The inburgering exam at A2: the four language exams explained
Last checked: 29 October 2026
The inburgering A2 exam is DUO's set of four Dutch language exams: Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking. Three are on a computer and Writing is on paper. Each costs €50. Everyone under the 2013 law takes them at A2. Under the 2021 law, A2 is for some routes only, and your personal plan says which.
| Part | Format | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Speaking | Computer, short films and questions | 35 min |
| Listening | Computer, short films and texts | 45 min |
| Reading | Computer | 65 min |
| Writing | Pen and paper, 4 tasks such as a short letter or a form | 40 min |
| Cost | €50 per exam | |
| Results | By letter within 8 weeks, also in Mijn Inburgering. Speaking and Writing: up to 16 weeks for now |
Sources: exam content, costs, results.
More Dutch is not affiliated with DUO. Our practice material is our own and does not contain real exam questions. The full overview of every part, including KNM, is in the inburgering exam guide.
Who takes the Dutch inburgering A2 exam
It depends on your law. Check Mijn Inburgering to be sure.
- 2013 law: all your language exams are at A2, and the integration diploma is always at A2 level (inburgeren.nl).
- 2021 law (since 1 January 2022): the standard is B1. On the B1 route, after at least 600 hours of lessons without passing B1, you can talk to your municipality about switching to A2. On the Z route, the A2 exams are optional (inburgeren.nl).
- Naturalisation: you need the integration diploma at A2, or the Nt2 state exam at B1 or B2 (inburgeren.nl). People who integrate voluntarily for this reason often take A2. See the Dutch language test for citizenship.
What A2 means in practice
A2 is basic, everyday Dutch. You read a short letter from the municipality and pick out the date. You understand a simple phone message. You fill in a form and write a few sentences to a neighbour. You answer simple questions about yourself.
You do not need perfect grammar. You do need to get the message across and understand the main point. In my experience the people who struggle are often the ones trying to write beautiful sentences instead of clear ones.
The four A2 exams, one by one
Reading (65 minutes, computer)
You read short everyday texts, such as notices, letters, adverts and schedules, and answer questions about them. Read the question first. Then scan the text for that one piece of information. You rarely need to understand every word.
Listening (45 minutes, computer)
You watch short films and listen to texts, then answer questions (inburgeren.nl). Think conversations at a counter, at the doctor or at work. Listening to slow Dutch news or podcasts for a few weeks makes a real difference.
Writing (40 minutes, pen and paper)
Four tasks, such as a short letter or a form (same source). This is the one part on paper, so practise writing by hand. Short messages work best: say why you write, what you need and when. Then check the verb position, because word order is where most points disappear.
Speaking (35 minutes, computer)
You watch short films and answer questions out loud (same source). You speak to the computer, not to a person. Practise by answering out loud into your phone and listening back. Keep answers short and complete.
How to practise for A2
- Do DUO's free practice exams. There are three each for Writing, Speaking and Listening, and four for Reading (inburgeren.nl). Do one per part with a timer before you start studying.
- Learn the most common words. Our 594 common Dutch words cover most everyday texts. Review with flashcards.
- Fix the basics of grammar. Learn de or het, verb forms and word order. Build practice sentences with the sentence builder.
- Redo the practice exams under time in the last two weeks.
For a full study plan, read how to pass the inburgering exam.
Booking and costs
You register for each A2 exam in Mijn Inburgering with your DigiD. It can take more than 6 weeks to get a date. You can change or cancel with a refund until 1 week before the exam.
Each A2 language exam costs €50. Under the 2021 law, asylum status holders get the first 2 attempts free, unless they take an exam at a lower level than their personal plan says (inburgeren.nl). So someone on the B1 route who takes A2 without the municipality agreeing may have to pay.
After the exam
Results come by letter within 8 weeks and show up in Mijn Inburgering (inburgeren.nl). For now, Speaking A2 and Writing A2 can take up to 16 weeks. If your deadline is close, DUO extends it by 6 months automatically (DUO news). If you fail one part, you register again for that part only. Once you have every exam on your list, your diploma appears in "Mijn diploma's" (inburgeren.nl).
Do not forget KNM, which you take alongside the language exams. Start with our KNM practice exam, or sign up for one KNM question a week.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the A2 exam and the B1 exam?
A2 is DUO's integration exam with shorter, simpler tasks. B1 is the Nt2 state exam (Programma I), with longer texts and longer exams. Read the Dutch B1 exam for the details.
Is the A2 writing exam on a computer?
According to inburgeren.nl it is on pen and paper, with 4 tasks in 40 minutes. The other three A2 exams are on a computer.
How much does the inburgering A2 exam cost?
€50 per exam, so €200 for all four language exams. KNM is another €50.
Is A2 enough for Dutch citizenship?
Right now the integration diploma at A2 counts for naturalisation, according to inburgeren.nl. Check the IND for any changes before you apply.
Can I take A2 under the 2021 law?
Only if your route allows it, for example after at least 600 hours of lessons on the B1 route with your municipality's agreement, or on the Z route.
How long do I have to wait for my A2 results?
Up to 8 weeks for Reading and Listening. Speaking and Writing can take up to 16 weeks for now. You get a letter and the result also appears in Mijn Inburgering.