Inburgering Exam Guide

Everything you need to know about the Dutch integration exam: structure, levels, sections, and how DutchExam helps you prepare with AI-powered practice.

  • • Understand each exam section and scoring.
  • • See the difference between A2 and B1 levels.
  • • Learn how DutchExam mirrors the official exam format with targeted practice and mock exams.

General Exam Information

Non-EU citizens who are legally required to integrate or wish to apply for permanent residence or Dutch citizenship need to pass the inburgering exams.

Complete Structure: The exam consists of five main sections: Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking, and Knowledge of Dutch Society (KNM). Mock exams help you practice all sections in a timed, realistic setting.

Exam Levels: A2 and B1

Inburgeringsexamen A2

A2 Level

Basic Dutch language proficiency. Required for most permanent residence and citizenship applications.

  • • Suitable for beginners with basic Dutch skills
  • • Focus on everyday conversations and simple texts

Staatsexamen I

B1 Level

Intermediate proficiency for better job opportunities, study enrollment, or required for newcomers after January 2022.

  • • More challenging than A2
  • • Opens doors to higher education and professional roles

Important: DutchExam supports both A2 and B1 preparation. Check your specific requirements with the Dutch government.

Reading exam capybara

1. Reading (Lezen)

Computer-based multiple-choice questions testing your ability to understand Dutch texts like letters, emails, and notices.

A2 Level 65 minutes • 25 questions
Pass: 18/25 correct (72%)
B1 Level 110 minutes • ~40 questions
Pass: ~65% correct
Listening exam capybara

2. Listening (Luisteren)

Computer-based test with audio clips of conversations, announcements, and everyday situations.

A2 Level 45 minutes • 25 questions
Pass: 19/25 correct (76%)
B1 Level 90 minutes • ~40 questions
Pass: 60-65% correct
Writing exam capybara

3. Writing (Schrijven)

Fill in forms, write messages, and compose short texts about everyday topics.

A2 Level 40 minutes • Pen & paper
Fill forms + short messages
B1 Level 100 minutes • Computer
10 grammar + 1 form + 3 longer texts
Speaking exam capybara

4. Speaking (Spreken)

Computer-based with voice recording. Respond to videos and participate in dialogues.

A2 Level Variable duration
12 open + 12 dialogue questions
B1 Level 35 minutes
8 short + 8 longer exercises
KNM exam capybara

5. Knowledge of Dutch Society (KNM)

Computer-based multiple-choice exam in Dutch covering Dutch customs, history, geography, government, healthcare, and more.

Same for all levels 45 minutes • 40 questions
Pass: 26/40 correct (65%)
Topics coveredDutch customs, education, healthcare, housing, history, geography, and government
Mock exams capybara

Mock Exams

DutchExam offers simulated inburgering exams that combine reading, listening, writing, speaking, and KNM tasks under timed conditions. You can practice with realistic questions, experience the pressure of a real exam, and review where you lost points — without any risk.

What's included- Mixed tasks from different sections (reading, listening, writing, speaking, KNM)
- Timed sessions with automatic countdown
- Score overview at the end
Important noteThese mock exams are for practice only and are not official DUO exams, but they mirror the format and difficulty to help you feel prepared.

Ready to start practicing for your inburgering exam?

Use AI-powered exercises and mock exams for reading, listening, writing, speaking, and KNM — all built around the official inburgering exam format.