Staatsexamen NT2 (Dutch as a second language state exam) day rules: what to bring

These general exam-day rules apply to Programma I (B1 exam programme) and Programma II (B2 exam programme). An approved adapted exam may have different arrangements. For the wider exam requirements, see the Staatsexamen NT2 guide.

If you are taking the A2 inburgeringsexamen (civic integration exam), use the A2 exam-day rules.

Bring both your valid identity document and your oproepbrief to every exam part. The table separates required documents, optional items and materials supplied in the room.

You must arrive 30 minutes before the exam starts. Check the address and time on your oproepbrief. If the exam starts at 10:00, you must be there by 09:30. Late candidates cannot enter the room or take the exam. See DUO’s NT2 registration page (External site, opens in a new tab) for the arrival rule.

Allow extra travel time for delays. If you need help with tickets or checking in, see the public transport guide. A public-transport delay or traffic jam does not allow late entry, but DUO may offer a replacement exam if you send proof.

At the exam centre, you can wait in the waiting area. In the exam room, find the desk with the candidate number on your oproepbrief.

The supervisor checks your identity and belongings before the exam. Follow the supervisor’s instructions for these checks:

• Show your valid identity document with a photo.
• Sign the attendance sheet.
• Let the supervisor check your dictionary, if you brought one.
• Show your ears so the supervisor can check for earpieces.

When the supervisor tells you to log in, follow these steps:

1. Log in with your candidate number and the access code the supervisor gives you.
2. Check your name on the screen.
3. Follow the screen instructions.
4. Wait for the supervisor to start the exam.

For Lezen and Schrijven, you may use only the paper Van Dale Pocketwoordenboek Nederlands als tweede taal. Other dictionaries and digital dictionaries are prohibited. Article 8 of the Examenreglement (exam regulations) for 2026 (External site, opens in a new tab) sets this rule. This dictionary rule took effect on 1 January 2021. See the 2021 NT2 exam regulations (External site, opens in a new tab).

All older versions of this Van Dale NT2 dictionary are allowed too. You do not need to buy the new version. See the official notice about dictionary versions (External site, opens in a new tab).

All these dictionary rules apply:

• For Luisteren (listening) and Spreken (speaking), you may not use a dictionary.
• Bring your own copy.
• Use only your own dictionary during the exam. You cannot borrow another candidate’s copy.
• Keep notes, added texts and loose slips out of the dictionary.
• Use the allowed paper dictionary only. Google Translate, phones and digital dictionaries are prohibited.

If your copy contains notes or loose slips, you cannot use it. If your dictionary fails the check, you can still take the exam without it. Check it before exam day. Ask DUO about any stickers or sticky tabs before bringing that copy.

You must switch off phones, watches and other electronic devices and store them in a kluis (locker). Article 7 of the Examenreglement bans electronic devices and personal belongings in the exam room.

Store your belongings as follows:

• Put your phone, watch, headphones, bag and other personal items in the locker.
• Hang your coat on a hook in the exam room or put it in the locker.
• Keep your identity document, oproepbrief and food and drink with you. Bring the allowed dictionary only for Lezen or Schrijven.

Keeping a prohibited device with you in the exam room breaks the exam rules. An onregelmatigheid (exam-rule breach) can lead to your exam part being declared invalid. You may have to take the exam again. See the NT2 irregularity rules (External site, opens in a new tab) for these possible consequences.

Keep your watch in the locker throughout the exam. Click the clock icon on the exam screen to see how much time remains.

The digital-device ban (External site, opens in a new tab) also covers digital hearing aids and smart glasses. Prescription smart glasses are prohibited too. Bring glasses without smart technology. If you need a hearing aid, discuss your needs with DUO when you request an adapted exam.

Use the pen and kladpapier supplied by the supervisor. You may not use your own pen or paper. The scratch paper carries your candidate number. Write on it only after the exam starts. Hand back the pen, scratch paper and any other exam materials afterwards.

You may eat and drink during the exam. Bring your own food and drink because you cannot buy them at the exam centre. Drinks must follow both these rules:

• Use a bottle with a cap. Cans, open glasses and paper cups are not allowed in the exam room.
• Keep the bottle on the floor to protect the computer.

Leave your coffee or tea cup in the waiting area. Choose a snack with quiet packaging so you can eat without disturbing other candidates.

