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Over de examens · GuideAbout the Dutch language exams
A short, plain-language guide to the Dutch language exams. Rules change regularly, so always check the official websites before you book.
The three exams people confuse
| Exam | Level | Who takes it | Official site |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inburgeringsexamen A2 | A2 | Integration obligation under the Wet inburgering 2013 (started before 1 January 2022), or downscaled to A2 by the municipality | inburgeren.nl (DUO) |
| Staatsexamen NT2 Programma I | B1 | Wet inburgering 2021 B1-route; work or study at MBO 3/4 level; anyone who wants a B1 diploma | staatsexamensnt2.nl |
| Staatsexamen NT2 Programma II | B2 | Study or work at HBO/university level | staatsexamensnt2.nl |
There is no ‘Staatsexamen NT2 A2’. Our courses cover the A2 inburgeringsexamen and Programma I (B1).
What the integration process includes
Four language exams
Lezen, Luisteren, Schrijven, Spreken (A2 or B1).
KNM
Kennis van de Nederlandse Maatschappij: a computer exam about Dutch society — work, housing, health care, education, history, institutions, the rule of law and social norms.
MAP or ONA
MAP (Wi2021) or ONA (Wi2013): orientation on the Dutch labour market, arranged via your municipality (MAP) or DUO (ONA).
PVT
The participation statement workshop about Dutch core values, ending with signing the participation statement.
Which parts apply to you is stated in Mijn Inburgering and, under the Wi2021, in your personal plan (PIP).
A2 language exams at a glance
- Lezen: multiple-choice questions about practical texts on a computer; a paper Van Dale NT2 dictionary is allowed.
- Luisteren: multiple-choice questions about short videos and audio.
- Schrijven: on paper — a form plus short texts such as notes and e-mails; a paper Van Dale NT2 dictionary is allowed.
- Spreken: on a computer, in four parts with a video and one, two or three pictures.
You book and pay for each A2 exam separately in Mijn Inburgering.
Practise for A2 →Programma I (B1) at a glance
- Lezen: longer texts about daily life, work and study; global, close and search reading.
- Luisteren: conversations and talks about work, school and daily life; each fragment plays once.
- Schrijven: sentences, completing a letter, text or form, and short texts in which you give information, ask questions, give an opinion, thank someone or give instructions.
- Spreken: short and medium-length speaking tasks on a computer, with 20 or 30 seconds per answer.
Each of the four exams can be taken and retaken separately.
Practise for B1 →Use the official practice exams too
So you know the real exam software before exam day.
Tip: DUO notes that the A2 speaking practice exams do not work in Safari. Use Chrome or Firefox.
Three steps to your exam
- Check what you needCheck which exams and which level you need in Mijn Inburgering (or your PIP).
- Book your examBook A2 and KNM exams via Mijn Inburgering; book the Staatsexamen via DUO.
- Exam dayBring a valid ID and your invitation letter.
Ready to practise?
Start with the free level test, or go straight to your trainer.
Last checked: October 2026. The Dutch Way is not affiliated with DUO or the College voor Toetsen en Examens.
