The inburgering exam explained: parts, costs, dates and the two laws
Last checked: 29 October 2026
The inburgering exam is the set of civic integration exams you take to show you can speak Dutch and know how Dutch society works. DUO runs it. Which parts you take depends on the law you fall under: the 2013 law or the 2021 law, in force since 1 January 2022. Mijn Inburgering shows which one applies to you.
| Fact | 2021 law (since 1 Jan 2022) | 2013 law |
|---|---|---|
| Time to finish | 3 years | 3 years |
| Language level | Usually B1, set in your personal plan (PIP) | A2 |
| Language parts | Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking | Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking |
| Knowledge parts | KNM, plus MAP with your municipality | KNM, plus ONA if your duty started from 1 Jan 2015 |
| Participation statement (PVT) | Yes | Yes, if your duty started from 1 Oct 2017 |
| Exam fee | €50 per exam, €250 for all five, MAP free | €50 per exam, ONA €40, €290 in total |
| Where you check | Mijn Inburgering | Mijn Inburgering |
Sources for the table: which exams, content of the knowledge exams, costs, overview.
More Dutch is not affiliated with DUO. Everything below comes from the official pages we link, checked on the date at the top. Our own practice questions are written by us. They are not real or leaked exam questions.
First, find out which law you fall under
This is the question that decides everything else. The rules, the level and even the list of exams are different under each law.
The 2021 law (Wet inburgering 2021) applies if you first became required to integrate on or after 1 January 2022. The 2013 law still applies if you were already required to integrate before that date (government.nl). If you are not sure, log in to Mijn Inburgering with your DigiD. It shows your law, your deadline and the exams you still need (inburgeren.nl).
When I talk to people who are stressed about the exam, half the stress comes from reading advice written for the other law. Check this first and only read rules for your own law.
How it works under the 2021 law
Under the 2021 law, you do not start with an exam. You start with your municipality (inburgeren.nl):
- DUO sends you a letter. You need a BSN, a residence permit and registration in your municipality first. The letter can take up to 8 weeks.
- Your municipality invites you for a broad intake. Part of it is a learnability test (leerbaarheidstoets).
- Together you make a personal plan, the PIP (persoonlijk plan inburgering en participatie). The PIP says which learning route you follow and which exams you take.
- You get a letter with the start date of your integration period. From then on you have 3 years.
The three routes
| Route | Who it is for | What you finish with |
|---|---|---|
| B1 route | Most people | Language exams at B1, KNM, MAP and PVT |
| O route (education) | Mainly young people going into Dutch education | A study programme instead of the B1 exams |
| Z route (self-reliance) | People for whom B1 is not realistic | A1 level, MAP and PVT, ending with an interview and a certificate |
The routes are described on government.nl. On the B1 route, if you have had at least 600 hours of lessons and still did not pass B1, you can talk to your municipality about doing A2 instead. On the Z route, the A2 exams are optional (inburgeren.nl).
How it works under the 2013 law
Under the 2013 law, you arrange things yourself. You take the exams at A2 level within 3 years. You can go to a school or study on your own (inburgeren.nl). Your list of exams depends on when your duty to integrate began (inburgeren.nl):
| Duty to integrate started | Exams you need |
|---|---|
| 1 Oct 2017 or later | Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking, KNM, ONA, PVT |
| 1 Jan 2015 to 1 Oct 2017 | Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking, KNM, ONA |
| 1 Jan 2013 to 1 Jan 2015 | Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking, KNM |
The parts of the inburgering exam
The four language exams
You take Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking. At A2 these are DUO's own integration exams. At B1 and B2 they are the Nt2 state exam (Staatsexamen Nederlands als tweede taal). The times below come from inburgeren.nl:
| Part | A2 (DUO) | B1 (Nt2 state exam) | B2 (Nt2 state exam) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speaking | On a computer, short films and questions, 35 min | 25 to 30 min | 25 to 30 min |
| Listening | On a computer, short films and texts, 45 min | 90 min | 90 min |
| Reading | On a computer, 65 min | 110 min | 100 min |
| Writing | Pen and paper, 4 tasks such as a short letter or a form, 40 min | 100 min | 100 min |
The Nt2 state exam is run by DUO and the College voor Toetsen en Examens. Its own site says all four Nt2 parts are taken on a computer (staatsexamensnt2.nl). We go deeper on each level in the A2 exam guide, the Dutch B1 exam and how to pass the B1 Dutch exam.
KNM: Knowledge of Dutch Society
KNM (Kennis van de Nederlandse Maatschappij) is a computer exam about daily life in the Netherlands. It covers themes like housing, work and income, health care and the way the country is governed. It takes 45 minutes (inburgeren.nl). Everyone takes KNM, under both laws.