If illness or the death of an immediate family member prevents you from attending, you can request a vervangend examen (replacement exam). DUO needs your request and evidence within 10 days after the exam. Approval is not automatic. See DUO’s NT2 registration page (External site, opens in a new tab) for the replacement procedure.

1. Email nt2@duo.nl with your candidate number and the reason you could not attend.
2. Send evidence within the 10-day deadline.

Ask DUO which evidence to send. For example, ask whether a doctor’s note or a death certificate is suitable in your case. If you arrived late because of a public-transport delay or traffic jam, email DUO with proof of the delay. DUO may offer a replacement exam.

For other reasons, you can cancel by email at least 4 weeks before the exam to get your money back. A later cancellation still requires payment.

If you miss the exam, you can register again from the following day if places are available. Use the NT2 registration guide to book again.

If DUO refuses your replacement request, you need a new booking to take the exam. You must pay for the new booking unless you qualify for a free exam. Mijn DUO (DUO’s online account) shows whether you qualify for a free exam or can pay from your loan. See DUO’s NT2 exam-fee page (External site, opens in a new tab).

You can request an adapted exam if a disability or personal circumstances affect how you take the exam. Examples include dyslexia, a visual impairment or psychological problems. Request the adaptation when you register. Follow the procedure on the official NT2 adapted-exam page (External site, opens in a new tab):

1. Select persoonlijke omstandigheden (personal circumstances) during registration.
2. Discuss the adaptations you need when DUO contacts you.
3. Send the supporting document DUO asks for.

The official guidance requires a statement from a medical specialist. Agree with DUO which document you need. Adaptations can include larger letters on screen or extra time:

• Lezen and Schrijven: 50% extra time.
• Luisteren: more time to read questions and answer.
• Spreken: more preparation time and twice the time to record each answer.

The official extra-time page (External site, opens in a new tab) explains these arrangements.

All NT2 exam locations are wheelchair-accessible without an adapted-exam request. Adapted exams are not available at every location, so DUO may offer another place or date. The adapted-exam guide explains the separate A2 and NT2 procedures.

When you finish, submit your answers using the steps for your exam part below. You can practise them with the official exam instructions (External site, opens in a new tab).

For Lezen, Luisteren and Schrijven:

1. Click Overzicht (overview).
2. Click Inleveren (submit).
3. Click Inleveren again to confirm submission.

For Spreken:

1. Click Inleveren.
2. Click Inleveren again to confirm submission.

Hand back the pen, kladpapier and the Lezen text booklet. All exam material stays in the room. You may not share information about the exam questions afterwards.

DUO sends your results in writing; see the NT2 results and resits guide.

Your smartwatch must stay in the locker. See Phones, watches, bags and coats for where to store it and how to check the remaining time.

Personal earplugs and earpieces are prohibited during the exam. The supervisor checks your ears. For Luisteren and Spreken, use the exam headphones. If a medical condition makes noise a problem, discuss an adapted exam with DUO when you register.

Translator apps are prohibited. See Allowed dictionaries for the paper dictionary you may use.

DUO says it sends the oproepbrief 10 days before the exam after receiving payment. The Staatsexamens NT2 site gives an estimate of about 12 days. If it has not arrived 10 days before your exam, contact DUO on 050 599 89 33 (option 1) or nt2@duo.nl. Keep your candidate number ready. Email DUO if any details in the letter are wrong.

You need an identity document that is valid on exam day. An expired document does not meet that rule. Check its expiry date before you travel. Without a valid identity document, you cannot take the exam. If you have no valid document, contact DUO on 050 599 89 33 (option 1) or nt2@duo.nl.

To see the room and checks, watch the official exam-day video (External site, opens in a new tab). The dictionary shown in the video is no longer allowed. Follow the current dictionary rule above.

To practise using the exam screen, start with the official NT2 practice environment (External site, opens in a new tab) on a computer or laptop. For skill preparation, use the NT2 B1 reading guide, NT2 B1 listening guide or NT2 B2 writing guide.

If your exam is booked, check your identity document, oproepbrief and travel plan before packing the night before. Pack the allowed dictionary if you want to use it, a capped water bottle, a quiet snack and your cup. Plan to be there 30 minutes before the start. If you need adaptations or cannot attend, contact DUO using the procedure above.

• NT2 registration with DUO
• Official NT2 practice exams
• Extra free exam practice from Inburgering.org