Short answer: the civic integration exam belongs to your residence in the Netherlands. The State Exam NT2 belongs to study and work. The civic integration exam is about more than language alone. The State Exam NT2 is only about language, but at a higher level.
| Civic integration exam | State Exam NT2 | |
|---|---|---|
| What for | your residence in the Netherlands | study and work |
| Compulsory? | yes, if you have an integration obligation | only if you follow the B1 route |
| Language level | A2 or B1 | B1 (Programme I) or B2 (Programme II) |
| Parts | reading, listening, writing, speaking, KNM and more | only reading, listening, writing and speaking |
| Register through | Mijn Inburgering | MijnDUO |
The civic integration exam
You take this exam because the law asks you to. It is not only about language: you also do KNM (Knowledge of Dutch Society) and a part about work. Which level you take your language exam at depends on your situation. Read more about that in A2 or B1: which level applies to you, and see all the parts in a row.
The State Exam NT2
This exam shows how good your Dutch is. There are two versions. Programme I is level B1 and suits work and vocational education. Programme II is level B2 and is what you need for higher education or university. You take four parts: reading, listening, writing and speaking. Nothing more: no KNM, no part about work.
Confusing: in the B1 route both are true
If you follow the B1 route, the State Exam NT2 Programme I is at the same time your civic integration exam. So you take one language exam that does two things: it shows your language level and it fulfils your integration obligation. KNM and the part about work come on top of that. This is why people around you sometimes use one name and sometimes the other while meaning the same thing.
Does the State Exam NT2 count if you are not in the B1 route?
Yes. An NT2 diploma can earn you an exemption from the integration obligation, also if you fall under the old law. Just do not assume it yourself: have DUO assess your diploma. Read how that works in exemption and dispensation.
Which one do you need?
- You have an integration obligation and do not follow the B1 route: you take the civic integration exam at A2.
- You have an integration obligation and follow the B1 route: you take State Exam NT2 Programme I, plus KNM and the part about work.
- You have no integration obligation but want to study or work: you choose Programme I or Programme II yourself.
Know which one it will be? Then carry on with practising for the civic integration exam or with practising for the State Exam NT2.
One place for both
The four language parts are the same kind of work, whether you aim for A2, B1 or B2. At Inburgerify you practise them for free, with KNM included.
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