The questions are short situations with a choice of answers. You need to know the facts and also how people handle things here: who you call, what you sign, what is expected of you. Read how to pass the KNM exam and how many questions the KNM exam has for the details.
MAP: Labour market and participation (2021 law)
MAP (Module Arbeidsmarkt en Participatie) is only part of the 2021 law. You do it with your municipality, on the B1 route or the Z route. It has two parts: labour market and participation (inburgeren.nl). It is free.
ONA: Orientation on the Dutch labour market (2013 law)
ONA (Oriëntatie op de Nederlandse Arbeidsmarkt) is only needed under the 2013 law or if you integrate voluntarily. You do not need it under the 2021 law. You build a portfolio of result cards. After that you either follow 64 hours of an ONA course or have a final interview of about 30 minutes. The fee is €40 (inburgeren.nl).
Plan ONA early. Checking the portfolio takes up to 6 weeks, the wait for an interview is about 6 weeks, and the result comes within 8 weeks (same source).
PVT: the participation statement
The PVT (participatieverklaringstraject) is a short course about Dutch values, followed by signing a statement. It is required if you became obliged to integrate from 1 October 2017. Under the 2021 law you have 3 years to sign it. Under the 2013 law you have 1 year, and you can get a €340 fine if you are late through your own fault (inburgeren.nl).
What the inburgering exam costs
Fees from inburgeren.nl and duo.nl:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Each A2 language exam and KNM | €50 |
| All five (2021 law) | €250 |
| ONA (2013 law) | €40 |
| All six (2013 law) | €290 |
| PVT (2021 law) | Free |
| PVT (2013 law, if you are not an asylum status holder) | €150 |
| MAP (2021 law) | Free |
| Each Nt2 state exam part (B1 or B2) | €50, or €200 for all four |
Under the 2021 law, asylum status holders get the first 2 attempts at each exam for free, unless they take an exam at a lower level than their PIP says. Others pay themselves or can borrow from DUO, but only for a school listed on zoekinburgerschool.nl (inburgeren.nl).
How to register
For the A2 language exams, KNM and ONA, you register in Mijn Inburgering with your DigiD and pick a date and location. There are paper forms if you cannot log in. You can change the date or location, or cancel and get your money back, until 1 week before the exam. It can take more than 6 weeks to get a date, so book early (inburgeren.nl).
For the B1 or B2 Nt2 state exam, you register in Mijn DUO. Registration opens about 8 weeks before the exam date. If you cancel at least 4 weeks before, you get your money back. After you pay, a letter with the place and time arrives 10 days before the exam (duo.nl).
On the day
Come alone and bring a valid ID. DUO publishes a list of accepted IDs, such as a passport or a Dutch residence permit. Without a valid ID you cannot take the exam and you have to register again. You also sign a form promising to keep the exam content confidential (inburgeren.nl).
For the Nt2 state exam, be there 30 minutes before the start. If you are late, you cannot take part (duo.nl).
Results and your diploma
KNM and A2 results arrive by letter within 8 weeks and also show up in Mijn Inburgering (inburgeren.nl). For now, Speaking A2 and Writing A2 can take up to 16 weeks, and DUO extends your integration period by 6 months if you are near your deadline while you wait (DUO news). Nt2 results are in Mijn DUO after about 5 weeks, and you also get them by email and post. If you fail a part, you only redo that part (duo.nl).
Your integration diploma is digital and free, in "Mijn diploma's". It counts for naturalisation. Under the 2021 law the diploma shows your level (A2, B1 or B2). Under the 2013 law it is always A2. A paper copy is free once and takes 8 weeks. A duplicate costs €72 (inburgeren.nl).
If you do not finish in time
You have 3 years. If you miss the deadline and do not qualify for more time, DUO can fine you. Asylum status holders never pay a fine. The Raad van State ruled that DUO cannot fine status holders for taking too long (inburgeren.nl).
| 2021 law | 2013 law | |
|---|---|---|
| Fine for not finishing in time | At most €1,000 | At most €1,250 |
| Fine for missing the PVT | €340 | €340 |
| Fine for missing the MAP | €340 | Not applicable |
| Extra time after a fine | 6 months to 2 years, depending on your progress | 2 years |
Source: inburgeren.nl, fines. A fine does not end your duty. You still have to finish.
When you take fewer exams, or none
Some people are exempt from part or all of the exam (inburgeren.nl).
Under the 2021 law:
- A serious illness or disability can mean fewer exams or none.
- An Nt2 certificate or diploma can give a partial exemption.
- A diploma from Dutch education, or a Dutch-language programme in Belgium or Suriname, can mean no exams.
- Living here at least 10 years and working here at least 5 years can mean no exams.
Under the 2013 law:
- Working here at least 6 months in the past year can exempt you from ONA.
- An Nt2 certificate or diploma can count towards your exams.
