DUO Inburgering Exam: Complete A2 & B1 Guide
Everything you need to know about the Inburgering exam — from the A2 and B1 routes to the five exam sections, exam format, and how to prepare. Start with 7 days of full access, no card required.
What is the Inburgering exam?
The DUO Inburgering exam (inburgeringsexamen) is the official exam that most non-EU migrants must pass in order to integrate in the Netherlands. It is run by DUO (Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs) and is a legal requirement under Dutch immigration law.
The exam tests your Dutch language skills across four areas — Reading (Lezen), Listening (Luisteren), Writing (Schrijven), and Speaking (Spreken) — plus your knowledge of Dutch society through a separate exam called KNM (Kennis van de Nederlandse Maatschappij). All five sections are computer-based and must be passed individually.
The Inburgering exam is available at two levels: A2 and B1. Which level you need depends on your personal integration route, as determined by DUO or your municipality. Most people receive a three-year deadline to pass all sections.
Who needs to take the Inburgering exam?
Most non-EU/EEA nationals between 18 and the state pension age who have been granted a residence permit in the Netherlands are required to pass the Inburgering exam.
Some groups are exempt, including EU/EEA/Swiss nationals, people who hold certain Dutch or international diplomas, and those who qualify for a medical exemption.
A2 or B1: which level do you need?
The Inburgering exam is offered at two language levels. If your integration duty started on or after 1 January 2022, you follow the Wet inburgering 2021 (Wi2021), where B1 is the standard route. A2 is the level of the earlier law (Wi2013), and it can also apply inside the B1 route when your municipality approves it.
A2 level: basic everyday Dutch
The level of the earlier Wet inburgering 2013, and an exception inside the B1 route when your municipality approves it. It shows you can function in common daily situations.
B1 route: the standard under Wi2021
The main route for people whose integration duty started on or after 1 January 2022. Requires more detailed and structured language use.
The five Inburgering exam sections
The Inburgering exam is made up of five independently scheduled sections. You book, take, and receive results for each section separately through DUO.
Inburgering Reading
Inburgering Listening
Inburgering Writing
Inburgering Speaking
Inburgering KNM
Exam format and duration
All Inburgering exam sections are computer-based. Duration varies by level.
Explore each exam section
Select a section below to learn about the format, question types, and tips — and start practising.
From the blog
Guides and personal experience from someone who took the exams — one for each part, plus a plan for the order to take them in.
Ready to start preparing?
Practise all five Inburgering exam sections online — Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking, and KNM. Start with 7 days of full access, no card required.
Start 7 days freeHow to prepare for the Inburgering exam
Consistent, structured practice across all five sections is the most effective way to prepare for the Dutch integration exam.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Not practising under timed conditions — the real exam has strict time limits for each section
- Focusing only on language study and ignoring KNM — it requires separate topic-based preparation
- Skipping speaking and writing practice — these sections require active production, not just recognition
How DutchExam helps you prepare
DutchExam provides practice tasks for all five Inburgering exam sections — Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking, and KNM. Practice tasks mirror the official DUO exam format at both A2 and B1 level, so you can switch between levels at any time and rehearse exactly the question types you will see on exam day. Writing, Speaking, Reading, and Fill the Gaps tasks include AI-powered feedback on grammar, structure, vocabulary, comprehension, and task completion, with concrete suggestions on how to improve your next attempt. Listening and KNM tasks are auto-scored with detailed explanations for every answer, so you understand not only what you got wrong but also why. Everything runs in your browser, a 7-day free trial lets you try it all before you pay, and you can repeat each exercise as many times as you need to feel confident.
Frequently asked questions about the Inburgering exam
What is the Inburgering exam?
The Inburgering exam is the official Dutch integration exam required for most non-EU migrants who settle in the Netherlands. It tests your Dutch language skills across four sections — Reading (Lezen), Listening (Luisteren), Writing (Schrijven), and Speaking (Spreken) — plus your knowledge of Dutch society through the KNM exam. All five sections must be passed separately.
What is the difference between the A2 route and B1 route?
If your integration duty started on or after 1 January 2022, you follow the Wet inburgering 2021 (Wi2021), where B1 is the standard route, with longer tasks, more detailed responses and broader vocabulary. A2 is the level of the earlier law (Wi2013), and it can also apply inside the B1 route when your municipality approves it. Your integration letter shows which route applies to you.
Is the B1 Inburgering exam the same as Staatsexamen NT2?
No. The B1 Inburgering exam and the Staatsexamen NT2 are two separate exams with different formats, different providers, and different scoring systems — even though both assess Dutch at a B1 level. The Staatsexamen NT2 is administered by CvTE, while the Inburgering exam is overseen by DUO.
How much does the Inburgering exam cost?
Each exam section is booked and paid for separately through DUO. Prices are set by DUO and may change. Check the official DUO website (inburgeren.nl) for the most up-to-date fees. In many cases, you can use your DUO loan to cover exam costs.
Where do I take the Inburgering exam?
The Inburgering exam is taken at official DUO exam locations across the Netherlands. You book each section individually through your Mijn Inburgering account on the DUO website. Available dates and locations vary per section.
Can I take the exam sections separately?
Yes. Each of the five sections (Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking, and KNM) is scheduled and scored independently. You can take them in any order, at different times, and focus on one section at a time. You only need to retake sections you did not pass.
How long do I have to pass the Inburgering exam?
Most people receive a three-year deadline from their integration start date. Extensions may be possible in certain circumstances. Your personal deadline is stated in your integration letter from DUO. Missing the deadline can result in fines, so it is important to plan ahead.
What is KNM?
KNM stands for Kennis van de Nederlandse Maatschappij (Knowledge of Dutch Society). It is a computer-based multiple-choice exam covering topics such as daily life, work, education, healthcare, housing, history, and government in the Netherlands. The KNM exam is the same for both A2 and B1 routes.
What is the MAP or PVT?
MAP stands for Module Arbeidsmarkt en Participatie (labour market and participation module) and PVT for Participatieverklaringstraject (participation declaration process). Both are part of the integration route, not exams, and are separate from the language exams and KNM. Which ones you must complete depends on your route. Your municipality can tell you.
How can I prepare for the Inburgering exam online?
DutchExam provides online practice tests for all five Inburgering exam sections, including Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking, and KNM. You can practise with realistic exam-format questions, get AI-powered feedback on Writing and Speaking, and track your progress — all from your computer or phone. Every new account starts with 7 days of full access, no card required.
Start preparing for the Inburgering exam today
Practise Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking and KNM for the Dutch integration exam, with AI feedback on your answers.
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