# The KNM exam in 2026: how the new exam works

> What does the Knowledge of Dutch Society exam test, what does it look like since July 2025, what does it cost and how do you practise? With official sources.

Published on 2026-09-24, last checked against official sources on 2026-09-24.
URL: https://taalpro.nl/en/guides/knm-exam/

## In short

- The Knowledge of Dutch Society (KNM) exam is part of civic integration and tests whether you know how life in the Netherlands works, from work and housing to healthcare, education and your rights.
- You take the KNM exam on a computer at DUO; the questions are at language level A2 and, according to DUO's official sample exam, it takes 45 minutes and has 40 questions.
- Since 1 July 2025 the KNM exam has been renewed: the 8 themes are the same, but new content has been added, such as the Second World War and the Holocaust and women's right to self-determination.
- DUO does not publish a pass mark for the KNM exam; you register for the KNM exam via Mijn Inburgering with your DigiD.

The **Knowledge of Dutch Society (KNM)** exam is part of civic integration, under both the 2021 act and the old act. It tests whether you know how life in the Netherlands works: from work and housing to healthcare, education and your rights. Since **1 July 2025** the exam has been renewed.

## What does the exam look like?

- You take the exam **on a computer at DUO**. It takes **45 minutes** and has **40 questions** (according to DUO's official sample exam).
- The questions are at **language level A2** and are supported by **photos**. The former introduction videos are gone.
- The exam mainly asks for **knowledge**: what is true, who does what. Questions like "what can someone best do or say?" have been dropped.
- DUO does **not publish a pass mark**. Websites that mention a fixed number of correct answers contradict each other.

## The 8 themes

1. Work and income
2. Social norms and values
3. Housing
4. Health and healthcare
5. History and geography
6. Public organisations
7. Government and rule of law
8. Education and parenting

## What is new since July 2025?

The themes have stayed the same, but new content has been added. According to the government, this includes:

- the **Second World War and the Holocaust**, and the fact that antisemitism is prohibited by law;
- **women's right to self-determination**;
- that **the laws of the state rank above religion and tradition**;
- **equal rights**, for example marriage for same-sex couples;
- **using DigiD and your citizen service number (BSN) safely**, as contact with the government is often digital;
- the **practice nurse** (praktijkondersteuner) at the GP, including for mental health problems.

## What does it cost?

The KNM exam costs **€50**. If you are an asylum status holder under the 2021 act, your first 2 attempts are free. Others pay themselves or with a DUO loan. You register via **Mijn Inburgering** with your DigiD. All amounts are on [Costs and funding](https://taalpro.nl/en/costs/).

## How to practise smartly

- **Practise per theme.** Start with the themes you know least. With our [free KNM practice quiz](https://taalpro.nl/en/knm-practice/) you practise all 8 themes, with an explanation and source for every answer, and an English translation.
- **Take the official practice exams.** inburgeren.nl offers 2 free practice exams updated for the new exam.
- **Work on your Dutch.** The questions are at A2 level. The better you read, the easier the exam. In the [A2 course](https://taalpro.nl/en/courses/a2-inburgering-civic-integration-exam/) you practise KNM together with all language skills, with explanations in Farsi, Dari or English.

## Sources

- DUO: https://www.inburgeren.nl/examen-doen/inhoud-kennisexamens.jsp
- DUO: https://www.inburgeren.nl/examen-doen/oefenen.jsp
- Rijksoverheid: https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/actueel/nieuws/2025/06/30/inburgeringsexamen-vernieuwd-extra-aandacht-voor-zelfbeschikking-vrouwen-en-kennis-holocaust
- Cito: https://cito.nl/actueel/knm-examen-in-een-nieuw-jasje-beter-moderner-relevanter/
- DUO: https://www.inburgeren.nl/inburgeren-betalen/

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Source: TaalPro, online institute for Dutch as a second language (https://taalpro.nl/en/guides/knm-exam/). Rules can change: the official websites (DUO, IND, CvTE) always take precedence.