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Do you want to obtain a permanent residence permit or Dutch nationality? The Dutch civic integration exam, also known as inburgeringsexamen, is a crucial step if you are looking to settle in the land of tulips, windmills and canals. The exam tests your knowledge of Dutch language and society. Just like you, thousands of people complete the integration exam every year. In this blog we tell you everything you need to know about the exam and give you useful tips on how to study for inburgering.
Most people from outside the EU who want to live in the Netherlands for a long time, are obliged to learn about Dutch culture and language. The process you go through for this is called civic integration and ends with the so-called civic integration exam (in Dutch: inburgeringsexamen). After your arrival in the Netherlands, you have three years to go through the integration process and take the exam. You will receive a letter from Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs (DUO) about this.
You can decide for yourself how you want to prepare for civic integration: by taking group classes in civic integration or by studying independently. Group classes give you the opportunity to meet other people with whom you can practice the language. You don’t have that when studying independently, of course, but it does give you the flexibility to study at your own pace. It is also easier to combine your studies with other obligations this way.
The civic integration exam is intended for non-EU nationals who wish to live and work in the Netherlands. It is a mandatory requirement for obtaining permanent residency or Dutch citizenship.
Three groups that are required to take the civic integration exam can be distinguished. Those are:
The civic integration requirement does not apply to everyone. As stated by the Dutch government, the following groups are exempt from the exam:
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Are you an international student or expat in the Netherlands? Then you can be relieved. The integration requirement and inburgeringsexamen do not apply to you. Still, there may be reasons why you do want to naturalize or want a permanent residence permit. For example, you don’t have to renew your temporary residence permit every time, which can be very stressful. Also, more doors will open for you on the job market. You can then work for any employer and even start your own business in the Netherlands.
Do you, as an expat, still want to take the civic integration exam for certain reasons? Then it’s smart to do so as soon as possible. Previously, all candidates had to meet level A2 according to the European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). For those who are obliged to go through the process of inburgering, this has become level B1 since January 1, 2022. This does not yet apply to expats, but the question is for how long. After all, the political climate in the Netherlands is undergoing considerable change. Would you prefer not to have to take the more difficult B1 exam in the future? You can avoid this by taking the A2 exam as soon as possible. You can then also decide for yourself how you want to study.
You can take the civic integration exam at various locations across the Netherlands: Amsterdam, Eindhoven, Rijswijk, Rotterdam, Utrecht, and Zwolle. The exams are administered by DUO. In some cases, civic integration starts before you come to the Netherlands. For example, when you want to join your partner who already lives there. If you are taking the exam abroad, you will need to visit a Dutch embassy or consulate. Both procedures require you to register in advance and provide necessary identification.
The civic integration exam consists of several sections, which are:
Each exam component costs €50. So in total, you pay €250 to take the entire exam.
Some people also have to take a sixth exam component: Orientation to the Dutch Labor Market (Oriëntatie op de Nederlandse Arbeidsmarkt (ONA)). This is mandatory for anyone who became subject to the civic integration requirement after January 1, 2015. This exam costs €40.
Are you an expat? For now, to pass the civic integration exam, you must achieve an A2 level in Dutch. The CEFR levels range from A1 (beginner) to C2 (proficient). As a speaker on A2 level, you are a beginning speaker. You understand simple language and can have short, clear conversations about familiar topics from everyday life, such as work and family.
As we mentioned earlier, the language part of the civic integration exam or inburgeringsexamen consists of four sections: reading, listening, speaking and writing. Below, you can see what you can expect of each exam.
| topics | duration | number of questions | details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | 65 minutes | ± 25 (multiple choice) | work, life, courses |
| Listening | 45 minutes | ± 25 (multiple choice) | work, life, courses |
| Speaking | 35 minutes | ± 24 (open questions) | part 1: life, experiences, opinions – part 2: describing images |
| Writing | 40 minutes | 4 (writing exercises) | emails, forms |
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Preparation is key to passing the civic integration exam. If you fail a section, you can retake it as many times as necessary. However, you must register with DUO again and pay for each retake separately. The results of the sections you’ve already passed will remain valid, so you only need to focus on the parts you didn’t pass.
Are you determined to pass your exam? Dutch Ready offers a complete Dutch A2 self-study e-learning module for the civic integration exam, taking you from A0 (absolute beginner) to the required A2 level. In the module, you learn all the basic grammar and practice it in practical lessons that simulate real-life situations. With Dutch Ready’s e-learning, you can prepare for your civic integration exam whenever and wherever you want.
To be successful on the civic integration exam, you need to prepare well. Everyone has their own learning style and pace. Dutch Ready has some useful tips for you to help you study effectively.
Image by Denise Jans on Unsplash
Need some help to reach the level of Dutch that you aim for? Dutch Ready not only offers an e-learning method, but also guided private lessons to prepare for the inburgeringsexam. With the help of interactive exercises, personal feedback and the possibility to plan your lessons flexibly around your busy schedule, you can take the civic integration exam with maximum confidence.
The civic integration exam tests your knowledge of the Dutch language at level A2. This applies to all levels: reading, writing, speaking and listening. Want to know what specific questions look like? Online you can practice with old civic integration exams. By consistently taking the time to learn and practice, passing the exam is perfectly possible.
In all previous civic integration exams, the limit was roughly between 70 and 75 percent. For the reading and listening section, for example, that means you have to get between 17 and 19 questions right.
You can take the integration exam in 6 different places in the Netherlands. They are Amsterdam, Eindhoven, Rijswijk, Rotterdam, Utrecht and Zwolle. The exact addresses can be found on the DUO website.
Non-expats who received their BSN number after January 1st, 2022, must take examinations at level B1 for their integration program. Your municipality will help you with this. Are you not obliged to integrate, for example because you are an expat, but do you still want to take an integration exam? If so, you may still take your exam at level A2 for the time being.
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