Staatsexamen NT2: Programma I, Programma II, Registration, and Results

Staatsexamen NT2 is the Dutch state exam for adults who learned Dutch as a second language. It has two levels: Programma I at B1 and Programma II at B2. You take four computer-based parts: Lezen, Luisteren, Schrijven and Spreken. You can use the NT2 diploma for work, study, inburgering or naturalisation, but the right programme depends on your goal and on what DUO, your gemeente, school or employer asks from you.

• Programma I is B1. Programma II is B2. You do not have to pass Programma I before taking Programma II.
• Both programmes have four parts: Lezen, Luisteren, Schrijven and Spreken.
• All parts are made on a computer, but Lezen uses a paper text booklet.
• Each component costs €50 as of May 2026, so a full four-part exam costs €200.
• You pass a component with a converted score of 500 or higher.
• If you pass all four parts of the same programme, DUO sends the NT2 diploma. Certificates and diplomas do not expire.

Choose the programme by purpose, not by pride. B2 sounds better than B1, but the higher exam is also harder and slower to prepare for. If your PIP, opleiding, employer or IND situation names a level, follow that requirement first.

Under Wet inburgering 2021, the gemeente sets your route in the PIP. If you follow the B1-route or onderwijsroute, the official NT2 site says you take an exam at language level B1, usually Staatsexamen NT2 Programma I. Programma II can be relevant when your plan or future study/work goal needs B2. If you follow the Z-route, you do not take Staatsexamen NT2.

If you are not sure which Dutch exam applies, compare the routes in which Dutch exam do you need before you book anything.

The names are Dutch, but the structure is simple: reading and listening test understanding; writing and speaking test production. The official timings are the same for both programmes except reading.

You register through DUO, normally with DigiD in MijnDUO. Registration opens about eight weeks before the exam, and the official schedule shows the exact opening date and time. You choose the programme, component, city, week and available time. NT2 exams are offered in Amsterdam, Eindhoven, Rijswijk, Rotterdam, Utrecht and Zwolle.

As of May 2026, each component costs €50. If you are inburgeringsplichtig, DUO may let you pay with your inburgering loan or use a free attempt during registration. After payment, DUO sends an oproepbrief with the final place and time. Arrive 30 minutes early.

The exam schedule gives the result date. On that date, results appear from 15:00 in Mijn DUO if you can use DigiD, and DUO also sends them by email and post. Lezen and Luisteren are checked by computer. Schrijven and Spreken are assessed by two trained assessors. A score of 500 or higher means you passed that component.

If you fail one part, you retake only that part after the result is known. If you pass all four parts of Programma I or all four parts of Programma II, DUO sends the diploma. You can also download a free uittreksel from Mijn diploma's. Official NT2 certificates and diplomas are valid indefinitely.

• First choose the correct programme: B1 for Programma I or B2 for Programma II.
• Try the official practice environment so the screen and question style feel familiar.
• Practise the four skills separately, then combine them in a weekly plan.
• For Lezen and Schrijven, practise with a clean paper Van Dale NT2 dictionary, but do not depend on it for every sentence.
• Before booking, read the registration rules, result timing and exam-day rules so administrative mistakes do not block your exam.

Use the free exam practice hub for practice, then read the NT2 registration guide, NT2 exam-day rules and NT2 results and resits when you are ready to book.