Dutch A2 civic-integration exam — FAQ

Which parts does the A2 integration exam consist of?

It consists of four language parts and one knowledge part. You do not sit them all on the same day — you register for each part separately.

• Reading (Lezen) — 65 minutes, on computer
• Listening (Luisteren) — 45 minutes, on computer, with questions about short videos and audio
• Writing (Schrijven) — 40 minutes, on paper, four writing tasks
• Speaking (Spreken) — 35 minutes, on computer: you watch video prompts and record your answers
• KNM (Knowledge of Dutch Society) — 45 minutes, on computer

Official source: Content of the language exams · Knowledge exams

What does the exam cost?

You pay per part, so registering for all five parts means paying five times. People holding a residence permit as a refugee, where the relevant scheme applies, get the first two attempts of each exam free. Always check the current amount on the official site before registering.

Official source: Paying for integration

How do I register, and where can I sit the exam?

You register online and pick your exam location and date at the same time. In the European part of the Netherlands exams run all year round, and slots generally open about one to two months in advance. Register early — popular locations and dates fill up quickly.

Official source: Registering for the exam · Exam locations

When do I get my result?

Not immediately after the exam. Your result arrives within a few weeks — allow up to eight — by letter, and you can also view it online in your personal file.

Official source: Exam results

How many questions are in each part, and what is the pass mark?

The number of questions per part and the exact pass mark are not published officially. Preparation sites do quote figures, but those are not confirmed by the official source, so we do not repeat them. If you want to know what a part actually looks like, sit the free practice exams — they give you the real format, the real question types and the real time pressure.

Official source: Free practice exams

Are there free practice exams?

Yes. There are official practice exams for Reading, Listening, Speaking and KNM that run in your browser, plus Writing practice tasks as PDFs. They are free and need no account. Note that the Speaking practice exam does not work in Safari — use a different browser for that one.

Official source: Practice

If I fail one part, do I have to retake everything?

No. The parts are independent: a part you have passed, you keep. You only re-register for the part you have not passed yet, and you only pay for that part.

Official source: Registering for the exam

How is this different from the Staatsexamen NT2?

The integration exam tests Dutch at level A2 and additionally has a separate knowledge part (KNM). The Staatsexamen NT2 sits higher: Programme I tests at B1 and Programme II at B2, and it has no KNM. NT2 is often required for work or study, or when you need a higher language level. Which exam applies to you depends on your personal integration pathway — check your own file or ask your case contact.

Official source: What the NT2 exam looks like · NT2 marking

How is the Staatsexamen NT2 marked?

NT2 gives you a scaled score per part, with 500 as the threshold to pass that part. Reading and Listening are machine-marked; Writing and Speaking are assessed by two independent raters whose scores are then averaged.

Official source: NT2 marking

What am I allowed to bring to the exam?

You need valid photo ID; without it you cannot take part. No dictionary is allowed for the A2 parts. Different rules apply to the Staatsexamen NT2, where a dictionary is permitted for some parts. Read the exam rules before you go.

Official source: Exam rules

Why does the Listening audio play only once?

That is part of the exam: the listening texts and videos start automatically and are not repeated. You get a moment to read the question first, then listen for the answer. Our exercises work the same way so the time pressure is familiar before the real thing.

Official source: Content of the language exams

Why is Writing on paper rather than on a computer?

Writing is the only part you do by hand, which is why the official practice tasks come as PDFs. On this site you type your answer so we can give you feedback straight away. Do also practise a few times with pen and paper against the clock, so writing speed does not surprise you on the day.

Official source: Content of the language exams

Am I required to take the integration exam?

Whether the integration requirement applies to you — and which pathway and deadline you fall under — depends on your residence permit and when it was granted. That is recorded in your personal file, where you can check it, and you are notified about it. Do not go by what applies to acquaintances: it differs per person and the rules have changed in recent years.

Official source: Integration — official information

Does the integration exam count towards Dutch citizenship?

When you apply for Dutch nationality you must demonstrate command of Dutch, and a passed language exam plays a part in that. Exactly which level is required can change — raising the language requirement is under political discussion. So always check what applies at the moment you submit your application, rather than relying on what was true a few years ago.

Official source: Naturalisation — IND

How long does it take to prepare for A2?

It varies a lot, depending on your starting level, your first language and how much time you have each week. A more reliable gauge than a number of months is a practice exam: sit one per part and see where you stand. If Reading and Listening fit comfortably in the time, you are in good shape; if Writing or Speaking is still hard, drill that part specifically rather than starting over.

Official source: Free practice exams

Can I practise on this site without an account?

Yes — the whole site works without an account: there is no registration or sign-in. The practice exams and every auto-marked exercise work right away. For the AI-graded tasks — writing and speaking — your browser runs a short bot check in the background; you do not have to do anything. Your progress is stored locally in your browser, if you allow it.