Dutch proficiency test
As per the norms of Common European Framework of Reference for languages (CEFR) the ability to speak dutch can be evaluated by following dutch language testing exams
- CIVIC INTEGRATION EXAM/ INBURGERINGSEXAMEN
- STAATSEXAMEN NEDERLANDS ALS TWEEDE TAAL (Staatsexamen NT2)
- CERTIFICATE NEDERLANDS ALS VREEMDE TAAL (CNaVT)
What is civic integration/inburgeringsexamen?
Civic Integration Exam and Staatsexamen Nederlands are official qualifications authorized by Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs (DUO) Education Executive Agency to ensure the proficiency of non-native speakers of Dutch who wish to obtain Dutch nationality or secure a residence permit.
Note: The citizens of the European Union can obtain Dutch citizenship without taking the Civic Integration Exam.
Parts of Civic Integration Exam
The integration exam consists of 2 parts.
CIVIC INTEGRATION EXAM ABROAD (LANGUAGE LEVEL A1) – takes place at Dutch Embassy
CIVIC INTEGRATION EXAM (LANGUAGE LEVEL A2) – takes place in the Netherlands.
Exam pattern of Civic Integration
- INTEGRATION EXAM ABROAD: This exam consists of three main parts:
- A) Knowledge of Dutch society (Kennis van de Nederlandse samenleving): This section focuses on Dutch society and is related to the film “Naar Neerland.”
- B) Speaking (Spreekvaardigheid): This part evaluates basic Dutch vocabulary skills.
- C) Reading (Leesvaardigheid): In this section, you will be asked to read forms, appointments, and short notes.
- CIVIC INTEGRATION EXAM (LANGUAGE LEVEL A2): This exam is divided into six sections:
- A) Reading – Duration: 65 minutes
- B) Writing – Duration: 40 minutes
- C) Listening – Duration: 45 minutes
- D) Speaking – Duration: 35 minutes
- E) Knowledge of Dutch society (Kennis Nederlandse Maatschappij or KNM) – Duration: 45 minutes
- F) Orientation on Dutch labor market (Oriëntatie op de Nederlandse Arbeidsmarkt)
Note: All parts of the exam are computer-based except for Writing. It is necessary to qualify in each section.
- STAATEXAMENS (NT2): This exam consists of two parts:
- 1) PROGRAMME 1: Candidates who wish to study at a vocational institute (MBO) will need a higher language level, B1. It is compulsory to pass Staatsexamen I programme.
- 2) PROGRAMME 2: Students who want to pursue higher professional education or an HBO/university-level program will need B2 level.
- EXAM FEE STRUCTURE: The civic integration examination abroad costs €150.
For more information, you can visit http://www.naarnederland.nl/en/category/homeen.