Knowledge base
Clear guides to exams and integration
Everything you need to know, in plain language and checked against official sources from DUO, the IND and the Dutch government.
- State Exam NT2 I (B1)3 min readState Exam NT2 in 2026: everything you need to knowProgram I or II, the four parts, costs, registration and results: everything about the State Exam NT2 in one place.Checked against official sources on 24 September 2026Read the guide →
- Exam abroad (MVV)3 min readCivic Integration Examination Abroad: how it worksWant to live with your partner in the Netherlands? Then you first take this exam at the embassy. Here is how it works, step by step.Checked against official sources on 24 September 2026Read the guide →
- Civic integration B1 (2021 act)4 min readCivic integration since 2022: the B1 route explainedSince 2022, B1 is the standard. Which route do you follow, which exams belong to it and how much time do you have? Here is how it works.Checked against official sources on 24 September 2026Read the guide →
- Civic integration A22 min readBecoming Dutch: which language requirement in 2026?For naturalisation, A2 is currently required. What is planned, and how to prepare smartly.Checked against official sources on 24 September 2026Read the guide →
- State Exam NT2 II (B2)2 min readStudying in Dutch: which language requirement?MBO, HBO or university in Dutch? Which State Exam you need and how to be ready in time.Checked against official sources on 24 September 2026Read the guide →
- Civic integration B1 (2021 act)2 min readThe KNM exam in 2026: how the new exam worksSince 1 July 2025 the KNM exam has been renewed. The 8 themes, the new topics, the costs and how to practise.Checked against official sources on 24 September 2026Read the guide →
- 3 min readWho does what? DUO, IND, municipality and moreDUO, IND, municipality, UWV, BSN, DigiD, PIP: which organisation does what, and what do these words mean? An overview for newcomers.Checked against official sources on 24 September 2026Read the guide →
- State Exam NT2 II (B2)2 min readWorking in healthcare: which Dutch level (BIG)?Healthcare professional with a foreign diploma? For BIG registration, B1, B2 or B2+ applies, depending on your profession.Checked against official sources on 24 September 2026Read the guide →
- Civic integration B1 (2021 act)4 min readMAP and the participation statement (PVT) explainedBesides your language exams, you complete two parts at your municipality: the PVT and the MAP. What are they and when must you finish?Checked against official sources on 24 September 2026Read the guide →
- 3 min readFree practice exams: all official links in one placeThere are free official practice exams for almost every exam, without logging in. Here you find them all, with tips to get the most out of them.Checked against official sources on 24 September 2026Read the guide →
- 4 min readApplying for DigiD and using it safelyYou need DigiD for Mijn Inburgering and Mijn DUO. How to apply, how to use it safely and how to let someone help without sharing your details.Checked against official sources on 24 September 2026Read the guide →
- State Exam NT2 II (B2)4 min readGetting your foreign diploma evaluated (IDW)Show which Dutch level your diploma from Afghanistan, Iran or elsewhere compares to. Free once for most people doing civic integration.Checked against official sources on 24 September 2026Read the guide →
- State Exam NT2 I (B1)6 min readState Exam NT2 Speaking: format and assessmentYou talk to a computer, not to a person. How the Speaking exam is built, what the assessors listen for and what that means for your preparation.Checked against official sources on 24 September 2026Read the guide →
- State Exam NT2 I (B1)6 min readState Exam NT2 Writing: format and assessment100 minutes of typing, without a spell checker. How the Writing exam is built, how the assessors mark your text and which mistakes cost points.Checked against official sources on 24 September 2026Read the guide →
- Civic integration B1 (2021 act)6 min readFamily migrant: civic integration after the MVV examYou passed the exam abroad and are joining your partner in the Netherlands. What happens next, who pays and what does the municipality do?Checked against official sources on 24 September 2026Read the guide →
- Civic integration B1 (2021 act)8 min readCivic integration: deadline, extension, fine, exemptionYou have 3 years to complete civic integration. When do you get more time, when is there a fine, and when do you not have to do (part of) it?Checked against official sources on 24 September 2026Read the guide →
- 5 min readHow long does it take to learn Dutch?How many hours do you need for A2 or B1? There is no official number. The rules do mention hours, but they mean something else.Checked against official sources on 24 September 2026Read the guide →
- Civic integration B1 (2021 act)6 min readCivic integration A2 or B1: which level do you need?B1 or A2? It depends on when you became obliged to integrate and what you need the exam for. Here is how to see which level applies to you.Checked against official sources on 24 September 2026Read the guide →
Not sure what PIP, MAP or BSN means? See the Glossary
Dutch from scratch: short lessons
For absolute beginners: the alphabet, numbers, introducing yourself, de and het, and word order. Practise the words with the A1 word list
- The Dutch alphabet and pronunciationThe 26 letters, spelling your name and the sounds that are new: a first pronunciation lesson for beginners, with plenty of examples.
- Numbers, telling the time and dates in DutchCounting, telling the time and reading a date: why half acht means 7:30 and 03-04 is 3 April. A short lesson for beginners.
- Introducing yourself in DutchWho are you, where are you from and what do you do? Short Dutch sentences to introduce yourself, with the questions you will often hear.
- De or het? How to learn Dutch articlesDutch has two words for ‘the’: de and het. These rules and tips help you learn them faster.
- Dutch word order: how to build a sentenceIn a Dutch sentence, the verb has a fixed place. With these rules and examples you can build correct sentences yourself.
Help me choose
- Which exam do I need?Your route in one minute: MVV, civic integration or State Exam
- Free level testKnow your level within 10 minutes
- Exam datesAll State Exam NT2 dates
- Costs and fundingExam fees, loans and who pays what
- KNM practice24 free practice questions with explanations
- MVV exam practicePractise Speaking and Reading A1, with explanations
- A1 word listBasic words with pronunciation and flashcards
- GlossaryDUO, PIP, MAP, BSN: what do they mean?
- Frequently asked questionsAnswers to the most common questions