Who Can Take the Inburgeringsexamen A2 (Taal)?
The Inburgeringsexamen A2 (Taal) is the official Dutch civic integration exam, administered by DUO (Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs) on behalf of the College voor Toetsen en Examens. It assesses your Dutch language skills at CEFR A2 level across four components: Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking. Passing this exam is a key step for many immigrants to fulfil their integration obligation and obtain a permanent residence permit or Dutch nationality.
This page explains the eligibility criteria for taking the exam in 2026, including who is required to take it, registration prerequisites, and special accommodations for candidates with disabilities.
Who Must Take the Inburgeringsexamen?
The Dutch government requires most non-EU/EEA immigrants who come to the Netherlands for long-term residence to pass the civic integration exam. This obligation typically applies if you:
- Are between 18 and retirement age (AOW-leeftijd) and
- Have a residence permit with a non-temporary purpose (e.g., work, family reunification, or asylum)
If you fall into one of the following categories, you may be exempt or have different requirements:
- EU/EEA and Swiss nationals – generally not required to integrate, but may take the exam voluntarily.
- Citizens of the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, or Suriname – some may be exempt due to bilateral agreements; check with DUO.
- Those who have completed education in the Netherlands or hold a Dutch diploma (e.g., MBO level 2 or higher) – may be exempt.
- Asylum seekers – have a separate integration trajectory, but the same A2 language exam applies after receiving a residence permit.
Important: Your integration obligation is determined by the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND). If you receive a letter from DUO stating you must integrate, you are required to take the exam.
Age Requirements
There is no minimum or maximum age to take the Inburgeringsexamen A2. However, the obligation to integrate applies to adults aged 18 to retirement age. If you are under 18, you are not required to take the exam, but you may do so voluntarily if you are at least 16 years old (with parental consent).
For those who have reached pension age (AOW-leeftijd), the integration obligation no longer applies. If you were already in the process, you may be released from the requirement.
Nationality and Residence Status
You are eligible to take the exam if you are a non-Dutch national residing in the Netherlands or abroad. Specifically:
- In the Netherlands: You must have a valid residence permit (or be in the process of applying) and be registered with the municipality (BRP).
- Abroad: If you are applying for a MVV (machtiging tot voorlopig verblijf) for family reunification or as a highly skilled migrant, you may need to take the civic integration exam abroad (basisexamen inburgering) before coming to the Netherlands. That exam is at A1 level, not A2.
Once you are in the Netherlands and have an integration obligation, you will take the A2 exam.
Educational Background
There is no educational requirement to take the exam. Whether you have a university degree or no formal schooling, you can register for the exam. However, your preparation may vary. DUO provides study materials, and many candidates attend language courses.
If you have a Dutch diploma at MBO level 2 or higher, or a diploma from an international school that is recognised as equivalent, you may be exempt from the language requirement. Contact DUO to request an exemption.
Registration Prerequisites
Before you can register for the Inburgeringsexamen A2, you must meet these prerequisites:
- 1Receive an integration letter from DUO – This letter confirms your obligation and includes a personal registration code (persoonsgebonden nummer). You cannot register without it.
- 2Have a valid passport or ID – You will need this for identity verification on the exam day.
- 3Create a DigiD – If you have a Dutch BSN (burgerservicenummer), you can use DigiD to log in to DUO’s online portal and register.
- 4Pay the exam fee – For 2026, the fee for the full A2 exam is €350 (subject to change). Payment is made via iDEAL or bank transfer.
Registration process:
- Log in to Mijn DUO with your DigiD.
- Select the exam components you wish to take (you can take all four in one session or separately).
- Choose a date and location from available slots.
- Pay the fee to confirm your booking.
You will receive a confirmation with the exact time and location. You must bring your passport or ID to the exam centre.
Exam Structure and Scoring
The Inburgeringsexamen A2 consists of four separate exams:
- Reading (Lezen): 25 multiple-choice questions – 45 minutes
- Listening (Luisteren): 25 multiple-choice questions – 35 minutes
- Writing (Schrijven): 2 open questions and 1 fill-in-the-blank – 45 minutes
- Speaking (Spreken): 12 short responses to prompts – 15 minutes
Each component is scored on a scale from 0 to 100. You need a minimum of 60 points on each to pass. If you fail one component, you only need to retake that specific part.
Special Accommodations
DUO provides reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities or medical conditions. If you need extra time, a separate room, or assistive technology, you must submit an accommodation request at least 4 weeks before your desired exam date.
To apply:
- Complete the accommodation form available on the DUO website.
- Provide a medical certificate or proof of disability (e.g., from a doctor or psychologist).
- Describe the specific support you need (e.g., extra time, screen reader, enlarged text).
DUO will review your request and notify you of the approved accommodations. There is no additional fee for accommodations.
Exemptions and Dispensations
You may be exempt from the entire integration requirement or parts of it if you:
- Have a medical condition that prevents you from studying or taking the exam.
- Can prove you have made sufficient effort to integrate but failed despite serious attempts (dispensation).
- Have successfully completed a civic integration exam in another EU country (under certain conditions).
Exemption requests must be submitted to DUO with supporting documents. If you are exempted, you will receive a certificate of exemption.
Why Take the Inburgeringsexamen A2?
Passing the Inburgeringsexamen A2 is not just a legal obligation – it opens doors:
- Permanent residence permit – After 5 years of legal residence, you can apply for a permanent permit, but you must have passed the integration exam.
- Dutch citizenship – Naturalisation requires proof of integration, and passing the A2 exam is a common route.
- Employment and education – Many employers and educational institutions accept the A2 certificate as proof of basic Dutch proficiency.
Prepare with LanguageTest.in
Feeling confident about the exam structure and requirements? The next step is preparation. LanguageTest.in offers free mock tests for the Inburgeringsexamen A2, covering all four skills with realistic questions and instant scoring. Our practice tests help you familiarise yourself with the format and identify areas for improvement.
Start your preparation today – visit LanguageTest.in and take a free mock test to see how ready you are for the A2 exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the Inburgeringsexamen A2 voluntarily if I am not required to integrate?
Yes, you can take the exam voluntarily. Even if you are not obliged to integrate, you can register for the exam as long as you are 16 years or older. You will need to contact DUO to get a registration code, even if you do not have an integration letter.
What happens if I fail one component of the exam?
You only need to retake the component(s) you failed. You do not need to retake the parts you passed. Your results for the passed components remain valid for an unlimited period, so you can retake the failed part at your convenience.
Are there any age-based exemptions for the integration obligation?
Yes, if you have reached the official retirement age (AOW-leeftijd), you are exempt from the integration obligation. Also, if you are under 18, you are not required to integrate, but you may take the exam voluntarily.
How do I apply for special accommodations if I have a disability?
You must submit a request to DUO at least 4 weeks before your desired exam date. Download the accommodation form from the DUO website, complete it, and attach a medical certificate. DUO will assess your request and inform you of the approved accommodations.
Is the Inburgeringsexamen A2 the same as the civic integration exam abroad?
No. The exam abroad (basisexamen inburgering) is at A1 level and tests speaking, reading, and listening. It is taken before you come to the Netherlands for family reunification or as a highly skilled migrant. The A2 exam is taken in the Netherlands after you have an integration obligation.
What documents do I need to register for the exam?
You need your personal registration code from DUO (if you have an integration obligation), a valid passport or ID, and a DigiD to log in. If you are taking the exam voluntarily, you may need to request a registration code from DUO first.