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The official rules, explained clearly.

Exam parts, scoring, costs and dates for each exam, with a link to the official source behind every fact.

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A2 route · DUO integration exams (inburgeringsexamen)

For people under the old Wet inburgering 2013 (A2 is their level), and for Wi2021 B1-route learners whose municipality lowered the level to A2 after at least 600 hours of course.

Official website
Wait for a slot≥ 6weeksBook any free date in Mijn Inburgering
Exam parts6· 260 minLezen · Luisteren · Schrijven · Spreken · KNM · ONA
Cost€50per partAll parts €250
Result within≤ 8weeksNo expiry is published for results or the diploma.

DUO integration exams (inburgeringsexamen) (A2, DUO) has 6 parts: Lezen, Luisteren, Schrijven, Spreken, KNM, ONA. Cost: €50 per exam. Result: Within 8 weeks by letter, also in Mijn Inburgering. Checked 2026-09-25.

Dates, places and waiting times

No fixed dates: you book any free date and place in Mijn Inburgering (DigiD) and see the date immediately. You can change it up to 1 week before. source

  1. 1Bookany free slot in Mijn Inburgering
  2. 2Waitcan take 6+ weeks
  3. 3Examchange up to 1 week before
  4. 4Resultby letter within 8 weeks

Where

AmsterdamEindhovenRijswijkRotterdamUtrechtZwolle

DUO exam locations, Monday–Friday 09:00–16:30. Zwolle moves to Van Wevelinkhovenstraat 1 from 1 October 2026. source

Waiting & results

DUO: it can take more than 6 weeks before you can take the exam. No exact figure is published. source

Within 8 weeks by letter, also in Mijn Inburgering. source

Cost & retakes

€50 per exam. Wi2021 full set incl. KNM €250; Wi2013 incl. KNM and ONA €290. Refund if you cancel up to 1 week before. source

Book and pay again (€50). Wi2021 asylum status holders: first 2 attempts free. source

At a glance

WhoWi2013 (obligation started before 2022-01-01), or Wi2021 B1-route lowered to A2[14]
LevelA2 (Wi2013: A2 or higher)[2]
Language partsLezen 65 min · Luisteren 45 min · Schrijven 40 min (paper) · Spreken 35 min[1]
Also requiredKNM (both groups); ONA (Wi2013 only); PVT and MAP (Wi2021)[2]
Cost€50 per exam, ONA €40; all exams: Wi2021 €250, Wi2013 €290[5]
WhereDUO: Amsterdam, Eindhoven, Rijswijk, Rotterdam, Utrecht, Zwolle[11]
Register / resultsRegister in Mijn Inburgering (DigiD); result by letter within 8 weeks[8]
NaturalisationAn inburgeringsdiploma at A2 or higher is accepted (current rule)[12]

Exam parts260 min in total

Lezen65 min
Luisteren45 min
Schrijven40 min
Spreken35 min
KNM45 min
ONA30 min
LezenReading · Not published on the official page
65 min
Format
On the computer, at a DUO exam location
Questions / tasks
Not published on the official page
Task types
Reading texts at A2 level; task types are not described in detail on the official page
Scoring
Pass mark not published on the official page
Allowed aids
Not stated on the official page[1]
LuisterenListening · Not published on the official page
45 min
Format
On the computer, at a DUO exam location
Questions / tasks
Not published on the official page
Task types
Listening at A2 level; task types are not described in detail on the official page
Scoring
Pass mark not published on the official page
Allowed aids
Not stated on the official page[1]
SchrijvenWriting · 4 writing tasks
40 min
Format
On paper (pen and paper), at a DUO exam location
Questions / tasks
4 writing tasks
Task types
For example a short letter or filling in a form
Scoring
Pass mark and marking criteria not published on the official page
Allowed aids
Not stated on the official page[1]
SprekenSpeaking · Not published on the official page
35 min
Format
On the computer, at a DUO exam location
Questions / tasks
Not published on the official page
Task types
You watch short films and answer questions
Scoring
Pass mark and marking criteria not published on the official page
Allowed aids
Not stated on the official page[1]
KNM (Kennis van de Nederlandse Maatschappij)Knowledge · Number of questions not published on the official page
45 min
Format
On the computer, at a DUO exam location; required under Wi2013 and Wi2021
Questions / tasks
Number of questions not published on the official page
Task types
Questions on different themes about Dutch society
Scoring
Pass mark not published on the official page
Allowed aids
Not stated on the official page[13]
ONA (Oriëntatie op de Nederlandse Arbeidsmarkt)Knowledge · 8 resultaatkaarten in the portfolio
Final interview about 30 min (or 64-hour course)
Format
Wi2013 only (obligation started from 2015-01-01): portfolio of 8 resultaatkaarten, then a 64-hour ONA course or a final interview
Questions / tasks
8 resultaatkaarten in the portfolio
Task types
Portfolio about work in the Netherlands + course or interview
Scoring
Portfolio check takes about 6 weeks; result within 8 weeks
Allowed aids
—[13]

