Netherlands · Inburgeringsexamen
Netherlands Inburgeringsexamen: The Five-Part Gauntlet
2026-07-28 · UniPrep2Go Blog
Most people think the Dutch integration exam is a language test. It is not. It is five separate exams — four language skills plus a society module — that you must pass within three years. Some candidates need A2. Others need B1. Some must complete a labour-market portfolio. Others sign a participation statement at city hall. Get one requirement wrong and your residence permit is at risk. This guide maps the five parts, who needs A2 versus B1, the €250–€350 cost, and the speaking section that eliminates many candidates.
No separate free KNM mock is live yet — drill Dutch A2/B1 vocabulary for Lezen, Luisteren, Schrijven, and Spreken with the Inburgering Anki deck, then browse Prep2Go for related immigration decks before you pay €50 per DUO module.
The Five Exams (Not One)
The inburgeringsexamen has five independent modules. You can take them in any order across your three-year integration period.
Core modules
| Module | What it tests | Format | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lezen (Reading) | Short texts, emails, ads, letters | MCQ on computer | A2 or B1 |
| Luisteren (Listening) | Announcements, conversations, instructions | MCQ on computer | A2 or B1 |
| Schrijven (Writing) | Short emails, forms, messages | Typed responses | A2 or B1 |
| Spreken (Speaking) | Describe situations, give opinions | Recorded spoken answers | A2 or B1 |
| KNM (Dutch Society) | Customs, laws, healthcare, work, education | Videos + MCQ | Content in Dutch |
A2 vs B1 trap: level depends on when you started integration, not when you sit. Before 1 Jan 2022 → usually A2. On/after that date → usually B1. Verify with DUO before you register.
The Hidden Sixth and Seventh Requirements
ONA (2013 Act)
Portfolio of CV, applications, and interview practice plus a DUO assessor interview — months of work, not a single sitting.
MAP (2021 Act)
Job-market and participation module via your municipality instead of ONA. Confirm which act applies in your integration letter.
PVT — Participation Statement
Some applicants must sign at city hall acknowledging Dutch values (speech, equality, tolerance, participation). Not a test, but mandatory when required.
Cost Breakdown
Typical fees
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Lezen | €50 |
| Luisteren | €50 |
| Schrijven | €50 |
| Spreken | €50 |
| KNM | €50 |
| ONA (if required) | €40–€100 |
| MAP (if required) | Varies by municipality |
| Total minimum (5 modules) | ~€250 |
| Total with ONA/MAP | ~€350+ |
Fail a module → pay that module’s fee again. No partial retakes.
Why Most People Fail Speaking
- Computer + headphones; timed recorded responses (often 15–30 seconds)
- No “can you repeat?”, no human examiner reading body language
- Silence after freeze = fail
- Off-topic answers score zero regardless of intent
- Too short — A2 needs multi-sentence answers
- Grammar overload — hesitation burns the clock; fluency beats perfection
Fix: timer drills. Record ~50 prompts. If average responses stay under ~25 words at A2, keep practising before booking Spreken.
KNM: The Society Module
Short videos of everyday Dutch situations (doctor, renting, school enrolment) plus MCQs. Topics: geography, government, healthcare, education, work/taxes, housing, norms and holidays.
Videos run at A2/B1 Dutch. Weak listening turns KNM into a listening exam in disguise.
Registration and Logistics
- Register: mijn.inburgering.nl (DUO)
- Centres: approved sites in NL and some embassies abroad
- Prep: free DUO materials on inburgeren.nl; third-party courses for structured feedback
- Timeline: most spread modules over 6–12 months; 3-year obligation window — miss it and face fines or residence consequences
FAQ
How many exams are in the Dutch inburgeringsexamen?
Five core modules: Lezen, Luisteren, Schrijven, Spreken, and KNM. Some candidates also need ONA or MAP depending on which integration act applies.
What language level do I need for the Dutch integration exam?
Usually A2 if you started before 1 January 2022, and B1 if you started on or after that date. Confirm with DUO.
How much does the inburgeringsexamen cost?
About €250 for the five core modules (€50 each). ONA/MAP can add €40–€100+. Each retake is a full module fee.
What is the hardest part of the Dutch integration exam?
Speaking (Spreken) — timed recordings and short answers fail many candidates. KNM is hard if listening is weak.
How long do I have to pass all modules?
Three years from the start of your integration obligation. Missing the window can mean fines or residence consequences.
Can I take the inburgeringsexamen in English?
No. All modules are in Dutch, including KNM videos and questions.
What is KNM?
Kennis van de Nederlandse Maatschappij — videos and MCQs on Dutch society, laws, healthcare, education, and work.
Do I need ONA or MAP?
ONA for many under the 2013 act; MAP for many under the 2021 act. Check your DUO or municipality letter.
How do I register for the inburgeringsexamen?
Through the DUO portal at mijn.inburgering.nl. Book modules individually or together.
Can I retake a failed module?
Yes — pay again and rebook. No fixed retake limit inside your three-year window.
Bottom Line
Dutch integration is a marathon: five modules, €250–€350, three-year deadline. Speaking fails people who never timed a recording. KNM fails people who treat it as trivia instead of listening-plus-culture. Practice under exam conditions and spread sittings — do not cram all five into one month.
No separate free KNM mock is live yet — drill Dutch A2/B1 vocabulary for Lezen, Luisteren, Schrijven, and Spreken with the Inburgering Anki deck, then browse Prep2Go for related immigration decks before you pay €50 per DUO module.
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