The Comprehensive Guide to the Dutch Integration Exam - An Insider's Look at the Integration Process in the Netherlands 
Jan 29, 2024

Congratulations if you're preparing to take the Dutch integration exams! Get ready for an exciting journey ahead. Don't worry, though, becoming a Dutch citizen is challenging but definitely achievable. In this guide, written by a successful test-taker named Sam, we will provide you with all the necessary information about the integration exams.

To ensure the accuracy and quality of this article, we partnered with InburgeringOnline, a renowned platform that offers affordable and convenient online courses for the integration exams. Their comprehensive resources on InburgeringOnline.nl cover everything you need to know. Discover their courses to enhance your preparation.

In this informative guide to the Dutch integration exam, we will address the following aspects:

• What exactly is the Dutch integration exam? 

• Who is required to take the Dutch integration exams? 

• The advantages of taking the Dutch integration exams 

• The cost associated with the Dutch integration exams 

• What language proficiency level is required for the exam? 

• The prerequisites for obtaining the Dutch integration certificate 

• How to effectively prepare for the Dutch integration exams 

• What to expect during the exam 

• Useful tips to ensure success in your inburgering journey 

• The process of receiving your exam results 

• The timeframe for obtaining your integration certificate in the Netherlands 

• Steps to take once you've received your inburgeringdiploma 

• Frequently asked questions about the Dutch integration exam

What exactly is the Dutch integration exam? 

The Dutch inburgeringsexamen, also known as the integration exams, consists of a series of assessments and tasks that must be completed to obtain an inburgeringsdiploma, or integration certificate. This certificate is often required for individuals seeking Dutch citizenship or permanent residency. The process of integration, referred to as inburgering, aims to ensure that new residents or citizens possess a basic understanding of the Dutch language and society. At the end of this process, you will officially be considered integrated in Dutch society.

Who is required to take the Dutch integration exams?  

The Dutch integration exams are mandatory for certain individuals, while others may choose to take them voluntarily. If you fall into any of the following categories, it is likely that you will be required to take the exams:

• You are in the Netherlands on a relationship visa (mandatory).
• You are in the Netherlands on a refugee visa (mandatory).
• You are in the Netherlands on a different type of visa but wish to become a Permanent Resident (voluntary).

If integration is compulsory for you based on your visa type, you will receive an official letter notifying you of this requirement and providing a deadline to obtain your inburgering certificate. Typically, you will have three years from the date of the letter to complete the exams, allowing you ample time to attend classes and make necessary preparations. I, too, received such a letter shortly after obtaining my relationship visa.

Authorities Involved in the Integration Process The obligation to integrate in the Netherlands is established by the Dutch Integration Law, known as the Wet Inburgering. This process is overseen by a government agency called Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs (DUO), which is the Dutch Ministry of Education. DUO facilitates exam bookings, offers practice tests, and, if eligible, provides study loans.

Additionally, your local municipality plays a crucial role in the integration process. They will assist you in creating a personalized integration plan and serve as your initial point of contact on your journey toward integration.

The advantages of taking the Dutch integration exams 

While the inburgering process and exams may seem daunting, they offer significant benefits that make them worthwhile. Some of the advantages of going through the Dutch integration journey include:

Language Skills: The inburgering process ensures that you gain proficiency in speaking, reading, writing, and understanding Dutch. This language proficiency opens up more opportunities for communication, education, and employment within the Netherlands.

Access to Dutch Citizenship and Permanent Residency: Successful completion of the integration exams allows you to apply for a Dutch passport or permanent residency, granting you the rights and privileges of a Dutch citizen or permanent resident.

Cultural Understanding: By engaging in the integration process, you gain a deeper understanding of Dutch culture, customs, and societal processes. This knowledge fosters a greater sense of connection and integration within the Dutch community.

Personal Achievement: The inburgering process provides a sense of self-satisfaction and accomplishment as you successfully navigate through the challenges of integrating into a foreign country. It is a testament to your determination and adaptability.

The cost associated with the Dutch integration exams 

Unfortunately, the Dutch integration process is not free of charge. As of 2023, you will need to consider the following costs associated with the exams:

Exam Cost Writing exam €50 Reading exam €50 Listening exam €50 Knowledge of Dutch Society €40 Participation Statement €0 – €150* 

In addition to these exam fees, you may also need to cover expenses for study materials, lessons, or potential exam retakes if necessary.

Financial Support for Integration in the Netherlands If the costs seem overwhelming, there is a possibility of obtaining a Dutch student loan to help finance your inburgering process. Most individuals are eligible for this loan, which can be used to pay for exams or to attend a Dutch course at an approved school.

Repayment for the loan begins six months after your integration, providing a grace period. From there, you have a ten-year timeframe to repay the loan.

