November 15, 2025

Comprehensive 2025 Inburgering Exam Handbook: Enrollment, Levels, Fees & Study Tips

Discover everything you need to know about the Dutch integration examination, from understanding A2 and B1 level differences to the registration process, costs, and detailed preparation methods.

The inburgering exam paves the way for obtaining legal residency, citizenship, or fully engaging in Dutch life. This thorough handbook provides insights into the six exam sections, enrollment procedures, expenses, and crucial preparation techniques for achieving success.

Who Needs to Take the Inburgering Exam?

Non-EU residents who are required by law to integrate or those aiming to secure permanent residence or Dutch citizenship must complete the inburgering exams. This mandate includes new arrivals in the Netherlands and long-standing residents wishing to legitimize their status. Your specific obligations depend on your circumstances and applicable integration legislation.

Deciphering A2 vs. B1 Level Prerequisites

The Dutch authorities have elevated the integration exam requirement from level A2 to B1 for most new arrivals post-January 2022. This shift is intended to enhance immigrant participation in Dutch society and the labor market. Here’s how it affects you:

A2 Level (Basic): Still valid for residency or citizenship applications filed before the end of 2022
B1 Level (Intermediate): Necessary for most newcomers and increasingly required for residency applications after 2022

Note: The B1 exam, also referred to as Staatsexamen I, has been accessible for those pursuing improved job prospects or educational growth.

Breakdown of the Six Exam Sections

1. Reading (Lezen)

A2 Level: Comprises 25 multiple-choice questions, 65 minutes, needing at least 18 correct answers
B1 Level: Approximately 40 multiple-choice questions, 110 minutes, requiring around 65% correct answers

2. Listening (Luisteren)

A2 Level: Features 25 multiple-choice questions with audio clips, 45 minutes, a minimum of 19 correct answers is needed
B1 Level: Roughly 40 multiple-choice questions with audio texts, 90 minutes, needing 60-65% correct answers

3. Writing (Schrijven)

A2 Level: Uses pen and paper with form-filling, short messages, and open writing tasks, 40 minutes
B1 Level: Conducted on a computer with 10 grammar exercises, form-filling, and 3 extended writing tasks (total 14), 100 minutes

4. Speaking (Spreken)

A2 Level: 12 open questions with video responses plus 12 multiple-choice dialogue questions, computer-recorded
B1 Level: Includes 8 short and 8 longer exercises, computer-based, 35 minutes

5. Knowledge of Dutch Society (KNM)

Forty multiple-choice questions exploring Dutch culture, education, healthcare, housing, history, and geography. A score of 26 correct answers is required to pass, with a 45-minute limit. This test is given in Dutch and maintains the same level despite the A2/B1 distinction.

6. Orientation on the Dutch Labour Market (ONA)

This part involves assembling a portfolio about employment in the Netherlands, followed by an interview or completing 64 hours of ONA courses. Important: Newcomers under the 2021 Integration Act are exempt from passing the ONA section.

Registration and Scheduling

Inburgeringsexamen Enrollment

Sign up via Mijn Inburgering well ahead of time. Exams are conducted at sanctioned venues across the Netherlands. You can cancel up to 2 weeks before your exam date for a full refund.

Staatsexamen I (B1 Level) Enrollment

Enroll directly through the official Staatsexamen I registration site. Cancellations can be made up to 6 weeks before the exam by emailing nt2@duo.nl. Late cancellations result in forfeiting the exam fee.

Exam Fees and Financial Planning

Understanding the financial outlay is vital for organizing your integration process:

Each language section (Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking): €50
Knowledge of Dutch Society (KNM): €50
Orientation on the Dutch Labour Market (ONA): €40
Total exam cost: ~€290

Numerous local authorities offer financial support through DUO loans or regional funding initiatives. Inquire with your local gemeente about available aid.

All-Inclusive Exam Preparation Plan

Achieving success in the inburgering exam necessitates well-structured preparation for all sections. Our platform delivers the most comprehensive preparation tools available, featuring over 16,400 interactive activities and extensive theoretical content across all exam sections.

What Our Platform Provides

Complete Exercise Repository: Thousands of practice queries for Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking at A2 and B1 levels
KNM Preparation: Thorough coverage of Dutch society topics with interactive quizzes and detailed explanations
Theory Content: Detailed lessons on grammar, vocabulary, cultural knowledge, and exam strategies
Realistic Practice Tests: Full-length simulations that replicate the actual exam format and timing
Progress Tracking: Monitor your advancement in all skill areas and pinpoint areas needing focus

Suggested Study Timeline

3-6 months before exam: Conduct a diagnostic assessment and begin a systematic study with our theory content
2-3 months before: Engage in intensive practice with our exercise repository, focusing on weaker areas
1 month before: Daily practice tests and final review of KNM topics
1 week before: Light review and mental preparation—avoid learning new material

Tips for Exam Day Success

Arrive early and carry necessary identification documents
Acquaint yourself with the computer interface beforehand
Thoroughly read questions—many errors stem from misinterpreting instructions
Effectively manage your time—avoid dwelling too long on challenging questions
Stay composed and trust your preparation

Key Highlights

Six sections: Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking, KNM, and ONA (if required)
A2 level remains available for certain cases; B1 increasingly mandated
Total expense around €290; financial aid often accessible
Register well in advance via designated portals
Comprehensive preparation is crucial—leverage our extensive exercise repository and theory content
Sections can be taken individually over time

Begin Your Preparation Today

Don’t leave your integration success to chance. Download our app today and start practicing our more than 400 exercises and detailed theoretical content. Our platform has assisted countless students in passing their inburgering exams on the first try.

Official Sources

Source: DUO, Staatsexamensnt2.nl, Rijksoverheid (2025)