How the Inburgering exams are built
How many parts there are, what each one tests, and which set applies to you — level by level.
Before any tutoring starts, the first thing worth knowing is which set of exams you have to sit. There is more than one, and they differ in how many parts they have and at what language level.
Which set applies to you
That depends on two things: whether you are sitting the exam outside the Netherlands for an MVV visa or inside the country, and when your integration obligation started — the law changed on 1 January 2022, and people who started before that still fall under the older rules.
What follows is an overview of how each level is structured. For your own situation, the plan you agreed with your municipality (PIP) and the information from DUO are what count.
Jump straight to your level:
A1 — the exam abroad (Basisexamen inburgering buitenland)
Taken in Thailand at a Dutch representation — the embassy or a consulate. It tests the Dutch language and Dutch society, in three parts. Passing is a condition for the MVV application, which you submit at the same time as the residence permit.
30 min
1. Knowledge of Dutch Society (KNS)
Thirty questions, answered on a computer. Every question comes with a photo.
KNS practice exam30 min
2. Speaking (Spreekvaardigheid)
Two parts: answer a video prompt aloud through a headset, then complete a sentence prompted by a photo.
Speaking practice35 min
3. Reading (Leesvaardigheid)
You read a text on screen and answer three multiple-choice questions, clicking the right answer with the mouse.
Reading practiceA2 — the integration exam under the older rules
For people whose integration obligation began before 2022: four language exams, plus KNM, ONA and the PVT.
65 min
Lezen — reading
On a computer: read texts and answer questions.
45 min
Luisteren — listening
Watch clips, listen to conversations, answer questions.
40 min
Schrijven — writing
Pen and paper, four tasks such as a short letter or filling in a form.
35 min
Spreken — speaking
On a computer: watch clips and speak your answers.
B1 — under the 2021 Integration Act
For people whose obligation began on or after 1 January 2022: the same four language exams at B1, plus KNM, MAP and the PVT.
110 min
Lezen — reading
Noticeably longer and more demanding texts than at A2.
90 min
Luisteren — listening
Longer, faster and more natural conversations.
100 min
Schrijven — writing
Longer pieces, where you have to organise your thoughts.
25 min
Spreken — speaking
Shorter, but you are expected to answer more fluently and to the point.
The parts that are not language exams
KNM (Knowledge of Dutch Society) is taken on a computer, using short films of everyday situations such as shopping or visiting a doctor.
The PVT (participation statement trajectory) is a short programme about rights, duties and the core values of Dutch society, which you sign at the end.
ONA and MAP both deal with preparing for the labour market. Under the older rules you do ONA; under the 2021 Act it is MAP instead.
What you personally have to complete is set out in the PIP you agreed with your municipality. When in doubt, check with DUO or your municipality first.
Official practice exams
Before the real thing, work through DUO’s practice exams so the format — and answering on a computer — holds no surprises.
- Practice exam — Knowledge of Dutch Society (KNS)
- Practice exam — Speaking (Spreekvaardigheid)
- Practice exam — Reading (Leesvaardigheid)
Sitting the integration exam inside the Netherlands (A2 and B1)? The practice material is at DUO Inburgeren — Oefenen.
Not sure which set of exams applies to you?
Tell Teacher Oiy your situation and get a free level check.