Comparison between the basic civic integration exam abroad and the civic integration exam in the Netherlands

Basic Civic Integration Exam Abroad vs Civic Integration Exam in the Netherlands: What's the Differe

You hear two terms: the basic civic integration exam abroad and the civic integration exam in the Netherlands. Many people think these are the same, but they are not. You take the basic exam before you come to the Netherlands, and you take the civic integration exam only after you live here. In this article, I explain the difference clearly, so you know which exam applies to you and how to prepare.

This distinction is important because it determines what you need to do to pass your civic integration. For example, if you come through family reunification, you must first take the basic exam abroad. If you are already here for work or study, you often start directly with the civic integration exam. The rules can change, so I also give you tips to find current information.

Here you read what each exam involves, how the components differ, and which preparation suits you. You also get example sentences and a step-by-step plan, so you know exactly what you can do this week. No panic: with the right explanation and practice, you can pass both exams.

What is the basic civic integration exam abroad?

The basic civic integration exam abroad is the exam you take outside the Netherlands, before you come to the country. It is mandatory for people who want to come to the Netherlands through family reunification or family formation. Think of someone who is going to marry a Dutch person or someone who wants to join their family. This exam shows that you already speak a little Dutch and know how Dutch society works.

The basic exam consists of three parts: speaking, knowledge of Dutch society (KNM), and reading. You take this exam at the Dutch embassy or consulate in your country. It is a computer-based exam, and you need at least A1 level for speaking and reading. That is a low level, but you still need to be able to talk a little about yourself and understand simple sentences.

What is the civic integration exam?

The civic integration exam is the exam you take in the Netherlands, after you have arrived. This exam is for people who already live here, for example for work, study, or family reunification after passing the basic exam. The civic integration exam is more extensive and more difficult than the basic exam. You must show that you can speak, listen, read, and write Dutch at A2 level.

The civic integration exam has four language parts: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. In addition, there is the Knowledge of Dutch Society (KNM) component, which covers norms, values, and practical matters such as job hunting and healthcare. You also have a component called 'Orientation on the Dutch Labor Market' (ONA), but that is a portfolio, not an exam. You must pass the civic integration exam within three years of registering in the Netherlands.

Difference in level: A1 versus A2

The biggest difference between the basic exam and the civic integration exam is the language level. The basic exam is at A1 level, which is the very first level. You can say, for example: 'My name is Maria and I come from Syria.' You understand short sentences and simple questions. The civic integration exam is at A2 level, which is one step higher. You can then have conversations about everyday topics, such as grocery shopping or making a doctor's appointment.

For many people, the step from A1 to A2 is big. For the basic exam, you only need to speak and read, but for the civic integration exam, you also need to listen and write. Writing is the most difficult part for many people, because you have to make sentences yourself. So it is wise to start practicing at A2 level early, even if you are still busy with the basic exam.

Who is required to take which exam?

The basic exam is mandatory for people who need a provisional residence permit (mvv). This is usually the case with family reunification or family formation. For example, if you are going to marry someone who lives in the Netherlands, you must first pass the basic exam before you are allowed to come to the Netherlands. It can also be required for adoption or if you come to work as a highly skilled migrant, but that depends on your situation.

The civic integration exam is mandatory for everyone who comes to live in the Netherlands and does not meet the conditions for an exemption. These are, for example, people who have a residence permit for work or study, or people who come through family reunification after passing the basic exam. There are exceptions, for example if you have a diploma from a Dutch educational program or if you are medically unable to take the exam. It is wise to check with DUO whether you must integrate.

What does the basic exam look like?

The basic exam consists of three parts that you take on one day on the computer. The first part is speaking. You see questions and you must answer in Dutch. For example: 'What is your name?' or 'Where are you from?' You speak your answer, and it is recorded. The second part is knowledge of Dutch society. You see photos and questions about the Netherlands, for example about cycling, Sinterklaas, or how to rent a house.

The third part is reading. You get short texts and must answer questions, such as 'What does this advertisement say?' You have a limited time for each part, so it is important to practice with the computer and with time pressure. You can practice the exam on the DUO website, where there are sample questions. It is also handy to get used to using a headset, because you must listen and speak via the computer.

Sample speaking question: 'What do you do in your free time?'
Sample KNM question: 'What do you do when the fire alarm goes off?'
Sample reading question: 'Read the letter from the municipality. What must you do?'
Tip: Practice with the DUO sample questions for 15 minutes every day.
Tip: Speak Dutch with a language buddy or via an app.

What does the civic integration exam look like?

The civic integration exam has four language parts and one part about society. Reading and listening are computer exams with multiple-choice questions. You read, for example, an email from your employer or listen to a conversation at the doctor's office. Speaking and writing are also on the computer. For speaking, you must speak sentences, such as 'Could you repeat that?' or 'I would like to make an appointment.' For writing, you must fill in a form or write a short message, for example to your neighbor.

