What is the passing score for Staatsexamen NT2 Programma I?

You need at least 60 out of 100 points in each section (Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking) to pass that section. You must pass all four sections to receive the full diploma.

How long is the NT2 Programma I exam valid?

Once you pass a section, your result remains valid indefinitely. There is no expiry date, so you can combine passes from different exam sessions.

Can I take each section of the NT2 Programma I separately?

Yes, you can register for individual sections. This is useful if you only need to retake one or two sections. Each section is taken on a separate day.

What is the difference between NT2 Programma I and Programma II?

Programma I is at CEFR B1 level and is generally required for vocational education and integration. Programma II is at CEFR B2 level and is needed for higher education (HBO/WO) and professional purposes.

How many times can I retake the NT2 Programma I exam?

There is no limit on the number of retakes. You can retake any failed section in subsequent exam sessions until you pass.

How are the writing and speaking sections assessed?

Writing and speaking are assessed by trained examiners using a holistic rubric. They evaluate your communicative effectiveness, grammar, vocabulary, and coherence (for writing) and fluency, pronunciation, and interaction (for speaking).

NT2 Programma I Exam Pattern 2026

Introduction to Staatsexamen NT2 Programma I

The Staatsexamen NT2 Programma I is the official Dutch-as-a-second-language state exam for candidates aiming to demonstrate CEFR B1 proficiency. Administered by the College voor Toetsen en Examens (CvTE), this exam is widely recognized for:

Immigration (inburgering): Meeting the integration requirement for permanent residence or naturalization.
Vocational education: Entry into MBO (secondary vocational education) programs.
Social participation: Demonstrating sufficient Dutch for daily life and work.

This page provides a detailed breakdown of the 2026 exam pattern, including sections, question types, timing, scoring, and passing criteria. Understanding the structure is the first step to effective preparation.

Exam Overview

The Staatsexamen NT2 Programma I consists of four separate sections, each testing one core language skill:

1Reading (Lezen)
2Listening (Luisteren)
3Writing (Schrijven)
4Speaking (Spreken)

Each section is taken on a separate day. You can register for individual sections or all four at once. All sections are conducted on a computer.

Key Facts for 2026

Registration body: DUO (Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs) on behalf of CvTE.
Exam sessions: Held multiple times per year (typically in February, April, June, September, and November).
Results: Published approximately 6 weeks after each exam date.
Validity: Results are valid indefinitely; there is no expiry.
Resit policy: You may retake any failed section as many times as needed.

Detailed Section Breakdown

1. Reading (Lezen)

Duration: 110 minutes
Number of questions: 40
Question types: Multiple-choice (3 or 4 options), true/false/not given, matching, and short-answer questions.
Texts: Authentic materials such as newspaper articles, instructions, emails, forms, and informational brochures.
Focus: Understanding main ideas, specific details, and writer's intention.

2. Listening (Luisteren)

Duration: 50 minutes (including audio playback)
Number of questions: 40
Question types: Multiple-choice, true/false, and fill-in-the-blank.
Audio materials: Conversations, announcements, interviews, and short monologues. You hear each audio segment once or twice, depending on the task.
Focus: Understanding gist, specific information, and speaker's attitude.

3. Writing (Schrijven)

Duration: 100 minutes
Number of tasks: 2 tasks (a short message and a longer text)
Task types:
Task 1: Fill in a form or write a short note (e.g., email, message) – about 50-100 words.
Task 2: Write a longer text (e.g., letter, opinion piece) – about 150-200 words.
Focus: Communicative effectiveness, grammar, vocabulary, and coherence.

4. Speaking (Spreken)

Duration: 35 minutes (including preparation time)
Number of tasks: 20 tasks (computer-based, with audio recordings)
Task types:
Short responses to questions (e.g., introduce yourself, describe a picture).
Longer monologues (e.g., give your opinion on a topic, describe a process).
Focus: Fluency, pronunciation, grammar, and communicative ability.

Marking Scheme and Scoring

Each section is scored independently, with a maximum of 100 points per section. The final result for a section is reported as a pass/fail grade.

Passing score: 60% (i.e., at least 60 out of 100 points) for each section.
No aggregate: You must pass all four sections separately to obtain the full diploma. However, you can combine passes from different exam sessions.

How Answers Are Marked

Reading and Listening: Automatically scored by computer. Correct answers receive points; no negative marking.
Writing: Assessed by trained examiners using a holistic rubric that evaluates task achievement, coherence, grammar, and vocabulary.
Speaking: Recorded responses are assessed by examiners based on pronunciation, fluency, and communicative effectiveness.

Passing Criteria and Certification

To obtain the Staatsexamen NT2 Programma I diploma, you must pass all four sections. If you pass only some sections, you will receive a certificate for those sections, which remains valid indefinitely. You can retake failed sections in subsequent exam sessions.

Summary Table: Exam Pattern at a Glance

| Section | Duration | Number of Questions/Tasks | Question Types | Max Score | Passing Score | |---------|----------|---------------------------|----------------|-----------|---------------| | Reading | 110 min | 40 questions | Multiple-choice, true/false, matching | 100 | 60 | | Listening | 50 min | 40 questions | Multiple-choice, true/false, fill-in-the-blank | 100 | 60 | | Writing | 100 min | 2 tasks | Form/note, longer text | 100 | 60 | | Speaking | 35 min | 20 tasks | Short responses, long monologues | 100 | 60 |

Registration and Fees (2026)

Registration: Online via DUO (duo.nl). You need a DigiD to log in.
Fees: Approximately €45 per section, or €170 for the full exam (four sections). Fees are subject to change; check the official CvTE/DUO website for the latest 2026 rates.
Exam dates: Check the official schedule for exam sessions in 2026. Registration deadlines are typically 6-8 weeks before the exam date.
Results: You will receive your results via email or post approximately 6 weeks after the exam. You can also view them online in your DUO account.

Preparation Tips for NT2 Programma I

Familiarize yourself with the format: Practice with sample questions to understand the types of tasks and timing.
Improve your vocabulary and grammar: Aim for B1-level vocabulary and common grammar structures.
Practice listening to Dutch: Listen to Dutch radio, podcasts, and TV programs to get used to different accents and speeds.
Write regularly: Keep a diary in Dutch or write short emails to practice writing.
Speak as much as possible: Join a language café or practice with native speakers.

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Staatsexamen NT2 Programma I Exam Pattern 2026: Full Structure & Scoring