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The Staatsexamen Nt2

The State Exam Dutch as a Second Language (Het Staatsexamen Nt2) is an official examination that measures Dutch language knowledge for individuals who are not native speakers of Dutch. This exam is intended for people aged 17 and older who wish to become Dutch citizens, work, or study in the Netherlands.

Diploma Staatsexamen Nt2

The Staatsexamen Nt2 consists of two programs: Program I (B1 level) and Program II (B2 level). Both exams evaluate your proficiency in four language skills: Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. After completing each skill successfully, you will receive an official certificate. If you pass all four skills, you will be awarded the Diploma Staatsexamen Nt2, which is recognized in the Netherlands and demonstrates your level of Dutch language proficiency. This official document has no expiration date, so there is no need for renewal or updates.

Choosing the program and exam preparation 

Candidates apply for the Staatsexamen Nt2 for various reasons, such as preparing to study at Dutch universities or schools or to start working in the Netherlands. Many immigrants also take these official exams as part of their Civic Integration process.

Program I meets the language requirements of level B1, defined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Program I is recommended for those who wish to study or work at the vocational level (mbo).

Program II meets the language requirements of level B2, defined by the CEFR. Program II is suitable for individuals seeking employment in Dutch-speaking companies or studying at Dutch (applied) universities.

It is important to note that most Dutch schools and universities require proof of Dutch language proficiency. If you have not completed secondary education in the Netherlands, you must take the exam at either the B1 or B2 level. Keep in mind that universities and schools in the Netherlands set their own admission requirements, so it's advisable to contact the educational institution you want to apply to for specific information about their language requirements.

Attending language classes is not obligatory to take the Staatsexamen Nt2. However, enrolling in a language course or participating in an exam preparation session can help improve your results. You can find a nearby language school in your city through this link:
Find a language school in your neighbourhood

Exam dates, locations, registration and fees

The Dutch government administers the Staatsexamen Nt2 at six different exam locations in the Netherlands: Amsterdam, Eindhoven, Rijswijk, Rotterdam, Utrecht, and Zwolle. To take the exam, you must be physically present at the exam location.

Each of the four exams is held on a separate day, and you may choose to register and pay for all exams at once or separately for each part. The registration fee for each exam is €50, and the total fee for all four exams is €200. This fee applies to both Program I and Program II. To register for an exam, follow these steps:

Step 1: Check the official timetable of the exam to check upcoming exam dates.
Step 2: Visit the DUO website to register for your preferred exam. You can do this from 8 weeks in advance.
Step 3: Upon successful registration, you will receive a confirmation letter from DUO, which contains the date and exact time of your examination. Be sure to bring this letter with you to the exam location.
Step 4: Be well-prepared and arrive on time. Plan your transportation to the exam location, check public transportation options, and identify nearby parking facilities. 
Step 5: On the exam day, you must present a valid ID and the confirmation letter from DUO.

Civic Integration Obligation

After successfully passing all four exams, you may use the obtained diploma to fulfill the language requirements for the language requirements of the Civic Integration Exam. However, you must still meet other not-language related criteria for the Civic Integration process or Dutch citizenship. For more information about the Civic Integration procedure in the Netherlands, visit the DUO Inburgeren website

Starting from January 1st, 2022, municipalities are providing assistance to immigrants and newcomers in the Civic Integration process. This new regulation aims to enhance immigrants' participation in Dutch society. You can find further information about this new integration process on the official website of the Dutch government.

Contact

If you require additional details about registration, payment, or practical information, you can contact DUO at 050 599 89 33 or send an email to Nt2@duo.nl. For inquiries regarding the exam content or exam preparation, please reach out to the  Staatsexamen Nt2 support office at 030 230 60 62 or send an email to info@staatsexamensNt2.nl.