify for Programma II. You can start with Programma II. Taking all four Programma I parts first adds €200 in fees unless you qualify for free attempts.
- Choosing B2 only for naturalisation. A Programma I diploma meets the language condition. Programma II assumes about 11,000 to 12,000 words, compared with 4,000 to 5,000 for Programma I.
- Using a mix of B1 and B2 certificates as proof of B2. If you have passed all four parts, a mix gives you a Programma I diploma. A Programma II diploma requires all four B2 parts.
- Choosing B2 because you follow the onderwijsroute. This route can require B1 or B2. Check your PIP.
- Planning to take the exam abroad or online. You must attend in one of the six Dutch exam cities. Plan your travel for the week you book.
Which programme fits your goal?
Use this check to compare your goal with the programmes above. Confirm the answer against your PIP or your school’s admission requirements before booking.
Programma I or Programma II: check your goal
Does an official plan or a requirement already name a level for you?
What should you check before booking?
If you have a PIP, follow its exam level. If study or work is your goal, confirm the required diploma with the school or employer. For naturalisation, Programma I meets the language condition. Choose Programma II when you need B2. Check the programme before paying: an extra part has a €50 fee in 2026.
Official Sources
- Staatsexamens Nt2: Wat is het staatsexamen Nt2? (External site, opens in a new tab) - The CvTE's statement that Programma I is B1 for mbo 3 and mbo 4, Programma II is B2 for hbo and university, that Programma I is not a required first step, and that Programma II leans on reflective and argumentative texts.
- Staatsexamens Nt2: Hoe gebruik je het diploma Nt2? (External site, opens in a new tab) - That schools and universities set their own admission requirements, that an NT2 diploma is often required to start a study programme, and that it is usually not required for a job.
- Staatsexamens Nt2: Hoe ziet het examen eruit? (External site, opens in a new tab) - Per-programme exam format: timings, the reading texts and questions, the writing and speaking task types, and the dictionary rules.
- Staatsexamens Nt2: Vragen van docenten (External site, opens in a new tab) - The vocabulary the CvTE assumes per programme, the 15,000-entry dictionary, and the link between B1, B2 and the Dutch reference levels 2F and 3F.
- Staatsexamens Nt2: Vragen van kandidaten (External site, opens in a new tab) - The score scales per component, the absence of a Staatsexamen NT2 at C1, and the rule that the exam cannot be taken abroad or online.
- Staatsexamens Nt2: Beoordeling examen (External site, opens in a new tab) - How each component is marked, and the score of 500 needed to pass.
- Staatsexamens Nt2: Examens oefenen (External site, opens in a new tab) - Official practice: individual tasks can appear in the real Spreken and Schrijven exams, which also contain other tasks. The practice environment works well on a computer or laptop.
- Staatsexamens Nt2: Aanmelden bij DUO (External site, opens in a new tab) - That registration opens about eight weeks before the exam, runs through MijnDUO with DigiD, and stays open to candidates who cannot get a DigiD.
- Staatsexamens Nt2: Betalen bij DUO (External site, opens in a new tab) - The fee of €50 per component and €200 for a full exam, identical for both programmes, and payment from the integration loan or a free attempt.
- Staatsexamens Nt2: Uitslag via DUO (External site, opens in a new tab) - That certificates and the diploma are valid indefinitely, and how to request a certificate per passed component.
- Staatsexamens Nt2: Inburgeren met het staatsexamen Nt2 (External site, opens in a new tab) - For compulsory integration under the Wet inburgering 2021, the municipality makes a PIP with the learner. The Z-route requires no Staatsexamen NT2.
- Staatsexamens Nt2: Contact (External site, opens in a new tab) - DUO's contact route for questions about registering, paying, certificates and the NT2 diploma: nt2@duo.nl and 050 599 89 33, option 1.
- Inburgeren.nl (DUO's civic integration website): In het kort (External site, opens in a new tab) - The PIP and exams under the 2021 Act: B1-route at B1, with possible A2 reduction after at least 600 lesson hours; onderwijsroute at B1 or B2; Z-route at A1. Mijn Inburgering lists the required exams.
- Inburgeren.nl: Naturaliseren (External site, opens in a new tab) - DUO's statement that naturalisation needs the inburgeringsexamen at A2, or Staatsexamen NT2 at B1 or B2, and that the IND decides the request.
- DUO: Wat is het staatsexamen Nt2? (External site, opens in a new tab) - DUO's guidance on choosing Programma I for mbo 3 and mbo 4 and Programma II for hbo or university, and the split of roles between DUO and the CvTE.
- DUO: Waar en wanneer (External site, opens in a new tab) - The six cities where the Staatsexamen NT2 is held: Amsterdam, Eindhoven, Rijswijk, Rotterdam, Utrecht and Zwolle.
- DUO: Uitslag (External site, opens in a new tab) - Automatic registered diploma delivery within four weeks if the last component was passed after 1 January 2021; older passes require an email request. Digital extracts cover qualifications obtained after 1 January 2011. Failed components can be retaken.
- Staatsexamenbesluit Nederlands als tweede taal (External site, opens in a new tab) - The current decree: programme purposes (article 2), choosing components (article 4), fees and possible price adjustments (article 5), passing a programme (article 15), and diplomas and certificates (article 16).
- Inburgeren.nl: Examen betalen met lening (External site, opens in a new tab) - Mijn DUO automatically checks entitlement to a free B1 or B2 exam or payment from an integration loan during registration.
- IND: Inburgering voor naturalisatie (External site, opens in a new tab) - A diploma from Programma I or II qualifies for exemption from the civic integration exam for naturalisation. The IND checks the other conditions and decides the application.
- Regeling examenreglement Staatsexamen Nt2 2026 (2026 NT2 exam regulations) (External site, opens in a new tab) - The 2026 exam regulations: article 14 gives a Programma I diploma for a mix of Programma I and II certificates covering all four parts. Article 10 permits a third assessor when needed; article 12 allows certificate extracts or certificates by post.