Scoring, results and retakes

1

Pass mark

The official page describes the A2 exams, but does not publish the number of questions, the pass mark or the marking criteria for each part. Check your result letter and Mijn Inburgering.[1]

2

Results within 8 weeks

For A2 exams and KNM you get the result by letter within 8 weeks. You can also see it in Mijn Inburgering.[8]

3

Bezwaar or klacht

If you do not agree with a decision, you can file a bezwaar (objection) or a klacht (complaint).[8]

4

Taking an exam again

Each exam attempt costs €50 (ONA €40). Wi2021 asielstatushouders: the first 2 attempts of each exam are free. Limits or waiting times for retakes are not stated on the pages checked.[5]

5

ONA result

ONA (Wi2013 only): checking the portfolio takes about 6 weeks; the result comes within 8 weeks.[13]

What is really tested

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

Lezen: reading at A2 on screen

  • The exam is on the computer and takes 65 min: practise reading and answering on a screen.
  • The level is A2, one level below B1: expect texts in simple, everyday language.
  • Task types and question counts are not published, so use DUO's own practice exams to see the format.
Source [1]

Luisteren: understanding spoken Dutch at A2

  • The exam is on the computer and takes 45 min.
  • The level is A2, one level below B1: the focus is simple, everyday spoken Dutch.
  • Task types and question counts are not published; practise with DUO's practice exams.
Source [1]

Schrijven: 4 short practical tasks on paper

  • You write by hand on paper, not on a computer.
  • 4 tasks in 40 min: on average about 10 minutes per task.
  • Tasks include short letters and filling in forms: everyday, practical writing.
  • Marking criteria are not published; write clearly and answer what the task asks.
Source [1]

Spreken: reacting to short films

  • The exam is on the computer and takes 35 min.
  • You watch short films and answer questions: you must understand the situation and then speak.
  • The level is A2: simple sentences about everyday situations.
  • Marking criteria are not published; answer the question that is asked.
Source [1]

KNM: new version since 2025-07-01

  • Since 2025-07-01 there is a new KNM exam, developed by Cito; DUO runs the exam.
  • New content includes what the self-determination of women in the Netherlands means.
  • It also asks what the Holocaust was, and that antisemitism and discrimination are forbidden.
  • The focus moved from behaviour to knowledge.
Source [15]

ONA: your own work portfolio (Wi2013)

  • First you make a portfolio with 8 resultaatkaarten.
  • Then you choose: a 64-hour ONA course or a final interview of about 30 min.
  • Only for Wi2013 obligations that started from 2015-01-01; Wi2021 has MAP instead.
Source [13]

Rules you need to know

Routes & levels3
Group 1: Wet inburgering 2013 (legacy)

If your integration obligation started before 2022-01-01, the Wet inburgering 2013 applies. If it started on or after 2022-01-01, the Wet inburgering 2021 applies.[14]