If you prefer not to incur additional expenses or go into debt for Dutch language lessons, InburgeringOnline offers a cost-effective solution. For less than €12 per month, you can learn Dutch up to a B1 level through their online, self-paced lessons. You have the flexibility to choose your study frequency, whether it's daily or once a week. Explore the available options on their platform.

What language proficiency level is required for the exam? 

The Dutch integration exams assess language proficiency at two levels: A2 and B1. The language level required depends on your personal circumstances, as the integration law underwent changes in 2021. It's essential to pay close attention as your visa type and the date you received your integration letter impact the language level you must achieve.

Let's break it down based on two groups:

Group 1: If you are in the Netherlands on an asylum or family reunification visa, and integration is mandatory for you, the following applies:

• If the letter advising you to integrate is dated before January 1, 2022, you fall under the old law, and your language level requirement is likely A2. You can book the exams on the inburgeren website.
• If the letter advising you to integrate is dated after January 1, 2022, you fall under the new law, and your language level requirement is likely B1. Before booking the exams, you must create an integration plan with your municipality. Further details on this process will be provided below.

Group 2: Congratulations! If you are in the Netherlands on a work or other visa, and you have chosen to integrate to obtain permanent residency, the language level requirement for you is A2. However, please note that this language requirement may change in the near future. It is advisable to complete your integration process as soon as possible.

Creating an Integration Plan Under the new integration law, individuals who become obligated to integrate after January 1, 2022, must create an integration plan with their municipality. Here is an overview of what you can expect:

1. You will receive a letter from DUO (Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs) stating that integration is required.
2. Your municipality will send you an invitation for an intake interview and a short assessment, which you do not need to study for.
3. The municipality will prepare your Personal Integration and Participation plan (PIP), including specifying the required language level for you.
4. You will receive another letter from DUO confirming that you have officially started the integration process.

If you have further questions or need more information about the Dutch integration exam levels, you can refer to our comprehensive guide on the topic. Remember, it can be a complex matter, but we're here to assist you every step of the way.

The prerequisites for obtaining the Dutch integration certificate  

To receive the Dutch integration certificate, individuals need to fulfill certain requirements, including language and culture tasks. These tasks encompass different aspects of the Dutch language, such as reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Additionally, individuals are required to pass exams on Dutch society, participate in a workshop on integration, and provide proof of their understanding of working in the Netherlands. While these requirements may appear challenging, with proper preparation and study, it is achievable.

Language Exams Language exams are crucial for determining an individual's proficiency in the Dutch language. These exams assess their ability to communicate effectively in Dutch. Depending on personal circumstances, individuals are required to pass either an A2 or a B1 level exam. The exams consist of writing, speaking, listening, and reading sections.

Other Exams and Requirements In addition to the language exams, there are several other exams and requirements that individuals need to fulfill. The Knowledge of Dutch Society (KNM) exam evaluates their understanding of Dutch society, while the Participatieverklaring Workshop focuses on their active participation in the Dutch community. Lastly, the Orientation on the Dutch Labour Market requirement assesses their knowledge of working in the Netherlands.

How to effectively prepare for the Dutch integration exams  

Preparing for the Dutch integration exams requires dedication and effort. For the language exams, individuals aiming for an A2 level should aim to learn approximately 2000 Dutch words, while those targeting a B1 level need to know over 4000 words. Furthermore, understanding grammar and acquiring knowledge about Dutch society are essential aspects of preparation. It is recommended to utilize various resources, such as attending Dutch schools, using online preparation programs, studying textbooks, and exploring educational content on platforms like YouTube. Starting with the fundamentals of the Dutch language, individuals can gradually work towards achieving A1 and A2 proficiency levels through in-person or online courses. When ready, practicing with the mock exams available on the Inburgering website can provide valuable feedback on areas that require improvement.

Resources to Assist with Dutch Integration Exam Preparation To facilitate the study process, there are several recommended resources that individuals can utilize:

Websites • InburgeringOnline: This platform offers online Dutch courses from beginner (A0) to B1 level, providing flexibility in terms of scheduling. • Inburgeren.nl: The official Dutch government website offers official practice exams but does not provide comprehensive preparation materials for the exams.

Textbooks Various textbooks available at local Dutch libraries or bookstores can aid in learning Dutch. However, it is important to note that many of these textbooks are primarily designed for use in Dutch schools with the guidance of a teacher. For the KNM exam, the textbook "Welkom in Nederland" is highly regarded for its usefulness in preparing for the exam.

YouTube Platforms such as YouTube provide a wealth of educational resources for studying Dutch. Channels like "Learn Dutch With Kim" and "Dutch With Niels" offer grammar and vocabulary videos that explain the language in an easily understandable manner. Furthermore, YouTube also hosts old integration exam videos that can contribute to additional preparation.

