Inburgering Exam: Your Complete Guide to the Dutch Integration Exam
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 practising for free with DutchExam.
What is the Inburgering exam?
The Inburgering exam (also called the Dutch integration exam) is the official exam that most non-EU migrants must pass in order to integrate in the Netherlands. It is overseen 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 route vs B1 route: which level do you need?
The Inburgering exam is offered at two language levels. The A2 route covers basic everyday Dutch and is the standard requirement for most integration paths. The B1 route, introduced under the Wet inburgering 2021 (Wi2021), requires a higher level of language proficiency.
A2 route: basic everyday Dutch
The standard level for most integration routes. Suitable for people who need to demonstrate they can function in common daily situations.
B1 route: higher proficiency
Required for people on the Inburgering 2021 programme (Wi2021). 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.
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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?
The A2 route covers basic everyday Dutch and is the standard requirement for most integration paths. The B1 route, introduced under the Inburgering 2021 programme (Wi2021), requires a higher level of language proficiency with longer tasks, more detailed responses, and broader vocabulary. Your municipality or DUO determines which route applies to you based on your integration letter.
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?
The MAP (Participatieverklaringstraject) and PVT (Participatieverklaringstraject) are civic orientation activities — not exams. They are separate from the language exams and KNM. Depending on your integration route, your municipality may require you to complete one or both. Contact your municipality for details.
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. You can start practising for free.
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