The Dutch integration exam at a glance
Last checked: 29 October 2026
The Dutch integration exam, called the inburgeringsexamen, tests your Dutch and your knowledge of Dutch society. Most people from outside the EU who settle here for a longer period must take it within 3 years. It has four language exams, a KNM exam and, depending on your law, MAP or ONA plus a participation statement. DUO runs it.
| Question | Short answer |
|---|---|
| Who runs it | DUO, on behalf of the Dutch government |
| Who takes it | People who are required to integrate, plus people who want to naturalise |
| Which laws | Wet inburgering 2013, or Wet inburgering 2021 (in force since 1 Jan 2022) |
| Time limit | 3 years |
| Language level | A2 under the 2013 law, usually B1 under the 2021 law |
| Where to check your own case | Mijn Inburgering |
Sources: inburgeren.nl overview, which exams.
More Dutch is not affiliated with DUO. This page is a summary in plain words. For the full picture read the inburgering exam guide.
Who has to take it
You are required to integrate if you come to live in the Netherlands for a longer period and you are not in an exempt group. DUO then sends you a letter automatically (government.nl). Under the 2021 law, that letter comes after you have a BSN, a residence permit and registration in your municipality (inburgeren.nl).
These groups are exempt (government.nl):
- Citizens of EU countries, Liechtenstein, Norway, Iceland and Switzerland
- Children under 18
- People who lived here at least 8 years while of compulsory school age
- People with certain Dutch-taught diplomas from the Kingdom of the Netherlands
- People who have reached retirement age
- People here temporarily, for example for work, study or an exchange
You can also take it voluntarily, for example to naturalise or to get a stronger residence permit (inburgeren.nl). People who do have to integrate can still be exempt from some or all parts, for example because of a serious illness (inburgeren.nl).
Which law applies
There are two laws in use, and they work quite differently.
- Wet inburgering 2021, in force since 1 January 2022. It applies if you first became required to integrate on or after that date (government.nl). Your municipality leads. After an intake you get a personal plan (PIP) with a route: B1, O (education) or Z (self-reliance) (inburgeren.nl).
- Wet inburgering 2013. It still applies if you were already required to integrate before 1 January 2022 (same source). You arrange it yourself and take the exams at A2. You can follow a course or study alone (same source).
Mijn Inburgering tells you which one is yours. Read only the rules for your own law, because advice for the other one will mislead you.
Which parts are in the exam
| Part | 2021 law | 2013 law |
|---|---|---|
| Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking | Yes, level set by your PIP | Yes, at A2 |
| KNM (Knowledge of Dutch Society) | Yes | Yes |
| MAP (labour market and participation, with your municipality) | Yes, on the B1 and Z routes | No |
| ONA (orientation on the Dutch labour market) | No | Yes, if your duty started from 1 Jan 2015 |
| PVT (participation statement) | Yes | Yes, if your duty started from 1 Oct 2017 |
Sources: which exams, knowledge exams.
At A2 the language exams are DUO's own. At B1 and B2 they are the Nt2 state exam (inburgeren.nl). KNM is a 45-minute computer exam about everyday life here, from housing to health care (inburgeren.nl).
Cost in one line
Each A2 language exam and KNM costs €50. Under the 2021 law that is €250 in total, with MAP free. Under the 2013 law ONA adds €40, for €290 (inburgeren.nl). Each Nt2 part at B1 or B2 is €50 (duo.nl).
Where to go next
- How to book, results, fines and exemptions: the inburgering exam guide
- A study plan: how to pass the inburgering exam
- The A2 language exams in detail: inburgering exam A2
- The B1 Nt2 state exam: how to pass the B1 Dutch exam
- KNM: how to pass the KNM exam
If you want to start today, try a few questions in our free KNM practice exam or read the KNM chapter on Dutch norms and values. Our questions are our own, not taken from real exams.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Dutch integration exam the same as the inburgering exam?
Yes. Inburgeringsexamen is the Dutch name. Integration exam and civic integration exam are English names for the same thing.
Do EU citizens have to take the integration exam?
No. The duty does not apply to citizens of EU countries, Liechtenstein, Norway, Iceland or Switzerland, according to government.nl. They can still take it voluntarily.
What happens if I do not pass in time?
If you are not an asylum status holder and you have no right to more time, DUO can fine you. You still have to finish afterwards. The inburgering exam guide lists the amounts per law.
Is the integration exam needed for Dutch citizenship?
Usually yes. To naturalise you need the integration diploma at A2 or the Nt2 state exam at B1 or B2. See Dutch citizenship requirements.
Where do I register?
A2 exams and KNM in Mijn Inburgering. The B1 and B2 Nt2 state exam in Mijn DUO.