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Exam guide · B2

B2 route · Staatsexamen NT2 Programme II

For adults whose first language is not Dutch and who want to study or work at hbo or university level; in the Wi2021 onderwijsroute you can also take it for civic integration.

DUO · CvTE
Language

Exam guide: B2

Official website
Next date you can book22daysTue, 24 Nov 2026 · register by Tue, 3 Nov 2026
Exam parts4· 315 minLezen · Luisteren · Schrijven · Spreken
Pass mark500per partScore ≥ 500 per part
Cost€50per partAll parts €200

Staatsexamen NT2 Programme II (B2, DUO · CvTE) has 4 parts: Lezen, Luisteren, Schrijven, Spreken. Pass mark: Score ≥ 500 per part. Cost: €50 per part, €200 for all four. Result: About 5 weeks. Checked 2026-09-25.

Dates, places and waiting times

Fixed exam dates per part, published by DUO. Registration opens about 8 weeks before and closes 3 weeks (21 days) before each exam date. Places can fill up before the deadline. source

  1. 1Registeropens ~8 weeks before, closes 3 weeks before
  2. 2Examfixed date per part
  3. 3Resultfixed result date, 3–6 weeks after the exam
  4. 4DiplomaCertificates and the diploma never expire.
Exam datePartRegister byResult
Tue, 24 Nov 2026in 22 daysReadingTue, 3 Nov 20261 day leftTue, 15 Dec 202621 days
Wed, 25 Nov 2026in 23 daysSpeakingWed, 4 Nov 20262 days leftTue, 22 Dec 202627 days
Wed, 6 Jan 2027in 65 daysListeningWed, 16 Dec 202644 days leftTue, 26 Jan 202720 days
Fri, 15 Jan 2027in 74 daysSpeakingFri, 25 Dec 202653 days leftTue, 9 Feb 202725 days
Tue, 19 Jan 2027in 78 daysReadingTue, 29 Dec 202657 days leftTue, 9 Feb 202721 days

Showing 5 of 5 dates you can still book. Checked 2026-09-26; places can fill up before the deadline. Official Programme II exam schedule ↗

Where

AmsterdamEindhovenRijswijkRotterdamUtrechtZwolle

DUO exam locations. Zwolle moves to Van Wevelinkhovenstraat 1 from 1 October 2026. source

Waiting & results

No waiting-time figure is published. In practice: register at least 3 weeks ahead, then wait for the fixed result date. source

About 5 weeks. Each exam date has a fixed result date in Mijn DUO (from 15:00), also by e-mail and post. source

Cost & retakes

€50 per part, €200 for all four. Full refund if you cancel at least 4 weeks before the exam. source

Retake only the part you failed; passed parts stay valid. No limit on attempts is published; €50 per attempt. source

At a glance

WhoAdults with another first language; study or work at hbo/university level[11]
LevelB2 (Programme I is B1; you do not have to take them in order)[11]
PartsLezen, Luisteren, Schrijven, Spreken — all on the computer[11]
Cost€50 per part, €200 for all 4[3]
WhereAmsterdam, Eindhoven, Rijswijk, Rotterdam, Utrecht, Zwolle[4]
Pass markScore ≥ 500 per part[2]
ResultsIn Mijn DUO from 15:00 on the date in the examenrooster; also by email and letter[6]
ValidityDiploma and certificates are valid without limit[6]

Exam parts315 min in total

Lezen100 min
Luisteren90 min
Schrijven100 min
Spreken25 min
LezenReading · 36 multiple-choice questions on 6 texts (figure stated jointly for Programme I and II — check)
100 min
Format
Texts in a paper booklet; you answer on the computer
Questions / tasks
36 multiple-choice questions on 6 texts (figure stated jointly for Programme I and II — check)
Task types
Multiple choice: main topic, meaning, relations in a text, finding and combining information (described for the reading exam; Programme II has the same structure)
Scoring
Computer-marked; 1 point per correct answer; pass at ≥ 500
Allowed aids
Only the paper Van Dale Pocketwoordenboek Nederlands als tweede taal (NT2)[1]
LuisterenListening · About 40 multiple-choice questions (figure stated jointly for Programme I and II — check)
90 min
Format
Computer with headphones
Questions / tasks
About 40 multiple-choice questions (figure stated jointly for Programme I and II — check)
Task types
Multiple choice; each fragment is played once; 25 seconds per question
Scoring
Computer-marked; 1 point per correct answer; pass at ≥ 500
Allowed aids
No dictionary[1]
SchrijvenWriting · 7–8 zinstaken + 1–2 korte schrijftaken + 1–2 middellange schrijftaken
100 min
Format
On the computer
Questions / tasks
7–8 zinstaken + 1–2 korte schrijftaken + 1–2 middellange schrijftaken
Task types
Write or finish one sentence; write a short text; medium-length text, e.g. describe a problem and make a proposal
Scoring
Trained raters use a beoordelingsvoorschrift; always two raters; 1 or more points per task; pass at ≥ 500
Allowed aids
Only the paper Van Dale Pocketwoordenboek Nederlands als tweede taal (NT2)[1]
SprekenSpeaking · 4 short tasks + 8 medium tasks + 1 long task
About 25 min
Format
Headphones on; you speak into a microphone and your answers are recorded
Questions / tasks
4 short tasks + 8 medium tasks + 1 long task
Task types
Short answer 20 s; medium answer 30 s; long task: speak for 2 minutes after preparation time
Scoring
Trained raters use a beoordelingsvoorschrift; always two raters; 1 or more points per task; pass at ≥ 500
Allowed aids
No dictionary[1]

