The first thing to know is that there are two types of inburgeringsexamen:

1. The basic integration exam or M.V.V.-toets is for spouses of Dutch nationals. If this is you, click here for more info.
2. The regular civic integration exam or inburgeringsexamen is for anybody from outside the EU who wants to get Dutch citizenship or permanent residence. We will discuss the regular civic integration exam in more detail in this blog.

If you want to become a permanent resident or a Dutch citizen, you need to prove that you have, or are able to, integrate into Dutch society. Topics covered are based on daily Dutch life and practices. Most of these are fairly common and similar to daily life in most of the western world, only with Dutch characteristics.

For this exam, a language proficiency level of A2 is required, but from 2023 the bar will be raised to B1 level in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

This A2 level tests your ability to participate in daily conversation, such as with your child's teacher, a colleague, etc., and can also describe experiences and events such as dreams, hopes & ambitions, and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans. You need to be able to understand most of what is said, especially the key points, as well as be able to respond in an intelligible manner both in speech and writing. Native level proficiency is not expected but rather the ability to use short connected and coherent sentences. For more on the different CEFR levels: klik here.

Would you like to know your current Dutch level? Feel free to use our level indicator.

The exam is broken down into 6 separate tests:

1. Reading
   You will be presented with text to read and tested with a multiple choice questionnaire. For more detailed information with some hints and tips about the reading exam, follow this link.
2. Listening
   You will watch video clips or listen to audio clips and answer multiple choice questions about them. Click here to up your chances to pass the listening test.
3. Writing
   You will have to write practical texts in Dutch. Click here for more information.
4. Speaking
   You will be required to answer some questions in Dutch. This link will guide you through the steps of taking the Speaking exam.
5. Kennis van de Nederlandse maatschappij (KNM)
   This multiple choice test is about your knowledge of Dutch society, customs and habits which you need to know if you want to be a Dutch citizen or permanent resident. Click here for more information about the KNM exam.
6. Oriëntatie op de Nederlandse arbeidsmarkt
   This is all about work and employment. You have a discussion about the various related aspects with an official from DUO as well as hand in a professional portfolio. Find out more here.

Once you have passed these tests you will receive an integration diploma from your gemeente.

To complete the process from application to receiving your diploma takes on average one year. This duration can be greatly influenced by how far apart your exam dates are scheduled as well as whether you pass all the tests the first time.

Here is a breakdown:

• When you apply for the exams, you can choose which exams to do first and select an exam date. The dates are about 4 weeks from the date of your application.
• The results are given 8 weeks after completion, meaning each exam runs in a 12-week cycle.
• For every exam you need to re-do, you add another 12-week delay, so preparation is key.

The inburgeringsexamen should be viewed as a medium-term project with significant personal investment if you want to pass the first time.

There are instances where someone is exempt from part or even the entire exam. Here is a detailed list of who can apply. If your circumstances match any on the list, contact DUO for more information. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00 to 17:00 CET. The telephone number is (050) 599 96 00, or click here to go directly to their contact page.

We offer a tailored beginners course to cover all aspects of the integration exam. The course includes all the components of the various tests in one place. For more info about our courses click here.

We also provide help with the ONA exam. Contact us now to sign up or enquire. We are here to help you with the Dutch language as well as all the information you need about Learning Dutch Online.