How to pass the Dutch inburgering exam
If you have to do inburgering, you're not alone: tens of thousands of people take these exams every year. Most of them have jobs, families, and a life that doesn't pause for studying. The exam is very passable... but the process is confusing, spread across websites and PDFs, and mostly explained in Dutch or English.
This guide explains the whole thing in plain language: which exams exist, what they cost, how booking works, and how people actually prepare. No promises and no magic... just how it works.
The exams you'll take
Reading (Lezen)
Multiple-choice questions about short everyday texts: letters, signs, simple articles.
Listening (Luisteren)
Watch and listen to short clips about daily life, then answer multiple-choice questions.
Writing (Schrijven)
Fill in forms and write short messages, like a note to a neighbor or a reply to a letter.
Speaking (Spreken)
Answer spoken questions and describe situations. For many people this is the scariest part... it's also the most trainable.
KNM — Knowledge of Dutch Society
Questions about how the Netherlands works: gemeente, healthcare, work, school, and daily customs.
ONA or participation requirements
Depending on your route: a portfolio about work orientation, or other participation duties. Check which rules apply to you.
How to prepare, step by step
- 1
Find out your rules first. Your requirements depend on when your integration duty started (Wet inburgering 2013 vs 2021) and your route: many people take A2 exams, others follow the B1 route. Check your letter from DUO or your gemeente before anything else.
- 2
Book exams one at a time, when a section feels close. You don't have to take everything at once. Each exam is booked separately at DUO, costs a fee per attempt, and busy locations fill up weeks ahead... so plan the booking, not just the studying.
- 3
Practice with the real exam format, not just apps that teach vocabulary. The inburgering exams have their own question style and their own (honestly, quite ugly) computer interface. Practicing in that format removes half the exam-day stress.
- 4
Train speaking out loud, early. Reading quietly feels like progress, but the speaking exam wants your voice. Practice answering real exam-style questions aloud and get feedback on what to fix... this is exactly what most people skip, and it shows.
- 5
Learn the KNM facts the way they're asked. KNM questions are situations: 'your bike is stolen... who do you call?' Learn which organization does what and the exam becomes much friendlier.
Quick answers
How much does the inburgering exam cost?
You pay per exam, per attempt — roughly €40 to €50 for most sections. Failing means paying again, which is why good preparation is cheaper than rushing.
How long does it take to prepare?
It depends on your starting level and hours per week. Many people prepare for one section at a time over several months. Consistent short practice beats occasional long sessions.
Can I do the exams in my own language?
No — the exams are in Dutch. But you can absolutely PREPARE in your own language, and understanding instructions in your language makes learning Dutch faster, not slower.
Prepare in your own language
Kora is an inburgering coach in your pocket: exam-style practice for every section, speaking practice that listens and gives feedback, KNM facts, and a plan that adapts to your exam dates. Explanations in English, Arabic, Turkish, Spanish, Farsi, Polish, Russian, Italian, and Tigrinya.
Start practicing free