Scoring, results and retakes

1

Reading and listening: marked by computer

Lezen and Luisteren are marked by the computer. Each correct answer gives 1 point.[2]

2

Writing and speaking: two raters

Schrijven and Spreken are marked by trained raters using a beoordelingsvoorschrift (marking rules), always by two raters. Each task gives 1 or more points. The detailed criteria and weights are not published on the official web pages.[2]

3

Pass mark: 500

You pass a part with a score of at least 500 (≥ 500).[2]

4

When and where you see results

The result date is in the examenrooster. From 15:00 that day you can see it in Mijn DUO (log in with DigiD). You also get an email and a letter.[6]

5

Diploma or certificate

Pass all 4 parts and DUO sends you the diploma. For a single passed part you can request a certificaat in "Mijn diploma's". Diploma and certificates are valid without limit.[6]

6

Retakes

You can retake a part you did not pass. You can only register for a new exam after you have received your result. The official page does not mention a maximum number of attempts.[7]

What is really tested

Derived from the official task descriptions and level descriptions — not from leaked questions.

Lezen II: understand and combine information from texts

  • Find the main topic of a text.
  • Understand what a sentence or passage means.
  • See how parts of a text relate to each other.
  • Look up information and combine it to answer the question.
  • Words from the CvTE Aanvullende woordenlijst can appear in the tasks.
Source [1]

Luisteren II: catch it the first time

  • Every fragment is played only once.
  • You have 25 seconds per question to choose an answer.
  • No dictionary is allowed, so you must know the words by ear.
  • Words from the CvTE Aanvullende woordenlijst can appear in the tasks.
Source [1]

Schrijven II: from single sentences to a proposal

  • Zinstaak: write one sentence or finish a sentence (7–8 tasks).
  • Korte schrijftaak: write a short text (1–2 tasks).
  • Middellange schrijftaak: a longer text, for example describing a problem and making a proposal (1–2 tasks, only in Programme II).
  • Two raters mark your work; exact criteria and word counts are not published.
Source [1]

Spreken II: short answers and one 2-minute talk

  • You talk to a computer with headphones and a microphone; your answers are recorded.
  • 4 short tasks: answer in 20 seconds.
  • 8 medium tasks: answer in 30 seconds.
  • 1 long task: speak for 2 minutes after preparation time (only in Programme II).
Source [1]

Rules you need to know

Routes & levels2
Onderwijsroute: B1 or B2

Under Wi2021 the onderwijsroute (education route, towards mbo/hbo/university) asks for B1 or B2. The B1 and B2 language exams are the Staatsexamen NT2, so in this route you can also take Programme II.[14]

Accepted for naturalisation

For naturalisation the IND accepts the Staatsexamen NT2, programme I or II. The current requirement is still level A2.[12]

Registration1
Register in MijnDUO

You register through MijnDUO (with DigiD; there is also a way without DigiD). Registration opens about 8 weeks before the exam, at 9:00 or 10:00 on the opening day (see the examenrooster). B1/B2 exams do not go through Mijn Inburgering.[4]

Costs & payment2
€50 per part

Each part costs €50; all 4 parts cost €200 (same for Programme I and II). Pay with iDEAL, or ask DUO for an invoice (at the latest 3 weeks before the exam).[3]

If you must do civic integration

If you are inburgeringsplichtig you can pay with your DUO lening (loan) or use a free exam attempt (een gratis examenpoging).[3]

Retakes1
Retake after your result

You can only register for a new exam after you have received your result.[7]

Adapted exams1
Adapted exam

Extra time and larger letters are possible; exam rooms are wheelchair accessible without a request. Tick "persoonlijke omstandigheden" when you register; DUO contacts you and asks for proof (e.g. a specialist's statement). The date or place may change.[8]

Exemptions1
Exemption for Wi2013 A2 parts

If you pass an NT2 B1/B2 part, you are exempt from the matching A2 part under Wi2013.[14]

Good to know3
Programme I and II in any order

Programme I is for study or work at mbo 3/4 level, Programme II for hbo or university level. You do not have to take them in order.[11]

CvTE Aanvullende woordenlijst

The CvTE made an extra word list that adds to the Core and General lists of A Frequency Dictionary of Dutch. Words on it can appear in Programme I (B1) and II (B2) tasks. First published 2023-01-16, updated 2024-01-19.[13]

Questions? Contact DUO or CvTE

DUO: 050 599 89 33 / nt2@duo.nl. CvTE: 030 230 60 62 / info@staatsexamensnt2.nl.[10]

On the exam day

  1. 1
    Bring ID and your oproepbrief

    At every exam you must show a valid photo ID and bring the oproepbrief (invitation letter) from DUO.[5]

