Exam by level
The B1 inburgering exam: all in one place.
On the B1 route you take the language exams of the Staatsexamen NT2. These are Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking. You take KNM separately with DUO.
You pass a part with a score of 500 or higher. Each part costs € 50.
The parts
Four Staatsexamen NT2 language exams and KNM. Each part is a separate exam.
| Part | Note | Time | What you do |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | Van Dale NT2 dictionary allowed · 110 minutesVan Dale NT2 dictionary allowed | 110 minutes | You read texts and answer questions. |
| Listening | No dictionary · 90 minutesNo dictionary | 90 minutes | You listen to fragments and answer questions. |
| Writing | Van Dale NT2 dictionary allowed · 100 minutesVan Dale NT2 dictionary allowed | 100 minutes | You do short and longer writing tasks. |
| Speaking | No dictionary · about 30 minutesNo dictionary | about 30 minutes | You answer tasks out loud. |
| KNM | With DUO, on a computer · 45 minutesWith DUO, on a computer | 45 minutes | Questions about life in the Netherlands, by theme. |
Source: inburgeren.nl and staatsexamensnt2.nl. The only dictionary allowed is the Van Dale Pocketwoordenboek Nederlands als tweede taal.
Who takes the B1 exam?
That depends on your law and your route. The gemeente decides your route.
Civic Integration Act 2021, B1 route
You take the four language exams at B1, plus KNM. The PVT and the MAP are also part of this route.
Civic Integration Act 2021, education route
This route is mainly for young people who want to study. You take the language exams at B1 or B2.
Is B1 not working out?
Then on the B1 route you may sometimes switch to the A2 exams. Only after at least 600 hours of lessons at an accredited language school. Read more about the A2 inburgering exam.
Naturalisation
A Staatsexamen NT2 diploma counts if you want to become Dutch. The IND asks for at least level A2.
What is B1 level?
B1 is the third of six language levels used in Europe. It sits between A2 and B2.
At B1 you understand the main points of clear texts about work, school and free time. You can talk about things you have experienced. You can also briefly explain what you think about something.
What the exams show
The Inburgeringscursus.nl team counted the B1 Staatsexamen NT2 exams from 2023, 2024 and 2025. One striking figure per part:
68
out of 105
reading questions: the answer is there in other words
105
out of 115
listening questions: you hear two people talking
23
out of 36
writing tasks are an email
22
out of 48
speaking tasks: you have to give a reason
These are the real Staatsexamen NT2 exams. A new exam can be different.
All figures and how they were counted are in the B1 exam research by Inburgeringscursus.nl.
From booking to diploma
- 1
Book in Mijn DUO
You book the language exams in Mijn DUO, not in Mijn Inburgering. You need a DigiD. Booking without DigiD is also possible. You can book several parts at once.
- 2
Paying
Mijn DUO shows whether you have a free exam or can pay with your loan. Otherwise you pay with iDEAL or by invoice. An invoice is possible until 3 weeks before the exam.
- 3
Exam day
Bring a valid ID with a photo. Also bring your appointment letter from DUO. For Reading and Writing you may bring the Van Dale Pocketwoordenboek NT2.
- 4
The result
After about 5 weeks you see your result in Mijn DUO, from 15.00. You also get it by email and by letter.
- 5
Certificate and diploma
For each part you pass you can get a certificate. Passed all four? Then DUO sends you the diploma automatically.
How many do you need to get right?
For each part you need a score of 500 or higher. How many correct answers or points that takes differs per exam.
In the 2024 and 2025 exams it was 24 out of 35 questions for Reading. For Speaking it was 73 and 75 out of 128 points. Each part page has more.
Failed a part? Then you only retake that part. You can only book again once you have your result.
Practise for B1
Free practice exams in the Staatsexamen NT2 format. You see right away what is right.
Questions about the B1 exam
Is the B1 exam the same as the Staatsexamen NT2?
For the language parts, yes. On the B1 route the language exams are the Staatsexamen NT2, programme I. You also take KNM with DUO.
How many do you need right for B1?
A score of 500 or higher per part. How many correct answers that takes differs per exam. For Reading it was 24 of the 35 in 2024 and 2025.
What does the B1 exam cost?
Each language exam costs € 50. All four together cost € 200. KNM costs € 50 extra.
When do I get my result?
After about 5 weeks, in Mijn DUO. The exam schedule shows the exact date.
What if I fail one part?
Then you only retake that part. The parts you passed stay valid. You book again once you have your result.
Can I switch to A2?
Sometimes. On the B1 route that is only possible after at least 600 hours of lessons at an accredited language school. The gemeente checks this.