What to expect during the exam  

Attending an exam involves several steps that take place in person at an IND test facility. To begin, you must make a booking for each exam in advance through the Inburgering website. Upon arrival, your ID will be checked, and you will be provided with a locker for your belongings. You will then be directed to the designated room where the exam will be held. Keep in mind that other individuals will be taking the same exam at the same time, and you will need to wait outside until you are allowed to enter. Once inside, your ID will be verified again, and you will wait until the test commences. During the exam, you will receive a brief orientation on the computer, wear headphones, and work in complete silence, except for the speaking exam. Most exams will be computer-based, except for the writing exam, where you will use pen and paper. It is important to note that the content of the exams is randomized and kept secret, meaning you are not permitted to discuss any of the questions encountered during the exam.

Useful tips to ensure success in your inburgering journey  

If you are feeling nervous about passing your exams, here are some helpful tips and tricks:

• Start preparing early and consistently. Avoid leaving your preparation until the last minute, as learning a language takes time.
• Keep your sentences short, simple, and accurate. While it may be tempting to impress the examiners with complex sentences, it is better to focus on constructing concise and error-free sentences. For example, a simple and accurate sentence like "I like cats" will earn you more points than a complex sentence with mistakes.
• Avoid booking too many exams in one day. It can be tempting to schedule all of your exams at once, but it is important to give yourself breaks. Spread them out over at least a week, if possible, to prevent exhaustion.
• Do not stress about de and het words. While it is important to learn the distinction between these articles, during the exam, try to use indefinite articles (een huis versus het huis) or plurals that always use de (de huizen).
• If you don't know a word, don't panic. In situations where you don't know a specific word, try to work around it by creating a scenario that avoids mentioning that word. While accuracy is important, the situation does not need to be entirely believable in the exam.

The process of receiving your exam results 

Congratulations! You've put in a lot of effort and completed your integration exams successfully. Now, what's next?

To start, give yourself some time to relax and keep yourself occupied for a few weeks to overcome any post-exam emptiness. After that, you can expect to receive your exam results through mail or online, depending on the level of your exam.

If you took an A2 exam, your results will be sent to you by mail and will also be available online within eight weeks of the exam date. On the other hand, if you took a B1 exam, your results will be posted online exactly five weeks after your exam date, after 3 PM. Additionally, they will be mailed to you after six weeks.

Each exam is graded on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest score. To pass, you must achieve a minimum score of 6.

In case you didn't pass this time, don't worry! It happens to everyone. Just pick yourself up, brush off the disappointment, and give it another try. You'll get there!

The timeframe for obtaining your integration certificate in the Netherlands 

If you are required to integrate in the Netherlands, you have a three-year period starting from the date you received your integration letter to complete the process.

However, if you are voluntarily integrating in the Netherlands, such as for obtaining permanent residency after living here for five years, you can choose to integrate whenever you want, as long as your visa remains valid.

Steps to take once you've received your inburgeringdiploma 

Congratulations! You have successfully passed all the exams and received your results. It's time to celebrate and rejoice in your accomplishment!

In a short while, you will receive a special letter in the mail with your official integration diploma. You can proudly display it on your wall as a symbol of your hard work and dedication during those long study nights.

But wait, there's more! If you fulfill the other necessary conditions, you can also apply for permanent residency or citizenship, which is an excellent opportunity for you to settle down and make the Netherlands your home.

The integration exams in the Netherlands may seem challenging, but once you hold that shiny integration diploma in your hands, all the effort will be totally worth it. Trust me!

Do you need to take the Dutch integration exams? Let us know in the comments below!

Frequently asked questions about the Dutch integration exam

What is the Dutch integration exam?

The Dutch integration exams consist of a series of tests covering the Dutch language and society. There are five exams in total, including reading, writing, listening, speaking, and knowledge of Dutch society. Additionally, there are other requirements that need to be fulfilled for successful integration.

What is the language level for the Dutch integration exam in 2023?

The language level for the Dutch integration exam in 2023 varies depending on individual circumstances. If you became obligated to integrate after January 1, 2022, your required language level is B1. However, if you are voluntarily integrating or have already started the integration process, the current level is A2.

How much does the integration exam cost?

The integration exam consists of multiple tests, with each test costing between €40 and €50. The total cost for the integration process can range from €240 to €390, depending on your location. This cost does not include any preparation expenses.

What is the passing grade for the Dutch integration exam?

To pass the Dutch integration exam, you must achieve a minimum grade of 6 out of 10.

How difficult is the integration exam?

The Dutch integration exams are not inherently difficult, but they do require thorough preparation. You need to be able to speak and understand Dutch at either an A2 or B1 level, depending on your specific situation. With the right level of proficiency and proper exam preparation, passing the exams should not be too challenging.