How many questions are in the KNM exam, and how long does it take?
Last checked: 29 October 2026
The KNM exam has 40 questions and lasts 45 minutes. That gives you just over a minute per question. The questions are multiple choice, in Dutch, on a computer, and grouped by theme. DUO's official practice exam states the 40-question count, and inburgeren.nl confirms the 45 minutes. You get your result by letter within 8 weeks.
| Fact | KNM exam |
|---|---|
| Number of questions | 40 (DUO practice exam) |
| Exam time | 45 minutes (inburgeren.nl) |
| Time per question | About 1 minute 7 seconds |
| Format | Computer, multiple choice, grouped by theme |
| Pass mark | Not published on the official pages we checked |
| Fee | €50 per attempt (inburgeren.nl) |
| Result | By letter within 8 weeks, also in Mijn Inburgering (inburgeren.nl) |
More Dutch is not affiliated with DUO. The facts here come from the official pages linked next to each one.
How many questions are in the KNM exam?
- DUO's own practice exam for KNM, linked from inburgeren.nl, says you answer 40 questions and that the real KNM exam also has 40 questions. The practice exam start screen shows "40 vragen" and "45 minuten" (practice exam, via inburgeren.nl).
The questions come in blocks by theme, such as housing, work and income, and history and geography (inburgeren.nl). Each block starts with a short screen that names the theme. Many questions use a picture or a short audio clip.
You may see other numbers online, often from older sources or from sites copying each other. Trust the official practice exam. DUO renewed the KNM exam on 1 July 2025 (inburgeren.nl), so check that anything you read is from after that date.
How long is the KNM exam?
The exam itself takes 45 minutes (inburgeren.nl). Plan for more time on the day. You need to arrive, show your ID and sign a confidentiality form before you start (inburgeren.nl). Leave yourself a buffer for travel, too. If you miss the exam, you have to register again.
Here is how KNM compares with the A2 language exams (inburgeren.nl):
| Exam | Time | How |
|---|---|---|
| KNM | 45 minutes | Computer |
| Speaking A2 | 35 minutes | Computer |
| Listening A2 | 45 minutes | Computer |
| Reading A2 | 65 minutes | Computer |
| Writing A2 | 40 minutes | Pen and paper |
These are separate exams. You book each one on its own.
Is 45 minutes enough?
For most people, yes, if your Dutch reading is at a comfortable A2 level. A minute per question is enough to read a short situation and three or four options. Where people lose time:
- Audio questions. You need to play and listen before you can answer. Do these calmly but do not replay them over and over.
- Rereading. If you read every question three times, you will run short. Read once carefully, answer, move on.
- Getting stuck. If one question blocks you, choose your best guess and keep going.
A simple pacing check: you should be around question 20 when about 22 minutes have passed. If you are well behind, speed up a little.
The best way to learn your own pace is to take DUO's two free practice exams with a timer (inburgeren.nl). Then train in shorter bursts with the KNM practice exam on More Dutch.
How many questions do you need to get right?
DUO does not publish the KNM pass mark on the pages we checked. We would rather tell you that than guess. What we can say: aim to score clearly above the halfway mark on practice exams, and aim higher if you can, so a few tricky questions on the day do not decide your result.
Under which law do you take KNM?
Both. Under the 2013 law, KNM sits next to the four A2 language exams. Under the 2021 law (Wet inburgering 2021, in force since 1 January 2022), you take KNM as part of the B1 route set in your personal plan (PIP) (inburgeren.nl). The KNM exam is the same 45-minute exam either way. KNM is also part of the integration exam you need for naturalisation, see the Dutch citizenship test.
Getting ready
Read our KNM chapter guides one theme at a time, then test yourself. The full plan is in how to pass the KNM exam, and KNM exam questions shows what the questions look like. For the whole exam set, start at the inburgering exam guide.
Try a free 15-question KNM drill. With More Dutch Plus you get the full 450-question bank and mock exams for a one-time €14.99 (pricing). Or sign up for one KNM question a week.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the KNM exam?
40 multiple-choice questions, according to DUO's official KNM practice exam.
How long is the KNM exam?
45 minutes. Add time for checking your ID and signing in on the day.
How much time do I have per question?
About 1 minute and 7 seconds on average. Some questions take less, audio questions take more.
What is the KNM pass mark?
It is not listed on the official pages we checked. Practise until you score well above half.
When do I get my KNM result?
By letter within 8 weeks. You can also see it in Mijn Inburgering.
Can I go back to earlier questions?
DUO's practice exam has back and forward buttons and an overview screen, so you can review. Check the instructions on your exam day, as we cannot confirm the real exam works the same way.