Exam by level
The civic integration exam abroad: how it works.
Do you want to move to the Netherlands to join your partner? Then you often have to pass the basic civic integration exam first. You take it in the country where you live, at a Dutch embassy or consulate.
The exam is at level A1. It has three parts: Speaking, Reading and Knowledge of Dutch Society (KNS). It costs € 150.
The three parts
You take the parts on a computer, with breaks in between. Each part starts with an explanation. You may do them on one day, but you do not have to.
| Part | Marking | Order | What you do |
|---|---|---|---|
| KNS | By computer · FirstBy computer | First | Questions about the Netherlands: Knowledge of Dutch Society. |
| Reading | By computer · NextBy computer | Next | You read texts in Dutch and answer questions. |
| Speaking | By people · LastBy people | Last | You say things in Dutch. People mark it using a marking model. |
Source: naarnederland.nl, the DUO exam site. You get a grade between 1 and 10 for each part.
Who has to take the basic exam?
You need the exam for an mvv, the visa to stay longer in the Netherlands. Not everyone has to take it.
You are joining your partner
Do you want to live in the Netherlands with your partner? Then you usually have to pass the basic exam first. After that your partner applies for the mvv with the IND.
Religious minister
Do you come to the Netherlands as a religious minister, such as an imam or a pastor? Then you also have to take the exam.
You are exempt
For example if you are under 18 or of state pension age. Or if you have the nationality of an EU country, the US, Canada, Japan or a few other countries.
You have a diploma
With an inburgering diploma, a Staatsexamen NT2 diploma or certain Dutch diplomas you do not have to take the exam. The IND has the full list.
What is A1 level?
A1 is the first and lowest of six language levels used in Europe.
At A1 you understand familiar words and very simple sentences. You can introduce yourself. You can ask and answer simple questions, for example about where you live.
From booking to mvv
- 1
Prepare
DUO has a self-study package, Naar Nederland, in several languages. naarnederland.nl also has practice exams for Reading, Speaking and KNS.
- 2
Register with DUO
You register with DUO and pay € 150 there. Within 5 days you get a confirmation of your payment.
- 3
Appointment at the embassy
Then you make an appointment at the Dutch embassy or consulate in your country. How that works differs per country.
- 4
Exam day
Bring your appointment confirmation, a valid passport and a recent colour passport photo. Your fingerprints are taken on the day.
- 5
Result and mvv
Within 8 weeks you get the result from DUO. Passed? Then your partner usually applies for the mvv with the IND. Do this within one year.
When do you pass?
You get a grade between 1 and 10 for each part. You pass if you have at least a 6 for all three parts.
KNS and Reading are marked by computer. Speaking is marked by people.
Failed a part? Then you only retake that part. You register and pay again. The parts you passed stay valid.
Later, in the Netherlands
The basic exam is not the end. In the Netherlands you later take the inburgering exam.
Questions about the basic exam
What does the basic civic integration exam cost?
The whole exam costs € 150. You pay DUO. If you fail a part, you pay again for that part.
Where do I take the basic exam?
At a Dutch embassy or consulate abroad. Sometimes at another organisation.
How long is the result valid?
One year. The mvv must be applied for within that year. Otherwise you have to take the whole exam again.
When have I passed?
When you have at least a 6 for all three parts.
Is KNS the same as KNM?
No. KNS belongs to the basic exam abroad. KNM is part of the inburgering exam in the Netherlands.
How can I practise?
DUO has the Naar Nederland self-study package, in several languages. naarnederland.nl also has practice exams.