What is the Staatsexamen NT2?
The Staatsexamen NT2 is the official Dutch language exam for adults who don't speak Dutch as their native language. It is organised on behalf of the Ministry of Education by DUO and officially shows your level of Dutch — for work, study or civic integration. The diploma is widely recognised by study programmes, employers and government bodies in the Netherlands.
There are two exams, each linked to a CEFR level (not sure exactly what A1 through C2 mean? Read my article on the CEFR levels):
- Programme I — level B1, focused on vocational-level study, work and daily life
- Programme II — level B2, focused on higher education or university level and professional language use
You don't need to pass Programme I first to be allowed to take Programme II — you choose directly the programme that fits your level and goal.
💡 Difference with CNaVT: The Staatsexamen NT2 is a Dutch government exam, specifically aimed at studying or working in the Netherlands. Considering a more broadly recognised, internationally administered exam at C1 level instead? Read my article on what the CNaVT EDUP C1 exam involves.
The difference between Programme I and Programme II
The main difference lies in the type of texts and tasks. In Programme II, texts are more abstract, vocabulary is harder, and reflective and argumentative texts play a bigger role than in Programme I. The requirements for grammatical accuracy are also higher in Programme II.
| Feature | Programme I (B1) | Programme II (B2) |
|---|---|---|
| CEFR level | B1 | B2 |
| Aimed at | Vocational level, work, daily life | Higher education/university level, professional language use |
| Type of texts | Practical, functional | More abstract, reflective and argumentative |
| Vocabulary | Everyday, function-oriented | More complex, field-specific |
Both exams use similar official test durations, except for the Reading part. Choose the programme based on the level your study programme, employer or immigration situation requires — not on what "sounds stronger".
The exam parts
Both programmes consist of the same four parts, taken on a computer:
- Reading — comprehension of written texts
- Listening — comprehension of spoken Dutch
- Writing — how you use the language yourself in writing
- Speaking — how you use the language yourself orally
Reading and listening test comprehension, while writing and speaking test how well you can actively use the language yourself. You can schedule the four parts separately and, if needed, retake a single part without having to redo the other three.
🎓 Not sure yet what your level is?
Take the free level test →Which programme fits your goal?
The choice depends entirely on what you want to achieve with the diploma:
- Programme I (B1) — choose this if you want to study or work at vocational level, or if a job requirement or institution asks for B1
- Programme II (B2) — choose this if you want to study at a higher education institution or university, or want to improve your chances at a job at higher education/academic level
A practical rule of thumb: write down exactly which institution or employer you have in mind, and look up the language requirement in their own words. Does it say B2, higher education, or university? Then Programme II is the right choice. Does the role or study programme only ask for "good Dutch" at vocational level? Then Programme I is usually enough — and you'll save considerable preparation time.
Do I need this for civic integration or naturalisation?
Usually not. Naturalisation typically only requires A2, and civic integration under the Civic Integration Act 2021 runs via the B1 route or the education route (usually B1), depending on your personal integration plan set by your municipality. Both Staatsexamen NT2 programmes sit well above these levels.
⚠️ Note: People often choose the Staatsexamen NT2 voluntarily for study or work — not because it's required for civic integration or naturalisation. Does your personal integration plan, study programme or immigration situation specify a particular level? Follow that requirement. Not sure about your civic integration route? Read my article on the civic integration exam.
Registration and cost
You register via DUO, usually using DigiD in MijnDUO. Registration typically opens about eight weeks before the exam date. You choose the programme, the part, the exam location (exams are offered in cities including Amsterdam, Eindhoven, Rijswijk, Rotterdam, Utrecht and Zwolle) and an available time slot.
Each part costs €50 (2026 price), so a full exam of four parts costs €200 in total. You pass a part with a converted score of 500 or higher. If you pass all four parts of the same programme, you receive the official NT2 diploma, which doesn't expire.
⚠️ Note: Costs, locations and registration periods can change. Always check the current information on the official DUO or Staatsexamens NT2 website before registering.
How do you prepare?
Many candidates overestimate their productive skills — especially speaking and writing — which often creates difficulties during the exam itself. Effective preparation therefore focuses on all four parts, with extra attention to speaking and writing skills:
- Regularly practising with official sample exams from Staatsexamens NT2
- Having writing tasks reviewed by a teacher, focused on the requirements of your programme
- Training speaking skills in an exam format, with feedback on fluency and accuracy
- For Programme II: extra practice with more abstract, reflective and argumentative texts
- Expanding vocabulary focused on your field of study or work
My approach at Dutch Together
When preparing for the Staatsexamen NT2, I first look together with you at your goal: do you need Programme I or Programme II, and why? This prevents unnecessary preparation for a heavier exam than your situation requires. From there, I work in a focused way on:
- Exam-focused practice with official sample material
- Writing feedback outside lesson time, so every lesson goes to speaking and practice
- Training speaking skills in a realistic exam format
- A personal learning path tailored to your level and timeline
Not sure yet which programme fits you? Discuss it during a free trial lesson, where we map out your level and goal together.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Staatsexamen NT2?
The Staatsexamen NT2 is the official Dutch language exam for adults who don't speak Dutch as their native language. It is organised on behalf of the Ministry of Education and shows your Dutch level for work, study or civic integration.
What is the difference between Programme I and Programme II?
Programme I tests level B1 and focuses on vocational-level study, work and daily life. Programme II tests level B2 and focuses on higher education or university level, with more abstract texts and harder language use.
Do I need to take Programme I before I can take Programme II?
No, that is not required. You choose the programme that fits your level and goal; you don't need to pass Programme I first to be allowed to take Programme II.
How much does the Staatsexamen NT2 cost?
Each part costs €50 (2026 price), so a full exam of four parts costs €200. You register and pay per part via DUO.
Which programme do I need for civic integration or naturalisation?
Naturalisation usually only requires A2, and civic integration runs via A2 or B1 depending on your route. Both Staatsexamen NT2 programmes sit well above those levels — so you choose this exam for study or work, not because it's required for civic integration. Read more on the integration page.
Can I take the four parts separately?
Yes. Each programme consists of four separate parts that you schedule and pay for individually via DUO. Didn't pass one? Then you only need to retake that part.
Dutch Together · Staatsexamen NT2
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