Inburgeringsexamen 2026: Preparation Guide for Expats

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What Is the Inburgeringsexamen?

The inburgeringsexamen, or civic integration exam, is a set of tests that demonstrates you have learned enough Dutch and know enough about Dutch society to participate in everyday life. It is a legal requirement for most non-EU immigrants who want to settle in the Netherlands permanently.

The exam is governed by the Wet inburgering 2021 (Wi2021), the Civic Integration Act that came into effect on January 1, 2022. This law significantly changed the integration system, making municipalities responsible for guiding newcomers through their integration process.

Old System vs. New System (Wi2021)

If you arrived after January 1, 2022, your municipality will invite you for a broad intake assessment within your first weeks. This assessment determines your learning route and the level you are expected to achieve.

Who Needs to Take the Inburgeringsexamen?

You DO Need to Integrate If:

• You are a non-EU/EEA citizen aged 16 to the state pension age
• You have a residence permit for a non-temporary purpose (family reunification, family formation, asylum)
• You have been granted asylum in the Netherlands

You Are EXEMPT If:

• You are an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen
• You hold a highly skilled migrant (kennismigrant) residence permit
• You hold a European Blue Card
• You have a temporary residence purpose (student visa, au pair, medical treatment)
• You can provide proof of Dutch-language education (diploma from Dutch school, university degree taught in Dutch)
• You have passed the Staatsexamen Nt2 programme I (B1) or II (B2): the language parts you passed at the required level do not have to be taken again (inburgeren.nl, checked 24 September 2026)
• You are under 16 or over the state pension age
• You have a physical or mental condition that prevents you from taking the exam (requires medical evidence)

If you are unsure whether you need to integrate, contact your municipality or check the DUO (Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs) website.

Exam Components Explained

The inburgeringsexamen consists of several components. Under the new system, these are integrated into your learning route. For the language exams, the level decides the format: at B1 (the standard route) and B2 the language exams are the Staatsexamen Nt2; at A2 they are shorter, mostly computer-based exams. The durations below are from inburgeren.nl (checked 24 September 2026).

1. Reading (Lezen)

The reading exam tests your ability to understand written Dutch texts at B1 level. You will read short texts such as advertisements, letters, articles, and instructions, and answer multiple-choice questions about their content.

What to expect:

• Duration: 110 minutes at B1 (Staatsexamen Nt2), 100 minutes at B2, 65 minutes at A2 (on the computer)
• Multiple-choice questions
• Texts include everyday situations: job advertisements, municipal letters, news articles, product instructions
• B1 level means you can understand the main points of clear standard text on familiar matters

Preparation tips:

• Read Dutch news daily (NOS.nl has simplified Dutch news)
• Practice with past exam materials from the DUO website
• Read product packaging, supermarket flyers, and public transport information in Dutch
• Start reading children’s books and progress to young adult literature

2. Listening (Luisteren)

The listening exam tests your ability to understand spoken Dutch in everyday situations.

What to expect:

• Duration: 90 minutes at B1 and B2 (Staatsexamen Nt2), 45 minutes at A2 (on the computer)
• Audio recordings of conversations, announcements, and short talks
• Multiple-choice questions
• Situations include phone calls, radio announcements, workplace conversations

Preparation tips:

• Listen to Dutch radio (NPO Radio 1) daily
• Watch Dutch TV with Dutch subtitles (start with NOS Journaal)
• Use language learning apps for listening exercises
• Practice with the official DUO practice exams

3. Writing (Schrijven)

The writing exam tests your ability to write in Dutch for practical everyday purposes.

What to expect:

• Duration: 100 minutes at B1 and B2 (Staatsexamen Nt2); 40 minutes at A2, with pen and paper and four writing tasks
• Tasks include writing short messages, emails, form entries, and brief descriptions
• Assessed on clarity, grammar, vocabulary, and appropriateness

Preparation tips:

• Practice writing emails in Dutch (complaints, requests, thank-you notes)
• Keep a daily diary in Dutch
• Use language exchange partners to get feedback on your writing
• Practice filling in Dutch forms

4. Speaking (Spreken)

At A2 the speaking exam is on the computer: you watch short videos and answer questions by speaking into a microphone. At B1 and B2 it is the Staatsexamen Nt2 speaking exam; staatsexamensnt2.nl describes its exact format.

What to expect:

• Duration: about 30 minutes at B1 and B2, 35 minutes at A2
• Prompts include describing pictures, answering questions about everyday situations, and leaving voice messages
• Assessed on fluency, pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar

Preparation tips:

• Practice speaking Dutch daily, even if it is just narrating your activities
• Record yourself and listen back
• Use language exchange apps to find Dutch conversation partners
• Take a speaking-focused course if this is your weakest skill

5. KNM (Kennis van de Nederlandse Maatschappij)

KNM tests your knowledge of Dutch society, covering topics like history, government, healthcare, education, housing, and social norms.

