How does the civic integration exam at DUO work?

You want to know how the civic integration exam at DUO works. That makes sense, because you need to pass this exam to complete your integration. The exam consists of several parts that test your life in the Netherlands, from speaking Dutch to knowledge of society. In this article, I explain step by step how it works, so you know what to expect and how to prepare well.

The civic integration exam is mandatory for many newcomers who live outside the EU. DUO (the Dutch Education Executive Agency) arranges the exams and decides whether you pass. You must pass within three years, otherwise you risk a fine. That is why it is important to know exactly what is expected of you, how registration works, and what to bring on exam day.

In this guide, I answer the main questions: what parts are there, what level do you need, how do you schedule the exam, and what does it cost? I also give practical example sentences, a step-by-step plan, and common mistakes. No panic: with the right preparation and practice, you can pass. You don't have to know everything at once, but you do need to practice a little every day.

What is the civic integration exam at DUO?

The DUO civic integration exam is a mandatory exam for people who come to live in the Netherlands and are not from the EU. The exam shows that you can speak, read, write, and understand enough Dutch to participate in society. You also show that you know how the Netherlands works, for example, how to rent a house or go to the doctor.

The exam has three parts: Reading, Listening, and Writing, and also two separate parts: Speaking (also called 'Speaking') and Knowledge of Dutch Society (KNM). You can do the parts separately, so you don't have to do everything in one day. That is handy, because you can prepare for each part and schedule them at your own pace.

Note: there are also other ways to integrate, such as the Z-route or the education route. But most people do the regular civic integration exam at DUO. Always check with DUO whether you have an integration obligation and which track applies to you.

The parts of the exam explained

The exam consists of five parts, but Reading, Listening, and Writing are often done on a computer at a DUO location. Speaking and KNM are separate parts. Below, I briefly explain each part so you know what to expect.

Reading: you see texts, such as a letter from the municipality or a message from the doctor. You answer questions about what is written. Listening: you hear conversations, for example between a nurse and a patient, and you answer questions. Writing: you fill in sentences and short texts, such as a form. Speaking: you talk to a computer or a person and answer questions about situations, like buying something in a shop. KNM: you learn about Dutch customs, such as cycling, insurance, and holidays, and you take a test on that knowledge.

• Reading: practice with short texts like letters and emails.
• Listening: listen to Dutch radio or watch TV with subtitles.
• Writing: practice filling in forms and writing short sentences.
• Speaking: practice out loud, for example to yourself or a friend.
• KNM: learn about Dutch society, such as work, housing, and health.

What level do you need?

For the civic integration exam, you need level A2. That means you can have simple conversations about everyday things, like doing groceries or making an appointment. You don't need to speak perfect Dutch, but you do need to be clear and understand a lot.

Level A2 is lower than B1, but it is still a challenge for many people. For example, you must be able to understand a letter from the tax office and tell what you do on the weekend. It is important to practice a lot, because just learning theory is not enough. You need to get used to the speed of Dutch conversations and the way people talk.

If you already speak better Dutch, you might be able to take the exam at level B1. That is not mandatory, but some municipalities ask for it. Check with your municipality or DUO what applies to you.

Registering and scheduling at DUO

You register for the civic integration exam through 'My Integration', the online portal of DUO. You log in with your DigiD and choose an exam date. It is wise not to wait too long, because spots are sometimes full. You can make a separate appointment for each part, so you can do Reading and Listening first, and Speaking later.

The costs for the exam are about 350 euros for all parts, but this can change. If you have a loan from DUO, you might be able to take the exam for free. Always check the current rates on the DUO website. You can also do a resit if you fail, but then you pay again for that part.

On exam day, you must arrive on time and bring your ID, such as a passport or residence permit. Without valid ID, you cannot take the exam. Make sure you know where the exam location is and plan your trip, so you don't arrive stressed.

• Log in to My Integration with your DigiD.
• Choose a part and a date that suits you.
• Pay the exam costs or check if you are entitled to a free exam.
• Print your confirmation and bring your ID.
• Arrive 15 minutes early to settle in calmly.