What Wi2013 requires

Level A2 or higher. Exams: Lezen, Luisteren, Schrijven, Spreken, KNM, and ONA. ONA applies if your obligation started from 2015-01-01; not if it started between 2013 and 2015.[2]

Group 2: Wi2021 B1-route lowered to A2 (afschalen)

Lowering the level is only possible within the B1-route. The level then becomes A2. You must first have followed at least 600 hours of course. The municipality records this in your PIP. The B1-route also includes PVT, KNM and MAP.[3]

Registration2
Register in Mijn Inburgering

You register for A2 exams and KNM in Mijn Inburgering with DigiD. It can take 6 weeks or more before you can take the exam. You get written confirmation 1 week before. You can change or cancel until 1 week before. PVT: register via the municipality.[7]

Under Wi2021 you register yourself

Under Wi2021 the inburgeraar registers for the exams themselves. Note: B1 exams are the Staatsexamen NT2 with their own registration; A2 exams go through Mijn Inburgering.[4]

Costs & payment2
Exam fees

Each exam costs €50 (Lezen, Luisteren, Schrijven, Spreken, KNM); ONA costs €40. All exams together: Wi2021 €250, Wi2013 €290. PVT: free under Wi2021; under Wi2013 free for asielstatushouders, €150 for others.[5]

Free attempts and loans

Wi2021 asielstatushouders: the municipality pays the course and the first 2 attempts of each exam; they cannot borrow from DUO. Others pay themselves or borrow from DUO (only for an accredited school); DUO sets the amount based on income. Wi2013 asielstatushouders can borrow up to €10.000.[5]

Adapted exams1
Accessible locations

All DUO exam locations are wheelchair accessible.[11]

Deadlines & fines1
Fines (boete)

DUO gives fines. Wi2021: up to €1.000 for the learning route; €340 each if PVT or MAP is not done in time. Wi2013: up to €1.250. The page says asielstatushouders never get a fine, and that the Raad van State ruled DUO may not fine for taking too long. Check the page for who this covers.[6]

Exemptions2
Wi2013 only: exemption after 600 hours + 3 attempts

Under Wi2013 you can ask for 'ontheffing aantoonbaar geleverde inspanningen' if you followed at least 600 hours of course and took each exam at least 3 times. Use the application form; DUO decides within 8 weeks. This rule does not apply to Wi2021.[9]

NT2 B1/B2 part replaces the A2 part

If you passed a single part of the Staatsexamen NT2 (B1 or B2), you are exempt from the matching A2 part under Wi2013.[4]

Good to know1
A2 counts for naturalisation (current rule)

For naturalisation you must currently pass the civic integration exam at A2. An inburgeringsdiploma at A2 or higher (Wi2013 or Wi2021) is accepted, as is Staatsexamen NT2 programme I or II.[12]

On the exam day

  1. 1
    Bring valid ID

    Bring a valid ID, for example a Dutch passport, ID card or driving licence, an EU/EER document, or a travel document for foreigners. Without ID you cannot take the exam and must register again.[10]

  2. 2
    False ID

    If you show a false ID, DUO may call the police.[10]

  3. 3
    Exam questions are confidential

    You may not take photos of the exam or copy the questions.[10]

  4. 4
    Check your confirmation letter

    You get written confirmation 1 week before the exam. Follow the letter for date, time and place.[7]

  5. 5
    Exam locations and opening hours

    Amsterdam, Eindhoven, Rijswijk, Rotterdam, Utrecht and Zwolle, Monday to Friday 9:00–16:30. Zwolle moves between 2026-09-18 and 2026-09-30 and is at a new address from 2026-10-01.[11]

  6. 6
    B1/B2 exams are elsewhere

    These DUO rules are for A2, KNM and ONA. B1/B2 exams (Staatsexamen NT2) take place at the staatsexamen locations, with their own rules.[11]

Recent and planned changes

  1. PlannedPlan: naturalisation from A2 to B1

    The government plans to raise the language level for naturalisation from A2 to B1. The draft would be put in public consultation; no start date has been published. For now A2 still applies.[16]

  2. In forceNew KNM exam

    A renewed KNM exam is used from 2025-07-01, with new content on the self-determination of women and the Holocaust. The previous renewal was in 2015.[15]

  3. In forceWet inburgering 2021 replaces Wi2013 for new cases

    People who must integrate from 2022-01-01 fall under Wi2021; those who started before fall under Wi2013.[14]

Frequently asked questions

What are the parts of DUO integration exams (inburgeringsexamen)?

