The DUO Inburgering Exam Explained (for English Speakers)
You got the letter from DUO. You know the deadline. But the Dutch websites explaining the exam are, well, in Dutch. Here is the whole system in plain English: the five exam parts, the costs, how to book, the difference between the old and new rules, and how to prepare without losing a year.
The five exam parts
Four language skills plus one knowledge test. Each part is booked, taken and passed separately, and passed parts stay valid.
Lezen (reading)
Short practical texts: letters, notes, advertisements, school messages. Questions test whether you understood what to do.
Luisteren (listening)
Conversations and voicemails at natural speed, with multiple-choice questions.
Schrijven (writing)
Write short notes, emails and forms. Graded on whether a Dutch reader understands you, not on perfection.
Spreken (speaking)
Answer questions about photos and everyday situations, recorded on the computer. The part most people fear, and the most trainable one.
KNM (knowledge of Dutch society)
Facts about the Netherlands: history, healthcare, work, school, government. Try our free KNM practice test.
Old rules or new rules: which apply to you?
Two systems run side by side, and your DUO letter tells you which one is yours.
- Became inburgeringsplichtig before 2022 (Wi2013): you take the inburgeringsexamen at A2 level with DUO: the four language parts plus KNM.
- Under the new law (Wi2021): your gemeente sets your personal plan (PIP). The standard route aims for B1, often via the Staatsexamen NT2; other routes exist for study (onderwijsroute) and for those for whom exams are not feasible (Z-route).
- Naturalisation and permanent residence have their own language requirements tied to these exams, which is exactly why passing matters beyond the deadline.
Whichever track you are on, the four skills and the way to train them are the same. Read the Dutch-language deep dives on inburgeringsexamen oefenen and the Staatsexamen NT2.
Booking, costs and results
- Book via Mijn Inburgering on duo.nl with your DigiD. You pick a date and location per exam part.
- Each part costs €50 per attempt. All five parts: €250 if you pass everything first time. Fail a part and only that part needs paying again.
- Money-saving rule number one: do not book an exam to “see how it goes”. Book when your practice scores say you are ready. A €50 rehearsal is an expensive habit.
- Passed parts stay valid. Plan your strongest parts first: results in your pocket, pressure off, focus on what remains.
Prepare in English, pass in Dutch
Dutch Daily was built for exactly this exam: 110 practice exercises across all four language parts in the real exam format, AI feedback on every sentence you write, speaking practice with scores and transcripts, and a full KNM trainer. The app explains everything in English while you train in Dutch. Most learners reach exam level in 4 to 6 months of daily practice.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
How much does the DUO inburgering exam cost?
€50 per exam part per attempt. The full set of five parts costs €250 if you pass everything on the first try. Passed parts remain valid.
What level is the inburgering exam?
Under the old rules (Wi2013): A2. Under the new law (Wi2021) the standard route aims for B1. Your DUO letter or your gemeente confirms which track applies to you.
How do I book the exam?
Through Mijn Inburgering on duo.nl using your DigiD. You choose a date and test location per part, and can spread the parts over months.
Which part should I take first?
Your strongest one. A passed part is banked forever, lowers the pressure, and teaches you how exam day feels for only one €50 fee.
How long does preparation take?
From a beginner level, 4 to 6 months of daily practice for the A2 exams is realistic. The B1 route takes longer. Consistency beats intensity: 20 minutes every day outperforms 3 hours every Sunday.