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Letter from DUO about civic integration on table with laptop and passport

DUO Civic Integration: what you need to know about your exam and deadlines

You are looking up 'duo inburgering' and you probably want to know how it works with your deadline, your exam or your exemption. I understand that: DUO (Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs) is the organization that handles your civic integration. They decide when you have to start, which parts you have to do and whether you have enough time. In this article I explain how that works, without difficult words.

In the Netherlands, as a newcomer you often have to integrate within three years. DUO keeps track of that and sends you letters. Maybe you have already received a letter and you do not know what to do now. Or you are afraid that your deadline is almost up. Do not panic: a lot is possible, but you do have to take action on time. DUO is strict with deadlines, but they also help you if you have problems.

In this guide you will read how DUO works, which exam parts there are, how to get an exemption and what to do if you need more time. I also give example sentences that you can use when you call or write. That way you know exactly what to say. You do not have to do this alone: with the right information it becomes a lot calmer.

What is DUO and what does DUO do for your civic integration?

DUO is the government service that handles student finance, but also civic integration. If you are subject to civic integration, you will deal with DUO. They send you a letter with your deadline: usually you have to pass all parts of the civic integration exam within three years. That deadline starts on the date you come to live in the Netherlands or the date you get a residence permit.

DUO also decides whether you need a loan for your civic integration. You can borrow money from DUO to pay for your exam and to take a course. That is a loan, so you have to pay it back. But you also get a contribution if you pass on time: then you do not have to pay back part of it. That is a nice motivation to start on time.

The most important thing is that DUO is your point of contact for everything around your deadline. If you have questions about your civic integration, you call DUO. They have a special phone number for civic integration. You can also send an email via Mijn DUO. It is handy to have your citizen service number (BSN) at hand when you contact them.

The parts of the civic integration exam (DUO)

The civic integration exam has three parts: Reading, Listening and Writing. In addition, there are two other parts: Speaking (also called KNM) and Knowledge of Dutch Society (KNM). So in total there are five parts, but you can do them separately. You do not have to do everything on one day.

Reading and Listening are computer exams. You read texts and answer questions, or you listen to conversations and answer questions. Writing and Speaking are also on the computer, but with Speaking you have to talk into a microphone. KNM is about how society in the Netherlands works, for example about work, housing and healthcare.

You can do the parts in any order. Many people start with Reading and Listening, because they are the easiest. But if you are better at talking, you can also start with Speaking. It does not matter, as long as you pass all five parts within your deadline. You can register for an exam via Mijn DUO. There you will also see immediately how much it costs and when there are places available.

Exemptions and waivers: when do you not have to take an exam?

Some people do not have to do all parts of the civic integration exam. You can get an exemption for a part if you already have a diploma that proves you know the language well enough. For example an NT2 program or a diploma from a Dutch school. You have to apply for this with DUO with proof.

You can also get a waiver if you show that you really cannot learn, for example due to illness or a disability. That is a heavy procedure: you need a statement from a doctor. DUO decides whether you get a waiver. This sometimes takes a long time, so apply on time.

If you are older than 60 years old or if you work and have lived in the Netherlands for a long time, you can sometimes also get an exemption. This depends on your situation. It is always wise to contact DUO to ask what is possible. You can also make an appointment with a civic integration consultant from the municipality. They help you for free with this kind of questions.

Costs and loans: what do you pay for your civic integration?

The civic integration exam costs money. In 2025 you pay an amount for each part, but that can change. It is important to know that you can borrow this money from DUO. You apply for a loan via Mijn DUO. The loan is not free: you pay interest and you have to pay it back, but you get part forgiven if you pass on time.

Besides the exam costs, you can also get a loan for a Dutch course. This is handy if you do not have enough money for a language school. DUO then pays the course directly to the school. You first have to request a quote and send it to DUO. DUO decides whether they approve it.

There is also a contribution for the loan: if you pass within your deadline, you do not have to pay back part of the loan. This is a reward for good work. So it is smart to start on time and make sure you pass everything. If you do not pass on time, you have to pay everything back and you can get a fine.

Practical example sentences for contact with DUO

If you call or write to DUO, it is handy to know what to say. Below are sentences you can use. Speak calmly and clearly. You may also say that you are learning Dutch. The DUO employees are used to talking with newcomers.

First write down what you want to ask. That helps to stay calm. Use these sentences as an example and adjust them to your situation. You can also use them in an email via Mijn DUO.

Step-by-step plan: what you do this week to arrange your DUO matters

It is easy to wait with DUO, but that causes stress. Start today with these steps. That way you know for sure that you are on time and that you do not get a fine. Put the steps in your phone or on paper.

If you have not received a letter from DUO yet, but you know you have to integrate, contact them yourself. Do not wait too long. DUO is strict with deadlines, but they are also willing to help if you have problems. It is always better to ask questions than to stay silent.

Common mistakes (and what does work)

Many people make the same mistakes with DUO. They wait too long to register, or they forget to apply for an exemption. This can have major consequences, such as a fine or an extension of your deadline. Below you see the most common mistakes and how to avoid them.

Another mistake is that people do not respond to letters from DUO. If you do not understand a letter, ask for help. You can go to the walk-in consultation hour of the municipality or call someone you trust. Never ignore a letter from DUO, even if you think it is not important.

Mini checklist for your DUO civic integration

This checklist helps you not to forget anything. Print it out or save it on your phone. Tick off each item when you have done it. That way you see exactly where you stand.

It is handy to discuss this checklist with someone who helps you, for example a friend or a municipal employee. They can help you arrange things that you find difficult.

How to practice for your DUO exam (with Dutch Fluency)

You can prepare for the civic integration exam by practicing a lot with real exam questions. Dutch Fluency offers practice material that looks like the real exam. You can practice reading, listening, writing and speaking. This helps you get used to the questions and learn what is expected of you.

Our mock exams are specially made for the A2 level. You act as if you are really taking the exam, and afterwards you see what you did well and what not yet. That way you know exactly what to focus on. You can also practice with KNM, so you get to know Dutch society better. This is not only for your exam, but also for your daily life in the Netherlands.

Start practicing on time. Half an hour a day is better than three hours at once. Make it a habit, for example in the morning or after dinner. That way you build up your knowledge calmly and become more confident. And do not forget: you can do it! With the right preparation you will pass your exam.

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Frequently asked questions

What does DUO civic integration mean exactly?

DUO is the Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs. They handle civic integration in the Netherlands. That means they decide when you have to start, which exams you have to do and whether you get an exemption. They also give loans for the costs.

How long does my civic integration deadline last at DUO?

Most people get three years to pass all parts. That deadline starts on the date you come to live in the Netherlands or get a residence permit. Check the date in your letter from DUO.

Can I get an exemption for a DUO exam part?

Yes, that is possible. You need proof that you already know the language well enough, for example a diploma. You apply for an exemption via Mijn DUO. DUO decides whether you get the exemption.

What does the civic integration exam cost via DUO?

The costs change every year. In 2025 you pay an amount for each part, but the total is about 350 euros. You can borrow this amount from DUO. Check the current rates on the DUO website.

What happens if I do not make my DUO deadline?

If you do not pass on time, you can get a fine from DUO. You also have to pay back the entire loan. You can apply for an extension if you have a good reason, such as illness. Apply for this on time.

How do I register for a DUO exam?

You register via Mijn DUO with your DigiD. There you choose a part and a date. You pay immediately with iDEAL or you use your loan. It is wise to do this early, because places are limited.

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