  2. 2
    Arrive half an hour early

    Be there half an hour before the start to check in. If you are late, you may not enter the exam room and cannot take the exam.[9]

  3. 3
    All digital devices are banned

    Since 2026 all digital devices are banned during the exam. Switch off your phone, watch and other devices and put them in a locker. Google Translate, electronic dictionaries and anything with notes are not allowed.[10]

  4. 4
    Dictionary only for reading and writing

    For Lezen and Schrijven you may use only the paper Van Dale Pocketwoordenboek Nederlands als tweede taal (NT2). For Luisteren and Spreken no dictionary is allowed.[5]

  5. 5
    Food and drinks

    You may bring food and drinks. If you want coffee or tea, bring your own cup.[9]

Recent and planned changes

  1. In forceWord list updated

    The CvTE Aanvullende woordenlijst (first published 2023-01-16) was updated on 2024-01-19. Use the current version.[13]

  2. In forceWi2021: B2 possible in the onderwijsroute

    New arrivals who must integrate from 2022-01-01 fall under Wi2021. Its onderwijsroute asks for B1 or B2, so Programme II can count for civic integration.[15]

Frequently asked questions

What are the parts of Staatsexamen NT2 Programme II?

Lezen (100 min) · Luisteren (90 min) · Schrijven (100 min) · Spreken (About 25 min).

What is the pass mark for Staatsexamen NT2 Programme II?

Score ≥ 500 per part source

How much does Staatsexamen NT2 Programme II cost?

€50 per part, €200 for all four. Full refund if you cancel at least 4 weeks before the exam. source

How do you register for Staatsexamen NT2 Programme II?

Fixed exam dates per part, published by DUO. Registration opens about 8 weeks before and closes 3 weeks (21 days) before each exam date. Places can fill up before the deadline. source

How long do you have to wait for Staatsexamen NT2 Programme II?

No waiting-time figure is published. In practice: register at least 3 weeks ahead, then wait for the fixed result date. source

When do you get the result of Staatsexamen NT2 Programme II?

About 5 weeks. Each exam date has a fixed result date in Mijn DUO (from 15:00), also by e-mail and post. source

What happens if you fail Staatsexamen NT2 Programme II?

Retake only the part you failed; passed parts stay valid. No limit on attempts is published; €50 per attempt. source

Where can you take Staatsexamen NT2 Programme II?

DUO exam locations. Zwolle moves to Van Wevelinkhovenstraat 1 from 1 October 2026. Amsterdam, Eindhoven, Rijswijk, Rotterdam, Utrecht, Zwolle. source

Official sources

Checked on 2026-09-25. Rules change — the official page always wins.

  1. [1]
    Hoe ziet het examen eruit CvTE · page date 2026-06-16
  2. [2]
  3. [3]
    Betalen bij DUO CvTE · page date 2025-03-28
  4. [4]
    Aanmelden bij DUO CvTE · page date 2026-08-03
  5. [5]
    Wat moet ik meenemen CvTE · page date 2026-08-03
  6. [6]
  7. [7]
  8. [8]
  9. [9]
  10. [10]
  11. [11]
  12. [12]
    Civic integration for naturalisation IND · page date 2026-09-01
  13. [13]
    Aanvullende woordenlijst CvTE CvTE · page date 2025-07-24
  14. [14]
    Examen doen Wi2021 DUO · page date 2025-04-02
  15. [15]
    Moet ik als nieuwkomer inburgeren? Rijksoverheid · page date 2026-07-07

Prepare with this in mind

Exam tips from EUpassway · editorial, not official rules

1Practise the 2-minute talk

The long speaking task asks you to talk for 2 minutes after preparation. Practise with a timer: make a short plan, then speak for the full 2 minutes.

2Train the problem-and-proposal text

A middellange schrijftaak can ask you to describe a problem and make a proposal. Practise writing both parts clearly: first what the problem is, then what you propose.

3Listen once, answer fast

Audio plays only once and you have 25 seconds per question. Practise with audio you cannot replay and make short notes while you listen.

4Practise with the paper Van Dale NT2

For Lezen and Schrijven only the paper Van Dale Pocketwoordenboek NT2 is allowed. Use that same dictionary when you practise, so you can look up words quickly.

5Study the Aanvullende woordenlijst

Words from the CvTE Aanvullende woordenlijst can appear in the exam. Download the list and learn the words you do not know yet.

6Use the official practice exams

oefenexamensnt2.nl has practice tasks for writing and speaking. The real exam has more task types, so also practise the other task types in this handbook.

Practise in exam formatMock sets and official sample examsOpen Exam training videosPlaylists for this levelOpen Exam vocabularyWord lists with audioOpen Official documentsSample exams, rules, word listsOpen

Practise each part — sample questions with answers

How to register: step by stepKey facts in one pageB2 ReadingB2 ListeningB2 WritingB2 SpeakingStaatsexamen NT2 B2Exam datesCompare the exams

Study guides

Compiled with AI assistance from official pages (DUO, CvTE, IND and other official sources) · not yet reviewed by a teacher · the official page always wins