Someone signs the participation statement at the municipality, with an employee explaining it

ONA Participation Statement and MAP for Civic Integration

You are probably looking for what the participation statement and MAP exactly are for your civic integration. The short answer: the participation statement is a document you sign after a conversation about Dutch norms and values, and MAP stands for Module Labor Market and Participation, a part of the civic integration exam. Both are mandatory if you are subject to the civic integration requirement, but they work differently and have different goals.

In the Netherlands, as a newcomer, you not only have to learn the language, but also understand how society works. The participation statement is about respect for freedom, equality, and solidarity. MAP is about how you participate in the labor market and in society, for example through volunteering or a part-time job. This may sound heavy, but with the right preparation, it is doable.

In this guide, we explain step by step what you need to know, with example sentences you can use right away. You will read what the difference is, what the exam looks like, and how to prepare. No panic: we give you a clear step-by-step plan and common mistakes so you know what to watch out for. After reading, you will know exactly what to expect.

What is the ONA Participation Statement and MAP for Civic Integration?

The participation statement is a document you sign after having a conversation with someone from the municipality. In that conversation, you learn about the core values of the Netherlands: freedom, equality, solidarity, and participation. It is not an exam, but a confirmation that you understand and respect these values. You usually sign it within a year after you have come to live in the Netherlands.

MAP is a part of the civic integration exam. It is not a separate exam, but a portfolio assignment you do at home. You collect evidence that you are actively involved in work or participation, such as a CV, a cover letter, or a certificate from a course. Then you have a conversation with an examiner about what you have done. This conversation is called the MAP interview.

The most important difference: the participation statement is a declaration you sign, MAP is an exam component you must pass. Both are mandatory, but MAP counts toward your civic integration diploma. You must have signed the participation statement to complete your civic integration, but it is not graded.

How does the participation statement work in practice?

The municipality invites you for a conversation. This can be an individual conversation or a meeting with multiple newcomers. During the conversation, you discuss examples from daily life: how do you deal with your neighbors, what do you do if you disagree with someone, and how do you show respect for others. You do not need to speak perfect Dutch; the municipality often provides an interpreter if needed.

After the conversation, you receive the declaration and sign it. Sometimes this happens immediately, sometimes you take the document home. Keep a copy safe, because you will need it later for your civic integration. The municipality registers the signing in your civic integration file.

Note: the participation statement is not the same as the Participation component in the exam. The exam also has a Participation component, but that is about your knowledge of Dutch society. The declaration is a separate obligation from the municipality.

Example sentence: 'I understand that freedom means everyone can give their own opinion.'
Example sentence: 'I respect that men and women are equal in the Netherlands.'
Example sentence: 'I participate in society by going to school or working.'
Tip: Ask the municipality for an explanation in your language if you do not understand something.
Tip: Bring a friend for support, that is usually allowed.

MAP: what do you need to do for this exam component?

MAP stands for Module Labor Market and Participation. The goal is to show that you know how to look for work and how to participate in society. You create a portfolio with evidence, such as a CV, a cover letter, a list of vacancies you have looked at, or a certificate from a course. You submit this portfolio through the online portal of DUO.

Then follows a conversation of about 15 minutes with an examiner. They ask questions about your portfolio, for example: 'Why did you choose this job?' or 'What did you learn from your volunteering?' You do not need to make perfect sentences; the point is to make clear that you are actively involved.

You can combine MAP with your language course. Many schools help you with making your CV and practicing the conversation. It is smart to start early, because you need time to collect evidence. You can only take the exam after your portfolio is approved.

Make a CV in Dutch, even if you do not have work yet.
Write a short cover letter for a part-time job or internship.
Search for at least three vacancies and print them out.
Do volunteer work, for example at a community center or thrift store.
Keep all evidence: certificates, emails, photos of your activities.
Practice the conversation with your teacher or a Dutch friend.

Practical example sentences for the MAP interview and the participation statement

I would like to work in healthcare, because I want to help people.
I did volunteer work at the food bank, that was educational.
I have made a CV and I have applied at a supermarket.
I understand that I must be on time for appointments.
I respect that everyone in the Netherlands can have their own religion.
I want to improve my Dutch, so I practice every day.
I have learned that consulting is important at work.
I am willing to learn and participate in society.

Step-by-step plan: what you do this week for ONA and MAP

Step 1: Contact your municipality for the participation statement. Ask when the conversation is and if you can get an interpreter.
Step 2: Create a folder on your computer or in a binder for your MAP evidence. Put everything you do in it, no matter how small.
Step 3: Write your CV in Dutch. Ask your teacher for help or use an example from the internet.
Step 4: Find three vacancies that interest you and print them. Write down for each vacancy why you want that job.
Step 5: Plan an activity for participation, such as volunteering or a course. Ask if you can get proof.
Step 6: Practice the MAP interview with someone. Ask each other questions like: 'What have you done?' and 'What do you want to learn?'

Common mistakes (and what works instead)

Mistake: Starting MAP too late. Fix: start right away, even if you do not have work yet.
Mistake: Only making a CV and not having proof of activities. Fix: collect everything, even a simple email from a volunteer organization.
Mistake: Not preparing for the interview. Fix: practice out loud with a friend or in front of the mirror.
Mistake: Thinking the participation statement is an exam. Fix: it is a conversation, not a test; you do not need to pass anything.
Mistake: Not keeping a copy of the signed declaration. Fix: scan the document and save it digitally.

Mini checklist for your civic integration

Have I received the invitation for the participation statement?
Have I made my CV in Dutch?
Have I found and saved at least three vacancies?
Have I done an activity for participation, such as volunteering?
Have I practiced for the MAP interview with someone?

How to practice this (Dutch Fluency + more)

At Dutch Fluency, you can practice listening, speaking, and reading at A2 level, exactly what you need for the MAP interview. You learn sentences you can use directly, such as 'I have experience with...' and 'I would like to learn how...'. Practice fifteen minutes a day, and you will notice progress quickly.

Use our practice exams to get used to the question format of the civic integration exam. That way you know what to expect and you go into the interview with confidence. Also check our articles about KNM and the other components, so you prepare everything well in one go.

Oefen nu met een voorbeeldexamen →

Practice now

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the participation statement and MAP?

The participation statement is a document you sign after a conversation about Dutch norms and values. MAP is an exam component where you create a portfolio and have a conversation about work and participation. Both are mandatory, but MAP counts toward your diploma.

Do I need to pass the participation statement for my civic integration?

Yes, you must sign the participation statement before you can complete your civic integration. It is not an exam, but a mandatory part of the civic integration process. Your municipality will invite you for this.

Can I do MAP at home?

Yes, you create the portfolio at home and submit it through the online portal of DUO. Then follows a conversation at an exam location. You can prepare everything at your own pace, but make sure you start on time.

How long does the MAP interview last?

The MAP interview lasts about 15 minutes. The examiner asks questions about your portfolio and your experiences. It is important that you speak clearly, even if you make mistakes.

What if I do not have work? Can I still do MAP?

Yes, you can also do volunteer work or take a course. The point is to show that you are actively involved in participation. Looking for work also counts.

Where can I find more information about the participation statement?

Contact your municipality. They organize the conversation and can tell you more. The website of the national government also has general information, but your municipality is the first point of contact.

More guides and exam tips

Also read articles about inburgering, NT2 and Dutch life →