Staatsexamen NT2 (Dutch as a second language state exam): registration with DUO (Dutch education service)

Check the schedule for Programma I (B1 exam programme) (External site, opens in a new tab) or Programma II (B2 exam programme) (External site, opens in a new tab). It gives the opening date and time, the exam date and the last day to register. The schedule can change. Places can fill before the last registration day, so check current availability in MijnDUO.

You can take the exam in Amsterdam, Eindhoven, Rijswijk, Rotterdam, Utrecht or Zwolle. The official registration guidance (External site, opens in a new tab) explains how to choose a city and week, then a date and available time. If your first choice is full, another city may have a place. For addresses and travel planning, use our exam locations guide.

Choose your programme before you book. DUO explains the two programmes (External site, opens in a new tab): Programma I is B1 for work or study at mbo (secondary vocational education) level 3 or 4. Programma II is B2 for work or study at hbo (university of applied sciences) or research-university level.

If your gemeente (municipality) or DUO has told you which level you need, follow that instruction. For level and diploma choices, use our Staatsexamen NT2 guide. If you are comparing registration routes for different exams, use our inburgering (civic integration) exam registration guide.

The four parts are Lezen (reading), Luisteren (listening), Schrijven (writing) and Spreken (speaking). You can book several parts together. DUO does not allow you to book a part you have already booked or a part whose result you are still waiting for.

If you need an adapted exam because of dyslexia, a disability or another personal circumstance, request it during registration. The adapted-exam guidance (External site, opens in a new tab) explains the process.

If your DigiD login fails, use our DigiD login problem guide before the registration window opens.

To book your exam, follow these steps in order:

1. Check your programme's official schedule for the registration opening date and time.
2. Open DUO's Staatsexamen NT2 registration page (External site, opens in a new tab).
3. Log in with your own DigiD, or choose the route without DigiD if you cannot apply for one.
4. Select Programma I or Programma II.
5. Select the part or parts you want to take.
6. Select a city, week, date and available time.
7. Choose iDEAL (online bank payment), an invoice until three weeks before the exam, or an eligible loan or free attempt.
8. Save the confirmation email. DUO later sends your oproepbrief (call letter) by email and post.

In October 2026, the fee is €50 per part (External site, opens in a new tab) for either programme. All four parts cost €200. For example, booking only Lezen and Schrijven costs €100.

You can pay with iDEAL during registration. You can also choose an invoice until three weeks before the exam. DUO emails the invoice with payment instructions. DUO must receive your payment at least 14 days before the exam (External site, opens in a new tab). If payment arrives later, you cannot take the exam.

If you have an inburgering loan or qualify for a free attempt, MijnDUO checks your eligibility automatically (External site, opens in a new tab). Use the option DUO offers you. If you no longer qualify, you can choose an invoice.

After DUO receives your payment, it sends the call letter. The 2026 registration rules say DUO sends it 12 days before the exam. The letter gives the place, date and start time. Check your name and exam part too.

If the letter has a mistake, email nt2@duo.nl. If it has not arrived 10 days before the exam, DUO tells you to contact its exam team (External site, opens in a new tab): email nt2@duo.nl or call 050-599 89 33, option 1.

Bring your call letter and valid photo identification to every exam, as the official exam-day rules (External site, opens in a new tab) require. Arrive 30 minutes before the start. If you are late, you cannot take the exam. If a public-transport delay or traffic jam makes you late, email DUO with proof. DUO may offer a replacement exam.

To cancel with a refund, email DUO no later than four weeks before the exam (External site, opens in a new tab). The 2025 amendment to the 2026 rules (External site, opens in a new tab) confirms this deadline. If you cancel later, you still have to pay.

If illness or a death in your direct family prevents you from taking the exam, email DUO and send evidence within 10 days after the exam (External site, opens in a new tab). A replacement exam is possible, but DUO must approve it. The 2026 rules require a doctor's confirmation that illness prevented you from attending. For a death, they specify first-degree family, such as a parent or child. Ask DUO whether your family relationship qualifies.

An adapted exam can give you extra time, larger letters or another adjustment. Select persoonlijke omstandigheden (personal circumstances) during registration. DUO contacts you about the adjustment. You need to send a statement from a medical specialist. Agree with DUO which document to send. DUO may offer another city or date because some locations cannot provide the adjustment.

All exam locations are wheelchair accessible. Wheelchair access alone does not require an adapted-exam request. If you are unsure whether you need an adjustment, follow the request process. DUO can then assess your situation.

If you know your programme and exam part, check the schedule and book an available place. If you need an adjustment, request it while booking. If you choose an invoice, make sure DUO receives payment at least 14 days before the exam. If you need to cancel, email DUO at least four weeks before the exam to keep your refund.

After booking, use these guides for exam day and results:

• Staatsexamen NT2 exam-day rules: what to bring
• Staatsexamen NT2 results and resits