Practical example sentences and situations

During the exam, you will encounter situations that you come across in daily life. It helps to practice sentences you often need. Below are example sentences you can use at the doctor's, in the supermarket, or at work. Practice them out loud so you can say them automatically.

• At the doctor's: 'I have a headache and I don't feel well.'
• In the supermarket: 'Where can I find the milk?'
• At work: 'Could you explain that again, please?'
• At the municipality: 'I want to make an appointment for a new passport.'
• On the bus: 'Is this the bus to the center?'
• At school: 'I didn't finish my homework because I was sick.'
• At the neighbors: 'May I borrow a cup of sugar from you?'
• At the station: 'What time does the train to Amsterdam leave?'

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

It may sound like a lot, but you can do it step by step. Start with a plan and practice for half an hour every day. This builds confidence and gets you used to Dutch. Here is a concrete step-by-step plan for a week.

• Monday: practice reading for 20 minutes with short texts, like news articles on nu.nl.
• Tuesday: listen to a Dutch podcast or watch the children's news (Jeugdjournaal).
• Wednesday: write five sentences about your day, for example in a diary.
• Thursday: speak out loud while doing groceries, for example 'How much does this cost?'
• Friday: learn about KNM topics like health insurance and holidays.
• Saturday: do a practice exam online to see how far you are.
• Sunday: rest, but still read something in Dutch, like a brochure.

Common mistakes (and what works instead)

Many people make the same mistakes in the civic integration exam. They wait too long to practice, or they only practice with books and not with listening. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Mistake: only learning grammar. Fix: talk a lot, even if you make mistakes.
• Mistake: not getting used to the pace of speaking. Fix: listen to Dutch every day, even if you don't understand everything.
• Mistake: underestimating KNM. Fix: don't just learn facts, but understand why things are the way they are in the Netherlands.
• Mistake: registering for the exam too late. Fix: schedule your exam as soon as you start practicing.
• Mistake: not doing practice exams. Fix: do a practice exam to get used to the question format.

Mini checklist for exam day

On exam day, you don't want surprises. Use this checklist to prepare everything well.

• Do you have your ID with you?
• Do you know the way to the exam location?
• Do you know what time your exam starts?
• Have you slept and eaten enough?
• Do you have a pen and paper for notes?
• Have you left on time?

How to practice this (Dutch Fluency + more)

At Dutch Fluency, we understand that practicing in exam style makes the difference. That's why we have practice exams that resemble the real exam. For example, you can practice reading and listening at level A2, and we give you direct feedback on your answers. That way, you know exactly where you stand and what you still need to practice.

Our exercises are short and practical, so you can do them during a break or on the train. You don't just learn words, but also sentences you really use in conversations. Start today with a practice exam and see how far you already are. You'll notice that the exam becomes less scary when you know what to expect.

Practice now

• Inburgering A2: alles wat je moet weten
• Oefen voor KNM
• Meer artikelen over leven in Nederland

Frequently asked questions

More guides and exam tips

• Inburgeringsexamen spreken oefenen: zo beschrijf je een foto (A2)
• Het inburgeringsexamen: alle onderdelen uitgelegd (A2)
• KNM oefenen: Kennis van de Nederlandse Maatschappij (inburgering)
• Gratis oefenen voor het inburgeringsexamen (A2): zo begin je vandaag
• Staatsexamen NT2 of inburgeringsexamen: wat is het verschil?
• Staatsexamen NT2: alle onderdelen uitgelegd (B1 en B2)
• Lekker Meaning in Dutch: What Does 'Lekker' Really Mean?
• Kind Regards in Dutch: How to Sign Off Politely
• Dutch Tiki: what it is and how to use it
• Tikkie Culture: What It Is and How to Use It
• "ik wil graag pinnen" in Dutch: how you actually say it
• What Is a Tikkie in the Netherlands? A Guide for Newcomers

Also read articles about inburgering, NT2 and Dutch life →