Everything you need to know about the Dutch Civic Integration Exams (Inburgeringsexamen)

What are InburgeringsExamen?

Designed to help newcomers integrate into Dutch society, the Dutch civic integration exams, or inburgeringsexamens, assess language proficiency, knowledge of Dutch culture, and work readiness. These exams are mandatory for many immigrants and are a key requirement for obtaining a residence permit or Dutch citizenship. Successfully passing these exams demonstrates that you have the necessary skills to actively participate and thrive in Dutch society.

The exams consist of 3 parts with a total of 6 components:

1. Competency in the Dutch language (reading, writing, listening, and speaking)

2. Understanding of Dutch culture

3. Preparedness for the Dutch labor market

Since language skills play the biggest role in enhancing an expat’s ability to find employment and participate in the community, they form the largest portion of the test. Read on for more details about each section of the test.

Reading (Lezen): The reading component of the Dutch inburgeringsexamens assesses your ability to comprehend written Dutch in everyday contexts. Expect to encounter texts such as advertisements, emails, informational brochures, or short articles. The test questions will test your understanding of the main ideas, as well as specific details of the text. This Dutch reading exam evaluates how well you can navigate written Dutch, which is essential in daily life and integration into Dutch society.

Writing (Schrijven): The writing exam tests your ability to write in Dutch effectively in practical situations. You will be required to complete tasks such as writing short emails, filling out forms, or composing simple essays. The focus is on clarity, grammar, and vocabulary usage. This section helps ensure that immigrants can communicate in writing in everyday situations, such as applying for jobs, corresponding with schools, or interacting with governmental institutions.

Listening (Luisteren): In the listening section, you will listen to various audio clips of real-life scenarios, such as conversations, announcements, or media broadcasts. The questions will assess your ability to understand spoken Dutch, focusing on grasping specific details, as well as implied meanings. This component is designed to test how well candidates can follow and comprehend Dutch in diverse settings, which is crucial for effective communication in daily life.

Speaking (Spreken): The speaking exam evaluates your ability to speak Dutch spontaneously in everyday situations. This part involves recording your spoken answers to questions delivered by recorded and written prompts. You will be graded on pronunciation, coherence, and the appropriate use of vocabulary and grammar. Successful performance in this section demonstrates your ability to engage in conversation, which is essential for social integration and participation in Dutch communities.

Knowledge of Dutch Society (KNM - Kennis van de Nederlandse Maatschappij): This component tests your understanding of Dutch society, including its norms, values, laws, and everyday practices. You will answer questions based on scenarios related to living in the Netherlands, such as healthcare, education, and workplace procedures. This section ensures that immigrants are aware of and can adapt to the societal rules and expectations in the Netherlands.

Orientation on the Dutch Labor Market (ONA - Oriëntatie op de Nederlandse Arbeidsmarkt): The ONA exam assesses your knowledge of the Dutch labor market and your ability to navigate it effectively. You will be required to demonstrate an understanding of the job application processes, work culture, and employee rights and responsibilities. This section often includes preparing a portfolio and discussing your career plans. It aims to equip you with the necessary information and skills to seek and maintain employment in the Netherlands.

The CEFR Dutch Language exams

The higher-level Dutch exams, classified according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), assess language proficiency across six levels: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2. These exams are designed to progressively train and assess a candidate's ability to communicate effectively and participate fully in Dutch-speaking environments. You can read more about the CEFR exams here.