Staatsexamen NT2: programme I (B1) or programme II (B2)?

The Staatsexamen NT2 is the state exam of Dutch as a second language: programme I is B1, programme II is B2. What each one is for, how the four parts differ, what it costs, how you pass — and how to choose.

Updated November 3, 2026 · 5 min read

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The Staatsexamen Nederlands als tweede taal (NT2) is run by the College voor Toetsen en Examens and administered by DUO. It is for anyone aged 17 or older who is not a native speaker and wants to work, study or settle in the Netherlands — and it is the language exam of inburgering's B1 route and education route (Staatsexamens NT2). You do not need to follow a course to take it.

In short: Programme I = B1, recommended for work or study at MBO level. Programme II = B2, for Dutch-speaking employers and for HBO or university. Four parts — reading, listening, writing, speaking — on separate days, €50 each (€200 in all), all on a computer. Pass mark 500 per part. A certificate for every part you pass; all four give the diploma, valid for life.

Which programme is for you?

Your goal	Programme	Why
Inburgering, B1 route (2021 Act)	I (B1) — or what your PIP says	B1 is the level the law sets; the municipality writes programme I or II in your plan
Inburgering, education route	I or II, as your PIP says	it prepares for MBO, HBO or university
Naturalisation	I or II — either diploma counts	the IND accepts the NT2 diploma instead of the A2 integration exam
Work at MBO level, MBO study	I (B1)	the official recommendation for programme I
Dutch-speaking employer, HBO or university	II (B2)	the official recommendation for programme II — but check the school's own admission rules

Schools and universities set their own language requirements, so ask the one you want before you choose (Staatsexamens NT2). For the difference between the levels themselves, read A2 or B1; for your route under the 2021 Act, the three routes.

The four parts, programme I and II side by side

Part	Programme I (B1)	Programme II (B2)
Reading	110 min · 6 texts · 36 multiple-choice questions · dictionary allowed	100 min · the same format
Listening	90 min · about 40 tasks · each fragment heard once	90 min · the same format
Writing	100 min · 8 sentence tasks, 2 partial and 2 short writing tasks · dictionary allowed	100 min · 7–8 sentence tasks, 1–2 short and 1–2 medium-length texts
Speaking	about 25 min · 8 short (20 s) + 8 medium (30 s) tasks	about 25 min · 4 short + 8 medium + 1 long task (2 min)

The allowed dictionary in reading and writing is the Van Dale Pocketwoordenboek NT2 — your own copy, no notes inside, nothing electronic. Reading and listening are marked by computer; writing and speaking by two trained raters each (marking).

Registering, paying and the day itself

When: registration opens about 8 weeks before the exam, at 9:00 or 10:00 on the day the exam timetable gives. Places go fast — book on the day (register).
How: in MijnDUO with DigiD (a route without DigiD exists). You choose the city and the week; several parts at once is fine.
Where: Amsterdam, Eindhoven, Rijswijk, Rotterdam, Utrecht or Zwolle — in person.
Pay: €50 a part by iDEAL, or an invoice up to 3 weeks before. If you must integrate, you can pay from your DUO loan or use a free attempt (pay).
On the day: your call letter and a valid ID; be there half an hour early.

Our registration guide walks through it step by step, together with DUO's A2 and KNM exams, which you book elsewhere.

Results, retakes and the diploma

Results appear in Mijn DUO from 15:00 on the date in the timetable, and come by email and post. Failed a part? You can take it again, but you can only register again once you have the result (retakes). Each part you pass gives a certificate (free extract in Mijn diploma's); when all four are passed, DUO sends the diploma home — and certificates and diploma are valid without limit (results).

Order your parts by strength. Each part is a separate exam on its own day, and you register for each one yourself. One sensible order: start with your strongest skill to bank a certificate, then book the others as you grow.

How to get to B1

Measure first with our free level test (A1–B2). If you are at A2 now, plan months, not weeks.
Watch the official instruction films, then use the practice environment on a computer.
Build vocabulary daily. B1 means you can deal with work, study and daily life — and that rests on a few thousand words. Our inburgering path sorts them by topic.
Master the verbs you will use in every part: zijn, hebben, worden, kunnen, moeten, willen, zullen, gaan, komen, werken, studeren.
Follow a plan — our 12-week plan spreads the four parts over three months.

The words B1 is made of

16Word drills Dutch words, sentences and dialogues 16 at a time, A1 to B2, with audio and a game of Blocks between answers. Free to start.

Keep learning

All our Dutch exam guides

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between NT2 programme I and II?

Programme I tests B1 and is recommended for work or study at MBO level; programme II tests B2 and suits Dutch-speaking employers and HBO or university study. The formats are close; programme II's writing and speaking parts include longer tasks.

How much does the Staatsexamen NT2 cost?

€50 per part, so €200 for all four — the same for programme I and II. If you must integrate, you can pay from your DUO loan or use a free attempt.

What score do I need to pass the NT2 exam?

500 or more on each part. Reading and listening are marked by computer, writing and speaking by two trained raters.

Does the NT2 diploma expire?

No. The certificates for each part and the diploma are valid without time limit.

Can I use the NT2 diploma for Dutch nationality?

Yes. The IND accepts a Staatsexamen NT2 diploma (programme I or II) instead of the civic integration exam for naturalisation.

Do I need to take a course before the Staatsexamen NT2?

No, a course is not compulsory. Many candidates take one, and the official practice environment is free.

How early can I register for the NT2 exam?

About 8 weeks before the exam date. Registration opens at 9:00 or 10:00 on the day shown in the exam timetable, in MijnDUO.