What to expect:

• Duration: approximately 45 minutes
• 40 multiple-choice questions
• Topics: Dutch history, geography, political system, healthcare system, education, work culture, laws and rights, social norms
• The exam is in Dutch, but study materials are available in multiple languages

Topics covered:

Preparation tips:

• Study the official KNM material (available from DUO)
• Use the “Naar Nederland” preparation package
• Watch videos about Dutch culture and history
• Take practice KNM exams online

6. ONA (Oriëntatie op de Nederlandse Arbeidsmarkt)

ONA is about orientation on the Dutch labor market. Under the new system, this is integrated into your learning route rather than a standalone exam.

What it involves:

• Understanding the Dutch job market
• Creating a CV in Dutch format
• Practicing job interviews
• Learning about your rights as an employee
• Understanding Dutch workplace culture

Under the Wi2021 system, you complete ONA activities as part of your integration program, and your participation and effort are assessed rather than a formal exam.

How to Prepare: A Step-by-Step Study Plan

Months 1-3: Build Your Foundation

1. Start learning Dutch immediately when you arrive (or even before you move). Use a structured app like Babbel to build vocabulary and grammar from day one. Babbel’s Dutch course is designed by linguists and focuses on practical conversation skills, making it ideal for building the foundation you need for the exam.

2. Register with your municipality and attend the broad intake assessment. This determines your learning route.

3. Immerse yourself in Dutch: Change your phone language to Dutch, watch Dutch TV, listen to Dutch radio. Even if you understand almost nothing at first, immersion builds familiarity with the sounds and rhythm of the language.

4. Get the KNM study materials in your native language and start learning about Dutch society.

Months 3-6: Structured Learning

1. Follow your municipality’s learning route. Under Wi2021, your municipality connects you with a language school and monitors your progress.

2. Supplement with self-study. Use Pimsleur for speaking and listening practice. Pimsleur’s audio-based method is particularly effective for the speaking and listening components of the exam, as it trains you to produce and understand Dutch in real-time conversations.

3. Start taking DUO practice exams. The official practice exams are the closest thing to the real exam and are available for free on the DUO website. Take one early to identify your weak areas.

4. Join a language exchange. Apps like Tandem or HelloTalk connect you with Dutch speakers who want to learn your language. Regular conversation practice is irreplaceable.

5. Read the KNM material thoroughly. Start in your native language, then switch to the Dutch version as your language improves.

Months 6-12: Exam Preparation

1. Take all available practice exams for each component. Time yourself and simulate exam conditions.

2. Focus on your weakest component. Most people find speaking or writing the hardest. Dedicate extra time to the area where you score lowest on practice exams.

3. Join an exam preparation course if your municipality offers one, or ask your language school about intensive exam prep.

4. Practice KNM questions repeatedly. The question format is predictable, and many questions are recycled. Knowing the format reduces anxiety on exam day.

5. Schedule your exams strategically. You do not have to take all components on the same day. Many people take KNM first (as it requires less language skill than the other components) and save speaking and writing for later.

Study Materials and Resources

Free Resources

Recommended Paid Resources

For a broader overview of language learning apps, see our guide to the best apps for learning Dutch in 2026.

Costs and Financial Support

Under the New System (Wi2021)

How you pay depends on whether you are an asylum status holder (inburgeren.nl, checked 24 September 2026):

• Asylum status holders: the municipality pays for the course, and the first two attempts of each exam are free (not if you take an exam below the level in your PIP). Extra attempts you pay yourself. You cannot borrow from DUO.
• Everyone else, for example family migrants: you pay for the course and exams yourself, or borrow from DUO, but only for a school listed on zoekinburgerschool.nl.
• Exam fees: EUR 50 each for reading, writing, listening, speaking and KNM (EUR 250 in total). The labour market module (MAP) is done with your municipality at no charge.

If you finish late without an extension, DUO can fine you up to EUR 1,000 for the learning route and EUR 340 each for the PVT and MAP. Asylum status holders are never fined.

Under the Old System

If you arrived before January 1, 2022, you are responsible for arranging and paying for your own integration. Costs include:

• Exam fees: EUR 50 each for reading, writing, listening, speaking and KNM, plus EUR 40 for ONA: EUR 290 for the full set (inburgeren.nl, checked 24 September 2026)
• Retake fees: the same fee again for each exam you retake
• Participation statement (PVT): EUR 150 unless you are an asylum status holder
• Language courses: EUR 1,000-5,000 depending on intensity and provider
• Study materials: EUR 200-500

Asylum status holders under the 2013 Act can borrow up to EUR 10,000 from DUO; for other people DUO decides how much they can borrow. Missing the deadline without an extension can lead to a fine of up to EUR 1,250, plus EUR 340 for the PVT.

The Three Learning Routes (Wi2021)

Under the new system, your municipality assigns you one of three learning routes based on your intake assessment.