- At least 600 hours of a course, illness or disability, a Dutch diploma, or 10 years living plus 5 years working can mean no exams.
Once you reach AOW (state pension) age, you no longer have to integrate. An exemption is not always enough for naturalisation, so check before you rely on one (inburgeren.nl).
The exam, citizenship and permanent residence
To naturalise, you first need the integration diploma at A2, or the Nt2 state exam at B1 or B2 (inburgeren.nl). For a stronger residence permit, such as permanent residence, you also need the integration diploma first, and the IND decides on the permit (inburgeren.nl). Our pages on the Dutch citizenship requirements, the Dutch citizenship test and the Dutch language test for citizenship cover that side.
If you really cannot pass despite real effort, DUO can give an advisory statement on demonstrable effort. One condition is at least 600 hours of a course at a listed school, plus at least 3 attempts at all exams (inburgeren.nl).
How to prepare
Start with DUO's own free practice exams. They have practice exams for A2 Writing, Speaking, Listening and Reading, and two for KNM. For B1 and B2 there is the Nt2 practice environment (inburgeren.nl). Do at least one under real time limits so the clock does not surprise you.
Then fill the gaps. Most people I know who failed a part knew the material but ran out of time or froze on the format. So practise the format as much as the content:
- For KNM, read our KNM chapter guides, starting with housing and work and income, then test yourself with the KNM practice exam.
- For the language exams, learn the 594 most common Dutch words and get word order right. Those two fix more mistakes than anything else.
- For writing, practise short notes and forms by hand if you take A2, because that exam is on paper.
The full step-by-step plan is in how to pass the inburgering exam.
KNM drills on More Dutch are free. If you want more, Plus adds the full 450-question bank and mock exams for a one-time €14.99 (see pricing).
Every guide on the inburgering exam
- How to pass the inburgering exam: a study plan that works for both laws
- The inburgering exam at A2: the four A2 language exams in detail
- The Dutch integration exam at a glance: the short version
- The Dutch B1 exam and how to pass the B1 Dutch exam: the Nt2 state exam
- How to pass the KNM exam, KNM exam questions and how many questions the KNM exam has
- Dutch citizenship requirements and the Dutch citizenship test
Want a small push every week? Sign up for one KNM question a week.
More guides
Exams, booking and results
- B1 Dutch exam questions PDF
- Do inburgering exams expire? How long your results stay valid
- Dutch B1 exam cost and schedule
- The Dutch B1 exam
- The Dutch civic integration exam abroad
- Dutch inburgering exam example
- Do highly skilled migrants have to take the inburgering exam?
- Dutch integration exam changes in 2025 and 2026
- Dutch integration exam tips from Reddit, checked against DUO
- The Dutch integration exam at a glance
- Dutch language exam levels
- How to pass the B1 Dutch exam (Nt2 state exam, Programma I)
- How to pass the inburgering exam
- How to register for the inburgering exam (and KNM)
- How to reschedule or cancel your inburgering exam
- How to take the inburgering exam, step by step
- The inburgering A2 speaking exam
- Inburgering exam A2 or B1? How to know which one you take
- The inburgering exam at A2
- The inburgering exam at B1
- How much does the inburgering exam cost?
- Inburgering exam results
- Is the inburgering exam difficult? It depends on your level and your law
- What is B1 level Dutch? What you can do, with examples
- What is the inburgering exam? A plain definition
- What to bring to the inburgering exam (and which ID counts)
The KNM exam
- How many questions are in the KNM exam, and how long does it take?
- How to pass the KNM exam
- How to study for the KNM exam
- Is the KNM exam difficult? What makes it easy and what trips people up
- KNM exam questions
- What is the KNM exam? Knowledge of Dutch Society explained
Frequently asked questions
Is the inburgering exam A2 or B1?
It depends on your law. Under the 2013 law it is A2. Under the 2021 law your PIP sets the level, which is usually B1, with A2 or lower on some routes.
How much does the inburgering exam cost?
Each A2 language exam and KNM costs €50. That is €250 for all five under the 2021 law and €290 under the 2013 law, which adds ONA at €40. Each Nt2 part at B1 or B2 is €50.
How long do I have to pass?
Three years under both laws. If you miss the deadline, DUO can fine you, and you still have to finish.
Can I take the exams in any order?
Yes, you register for each exam separately. Under the 2021 law your municipality and PIP guide the order, and MAP and PVT run through the municipality.
How long does it take to get my results?
KNM, Reading A2 and Listening A2 results arrive within 8 weeks. Speaking A2 and Writing A2 can take up to 16 weeks for now. Nt2 results at B1 or B2 take about 5 weeks.
If I fail one part, do I redo everything?
No. You only register again for the part you failed.
Are More Dutch questions the real exam questions?
No. More Dutch is not affiliated with DUO. We write our own practice questions based on the official topics. Real exam content is confidential.