Inburgering

The integration exam and other exams

Redactie

November 01, 2024

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To show that you have sufficient knowledge of the Dutch language and society, you have to take an exam. Most people take the civic integration exam in the Netherlands. It is also possible to civicize by doing the Staatsexamen NT2, or by getting a diploma from a vocational school. Some people have to start civic integration while they are still in their home country. These people must take the basic integration exam abroad.

Integration abroad: the basic integration exam abroad

In two situations, you have to take an exam even before you come to the Netherlands:

When you come to the Netherlands to live with your partner or spouse;When you are a spiritual minister (someone who has work related to a religion, church or other philosophy of life).
If this is your situation, you will take the “basic integration abroad exam” at the Dutch embassy or consulate in your home country. In this exam, you must show that you can read and speak Dutch at A1 level, and that you have knowledge of Dutch society.

Integration in the Netherlands: the integration exam

Most people who have to integrate into the Netherlands do so by taking the integration exam. This is an exam consisting of 7 parts. You have to pass all of them. You can take the exams for the different parts at separate times or you can choose to take several parts in one day.

These are the seven parts of the civic integration exam according to the Civic Integration Act:

Exam Reading at language level B1 or higher
Exam Listening at language level B1 or higher
Exam Writing at language level B1 or higher
Speaking exam at language level B1 or higher
Exam Knowledge of Dutch Society (KNM): this section is about how people in the Netherlands interact with each other and what the rules are in the Netherlands. Want to know more? Click here for the knowledge dossier.
The Module Labor Market and Participation (MAP): you get acquainted with and prepare yourself for the Dutch labor market. The municipality determines whether you have completed this part on the basis of a final interview.
The Participation Declaration Process (PVT): after participating, you sign a participation declaration, indicating your involvement in Dutch society and your willingness to contribute to society.

You do the components Reading, Listening, Speaking and Knowledge of Dutch Society (KNM) on the computer. For example, you will be shown films and have to answer questions about them. All questions are in Dutch.

The Writing section is done with pen and paper. You get assignments such as writing a letter, filling in a form or completing sentences. All assignments are in Dutch.

Want to know how to prepare for the civic integration exam? Click here.