Lezen (65 min) · Luisteren (45 min) · Schrijven (40 min) · Spreken (35 min) · KNM (Kennis van de Nederlandse Maatschappij) (45 min) · ONA (Oriëntatie op de Nederlandse Arbeidsmarkt) (Final interview about 30 min (or 64-hour course)).

How much does DUO integration exams (inburgeringsexamen) cost?

€50 per exam. Wi2021 full set incl. KNM €250; Wi2013 incl. KNM and ONA €290. Refund if you cancel up to 1 week before. source

How do you register for DUO integration exams (inburgeringsexamen)?

No fixed dates: you book any free date and place in Mijn Inburgering (DigiD) and see the date immediately. You can change it up to 1 week before. source

How long do you have to wait for DUO integration exams (inburgeringsexamen)?

DUO: it can take more than 6 weeks before you can take the exam. No exact figure is published. source

When do you get the result of DUO integration exams (inburgeringsexamen)?

Within 8 weeks by letter, also in Mijn Inburgering. source

What happens if you fail DUO integration exams (inburgeringsexamen)?

Book and pay again (€50). Wi2021 asylum status holders: first 2 attempts free. source

Where can you take DUO integration exams (inburgeringsexamen)?

DUO exam locations, Monday–Friday 09:00–16:30. 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]
  2. [2]
    Examen doen DUO (inburgeren.nl)
  3. [3]
    Leerroutes (Wet inburgering 2021) DUO · page date 2025-04-02
  4. [4]
    Examen doen Wi2021 DUO · page date 2025-04-02
  5. [5]
    Inburgeren betalen DUO (inburgeren.nl)
  6. [6]
    Boete DUO (inburgeren.nl)
  7. [7]
    Aanmelden voor een examen DUO (inburgeren.nl)
  8. [8]
    Uitslag DUO (inburgeren.nl)
  9. [9]
  10. [10]
    Regels voor het examen DUO (inburgeren.nl)
  11. [11]
    Examenplaatsen DUO (inburgeren.nl)
  12. [12]
    Civic integration for naturalisation IND · page date 2026-09-01
  13. [13]
  14. [14]
    Moet ik als nieuwkomer inburgeren? Rijksoverheid · page date 2026-07-07
  15. [15]
  16. [16]
    Kamerstuk 30573-237 Tweede Kamer (officielebekendmakingen.nl) · page date 2025-10-01

Prepare with this in mind

Exam tips from EUpassway · editorial, not official rules

1First check which law applies to you

Wi2013 and Wi2021 have different parts (ONA or MAP), fees, fines and exemption rules. Check your DUO letters and, for Wi2021, your PIP before you plan.

2Register early

It can take 6 weeks or more between registering and the exam. Plan your exams well before any deadline.

3Practise writing by hand

Schrijven is on paper: 4 tasks in 40 min. Practise short letters and forms by hand with a timer, about 10 minutes per task.

4Practise speaking about short videos

In Spreken you react to short films. Watch short everyday videos, pause, and answer simple questions aloud. Record yourself and listen back.

5Use the new KNM practice exams

KNM changed on 2025-07-01. DUO offers new and old practice exams; practise with the new ones. Older materials may miss the new topics.

6Keep proof of hours and attempts

Afschalen (Wi2021) needs at least 600 hours of course; the Wi2013 exemption needs 600 hours and 3 attempts per exam. Keep your course records and result letters.

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 pageKNM examA2 ReadingA2 ListeningA2 WritingA2 SpeakingInburgeringsexamen A2Exam 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