The KNM component is also a computer exam with questions about Dutch culture, such as holidays, manners, and rights and obligations. The ONA component is not an exam, but a portfolio. You collect evidence that you have thought about finding work in the Netherlands, such as a CV and a cover letter. You also have a conversation with an advisor. It is important to know that you can schedule all parts separately, so you do not have to do everything on one day.

Reading: practice with texts about work, health, and housing.
Listening: watch Dutch TV programs with subtitles.
Speaking: practice out loud in the mirror or with a friend.
Writing: write a short message every day, for example about your day.
KNM: learn about Dutch customs, such as celebrating birthdays.
ONA: make a CV and practice a job interview.

Practical example sentences for both exams

For the basic exam: 'My name is [name] and I come from [country].'
For the basic exam: 'I would like to make an appointment at the municipality.'
For the civic integration exam: 'Could you speak more slowly, please?'
For the civic integration exam: 'I have a question about my rental contract.'
For the civic integration exam: 'I would like to change my address at the municipality.'
For the civic integration exam: 'Can you help me with this form?'
For the civic integration exam: 'I went to the doctor yesterday.'
For the civic integration exam: 'I want to make an appointment for a job interview.'

Step-by-step plan: what do you do this week?

Whether you need to take the basic exam or the civic integration exam, a clear plan helps. Start by checking your situation with DUO. Log in with your DigiD and see which exams you must take and what your deadline is. This way you know how much time you have and you can make a schedule. Write this date on a calendar and work towards it.

Plan half an hour of practice every day. Choose one part per day, for example Monday reading, Tuesday listening, Wednesday speaking, Thursday writing, and Friday KNM. Use the practice exams from DUO and the Dutch Fluency app for extra practice. Also make sure you occasionally talk with a Dutch person, for example while grocery shopping or at the market. This way you get used to the language in real life.

Step 1: Log in to My Civic Integration with your DigiD and check your exams.
Step 2: Make a weekly schedule with 30 minutes of practice per day.
Step 3: Do a practice exam from DUO every week to test your level.
Step 4: Speak Dutch every day, even if it is only 5 minutes.
Step 5: Ask a language buddy or volunteer to practice together.
Step 6: Schedule your exams on time, so you do not run out of time.

Common mistakes (and what works instead)

Mistake: Only practicing reading and listening, but not speaking and writing. Fix: Practice all parts, even if you find them difficult.
Mistake: Starting to practice too late for the exam. Fix: Start at least 3 months in advance with daily practice.
Mistake: Not doing practice exams, so you do not know what it looks like. Fix: Do a practice exam from DUO every week.
Mistake: Only practicing at home and never talking with Dutch people. Fix: Find a language buddy or talk with your neighbors.
Mistake: Thinking you must pass the exam in one go. Fix: You can retake it, so do not worry too much.

Mini checklist for your exam

Check whether you need to take the basic exam or the civic integration exam.
Log in to My Civic Integration and check your deadlines.
Make a schedule and note your exam dates.
Practice every day with the Dutch Fluency app and the DUO examples.
Speak Dutch with friends, family, or neighbors.
Make sure you have a valid passport or ID for the exam.

How to practice this (Dutch Fluency + extra)

At Dutch Fluency, we understand that integrating is exciting. That is why we have practice exams that resemble the real tests. For example, you can practice the reading part with texts about work or health, and for speaking you get questions that you answer out loud. This way you know exactly what to expect and you become calmer.

Use the app alongside your study book or course. You can practice per part, and the app gives direct feedback. This way you quickly see where you still need to improve. Start today with a practice test, so you know where you stand. And remember: practicing a little every day is better than studying for a long time once a week.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the basic exam and the civic integration exam?

You take the basic exam abroad before coming to the Netherlands, at A1 level. You take the civic integration exam in the Netherlands, at A2 level. The basic exam has three parts, the civic integration exam has five parts.

Do I need to take both the basic exam and the civic integration exam?

Yes, if you come through family reunification, you must first pass the basic exam and then take the civic integration exam in the Netherlands. If you already live here for work or study, you only need to take the civic integration exam.

Is the basic exam easier than the civic integration exam?

Yes, the basic exam is at A1 level and has fewer parts. The civic integration exam is at A2 level and also includes writing and listening. Still, you need to practice well for both exams.

Can I take the civic integration exam without the basic exam?

That depends on your situation. If you need an mvv, you must first pass the basic exam. If you already have a residence permit without an mvv, you can take the civic integration exam directly.

How long in advance should I prepare for the basic exam?

Most people need 3 to 6 months to pass the basic exam. Start practicing as soon as you know you are coming to the Netherlands, and practice for half an hour every day.

What happens if I do not pass the civic integration exam?

You can retake the parts you did not pass. You usually have three years to pass everything. If you are not done on time, it can have consequences for your residence permit, so plan well.

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