Writing Exam (Schrijven): A2, B1 and B2 Format and Practice

The Dutch writing exam is called Schrijven. If your route says A2, you write 4 short tasks with pen and paper in 40 minutes. If your route says B1 or B2, you take the Dutch as a second language state writing exam (Staatsexamen NT2 Schrijven) on a computer for 100 minutes. Before you practise, check Mijn Inburgering, your DUO letter, or your personal integration and participation plan (PIP) from the gemeente (municipality). These documents state the level you need.

The Dutch government uses different routes, so another candidate's level may not apply to you. Under the Civic Integration Act 2021 (Wet inburgering 2021), your PIP from the gemeente states the route and level. Under older obligations, Mijn Inburgering and DUO letters show which exams you must take.

If you are still unsure, read which Dutch exam do you need and A2 vs B1 levels before booking anything. The A1 basisexamen abroad is different: it has reading, speaking, and knowledge of Dutch society, but not a separate writing exam.

A2 uses pen and paper for four short tasks in 40 minutes. B1 and B2 use a computer for 100-minute state exams.

For B1 and B2 Schrijven, only the paper Van Dale Pocketwoordenboek Nederlands als tweede taal (NT2) is allowed.

Writing exams test whether you complete practical tasks in understandable Dutch. A passing answer usually answers every bullet, uses the required tone, and gives the reader a clear message. The examples pair A2 with short practical entries, B1 with complaints and comparisons, and B2 with tasks that use tables, graphs, images, problems, or proposals.

When you review a practice answer, check whether it completes the task, whether the message is understandable, and whether the Dutch fits the level. A2 reports pass or fail within 8 weeks, while NT2 uses scheduled result dates and a 500-point threshold.

• Use official practice early. Try the DUO A2 writing PDFs or the NT2 practice environment before you make a study plan.
• Practise the real text type. A form, complaint, invitation, report, or proposal each needs a different tone.
• Write short, complete answers. Missing a bullet can make an answer incomplete even when its individual sentences are correct.
• Get feedback from a person or tool. Ask whether your message is clear, polite, and complete.
• For B1/B2, practise typing Dutch. Learn accents, punctuation, paragraphs, and the computer flow before exam day.
• Use the NT2 dictionary only for a word that blocks the task. Looking up many words uses exam time.

When you know your level, open the matching guide and practise tasks from that exam.

• For A2 forms, short letters, notes, and sample tasks, read the A2 writing exam guide.
• For B1 Programma I task types and a full practice set, read B1 writing task types.
• For B2 Programma II format, strategy, and practice, read the B2 writing guide.
• For extra B2 prompts after the guide, use NT2 B2 writing exercises.
• For downloadable practice, use A2 writing practice, B1 writing practice, or B2 writing practice.

• Open Mijn Inburgering, your DUO letter, or your PIP and write down the exact level: A2, B1, or B2.
• Make one official practice task before you study more grammar. Record whether vocabulary, time, handwriting, typing, or task understanding caused problems.
• Choose the matching deeper guide above and practise one text type at a time.
• For B1/B2, register through DUO/MijnDUO only when you can finish practice tasks within the time limit.
• If illness, disability, dyslexia, or another limitation affects writing or typing, check adapted-exam options before booking.