B1 Route

The standard route for most newcomers. The goal is to achieve B1 level in Dutch and pass all integration requirements. This route combines language classes with practical activities like volunteering or an internship.

Education Route (Onderwijsroute)

For newcomers with the potential and ambition to enter Dutch higher education. This route aims for a higher language level and prepares you for entry into MBO, HBO, or university programs.

Z-Route (Zelfredzaamheidsroute)

For newcomers who are unlikely to reach B1 level within the deadline, often due to limited educational background or learning difficulties. The focus is on becoming self-sufficient in daily Dutch life rather than achieving a formal language level.

Timeline: From Arrival to Completion

Tips for Exam Day

1. Bring valid ID (passport or residence card). Without it, you cannot take the exam.
2. Arrive early. Exam locations can be confusing, and stress affects performance.
3. The speaking exam is computer-based. Speak clearly and at a normal pace. You do not need perfect grammar; fluency and comprehensibility matter more.
4. For reading and listening, read all answer options before choosing. Elimination works well for multiple-choice questions.
5. For KNM, trust your preparation. Most questions test practical knowledge, not obscure details.
6. Stay calm during listening exercises. If you miss something, move on. You cannot replay audio, and dwelling on one question costs you time for the next.

After Passing: What Comes Next

Once you pass all components of the inburgeringsexamen, several doors open:

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Waiting too long to start studying. Three years sounds like a long time, but reaching B1 from zero requires consistent effort. Start immediately.
2. Relying only on English. The Dutch are famously good at English, but this can slow your Dutch learning. Ask people to speak Dutch with you.
3. Ignoring KNM. Many people focus only on language and underestimate KNM. It requires specific study.
4. Not using practice exams. The DUO practice exams closely mirror the real exam. Familiarity with the format is half the battle.
5. Studying in isolation. Language learning is faster and more sustainable when combined with real-world use. Volunteer, join clubs, talk to neighbors.

For more on settling into the Netherlands, see our complete guide to moving to the Netherlands and our guide to Dutch health insurance, which covers a topic you will encounter in the KNM exam. If you are looking for a structured course to support your preparation, our best Dutch language courses guide compares in-person schools, online tutors, and exam prep programs.

Not sure which integration route applies to you? Use our inburgering route builder to find the right learning path based on your situation.

Find your integration route →

Inburgering Timeline: What to Expect Week by Week

Many people find it helpful to have a realistic picture of the inburgering timeline before they begin. Here is what the process typically looks like from arrival to exam:

Months 1–3: Assessment and course selection. After registering with your gemeente, you receive a letter from DUO with your inburgering obligations. You then complete a language intake assessment (brede intake) to determine your starting level. Based on this, DUO advises you on a learning route (B1, Education, or Self-Reliance). If you choose to arrange your own course (leerroute Z), you do this in this period.

Months 3–24: Active study. Most people study 8–15 hours per week depending on their pace. Language courses are typically 2–4 days per week plus homework. KNM and ONA/MAP study can run in parallel with language learning or sequentially — it depends on your course structure.

Months 18–30: First exams. Many people begin sitting individual exams once they feel ready for specific components. You can sit the exams in any order. Each component can be retaken if you do not pass. There is no set order.

By month 36: Completion deadline. All components must be passed within the three-year deadline (unless you have received an extension). DUO can grant extensions for medical reasons, significant life events, or demonstrable progress that needs a little more time.

The Role of the Gemeente

Your local gemeente (municipality) has responsibilities in the inburgering process beyond registration. In many cities, the gemeente offers:

• Free intake support to help you identify the right learning route
• Taalklas (language class) coordination, sometimes subsidised
• Budget guidance for accessing the lening (loan) for course fees
• Monitoring of your progress and early support if you are falling behind

Do not wait for the gemeente to contact you proactively — be proactive yourself. Book an appointment with the Werk en Inkomen or Burgerzaken department to clarify your obligations and what local support is available. In Amsterdam, Utrecht, and Rotterdam, the municipalities have dedicated inburgeringscoördinatoren who can guide you through the process.

Language Learning Beyond the Exam: Why B1 Is a Floor, Not a Ceiling

The inburgeringsexamen requires B1 Dutch — a functional intermediate level where you can handle most daily situations but may still struggle with nuanced conversations, regional accents, or specialised language. B1 is the minimum, not the goal.

For expats planning to stay long-term, reaching B2 or C1 significantly changes your experience:

• B2 lets you follow Dutch television, read newspapers, and participate in professional meetings comfortably
• C1 allows fluent conversation, professional writing, and full participation in Dutch civic life

After passing the inburgering exam, continuing language development through NT2 (Dutch as a second language) courses, language exchange partnerships, or immersive social participation is worth investing in. The best Dutch language courses guide covers post-inburgering options at B2 and C1 level.

Try Preply

Or practice Dutch on your own schedule with a language app: Learn Dutch with Mondly