Changes to the Dutch civic integration exam

The status quo in 2025 and how to best prepare yourself

You may have heard that in 2025, a number of important changes were made to the Dutch civic integration exam. The speaking exam at level A2, and the KNM exam now have a new format. This has created a wave of uncertainty among those preparing for their future in the Netherlands. Previously, this may not have seemed particularly relevant to you. But if your exam date is approaching, you may be thinking about it differently now. In this blog article, we’ll walk you through this year’s changes, and tell how you can optimize your preparation, so you can step into that exam room with total confidence.

First things first: which civic integration exam do you need to sit?

Do I need to take the civic integration exam at level A2 or B1? It was (and still is) a frequently asked question that caused a lot of uncertainty and confusion. If you are obligated to integrate, the integration exam level required in the Netherlands depends on your personal situation. Although the B1 requirement applies to a large part of the group that falls under the Civic Integration Act 2021 (Wet Inburgering 2021), it’s not necessarily the standard. The municipality determines which learning route you will have to follow. The old Civic Integration Act 2013 continues to apply to people who already fell under the civic integration requirement before 1 January 2022. Under this old act, the required language level for integration is A2.

The current situation for expats

But what about expats who are not obligated to integrate, but do want to apply for naturalization? CEFR level A2 has applied to them for years. Rumours were that it would change to B1 from July 1, 2025, but until now that has not yet taken effect. We have no insight into when this will change, so the best advice for expats who want to apply for a Dutch passport is to take the A2 exam as soon as possible.

Changes to the Dutch civic integration exam: the speaking part

From March 1, 2025, the speaking part of the A2 exam has changed. The total number of exercises has been reduced from 24 to 16, which need to be answered in 35 minutes. The new exam is split into 4 sections. In section 1, someone asks you a question in a short video and you need to reply. This is the same as in the old version of the exam, but there are fewer questions. In section 2-4 you will see 1-3 pictures and need to answer a question about those pictures. This is a more practical, more logical, and ultimately more fair method of evaluation.

A detailed breakdown of the new speaking format

To succeed, it’s essential to understand the structure you will face. The changes to the Dutch civic integration exam have led to a new exam format that’s divided into four distinct parts, each designed to test a different aspect of your communication skills.

For questions 1 through 4, you’ll be shown a short video. After watching, you’ll be asked a question about what you saw. The key here is to respond directly to the content of the video, using the right vocabulary to describe the situation or answer the query.
The format shifts to an image for questions 5 through 8. You’ll see a picture and you’ll be asked a simple question about the image and often also an elaborating question.
For questions 9 through 12, you’ll be presented with two different images. Again, you’ll get a two-part question, but this time you have a choice. You often need to choose one of the pictures and explain why.
Finally, for questions 13 through 16, you will see three pictures at once. Your task here is to say something about all three of them.

Embrace the chaos of the exam room

All exam components (except the writing exam on level A2), are taken on the computer. This means you’ll also take the oral exam on the computer, and that will not be in a silent, isolated booth. Instead, you will be in a room with other candidates, all speaking at the same time. This can be incredibly distracting if you are not prepared for it. It’s best to train for these conditions, in order to build your mental resilience and your ability to focus amidst this chaos. Our exam training, which we will discuss in more detail later, also provides opportunities for this.

The KNM exam's shift from behavior to knowledge

Changes to the Dutch civic integration exam have also been made to the KNM part. The Knowledge of Dutch Society, or in Dutch: ‘Kennis van de Nederlandse Maatschappij’ (KNM) exam has undergone a critical transformation that took effect on July 1, 2025. The focus has shifted away from testing expected behavior to testing factual knowledge. This is a crucial distinction. The old exam might have asked how you should act in a certain situation. The new exam asks if you know the facts about that situation. For example, instead of testing your ability to congratulate someone on their birthday, the exam now tests if you know that congratulating someone is a common custom in the Netherlands. In other words: the new exam is less about prescribed behavior and more about factual knowledge and understanding how Dutch society actually works.

New critical topics you have to master

This update also introduces several important new themes that are highly relevant to modern life in the Netherlands. You’ll now find topics such as the Holocaust and the importance of recognizing anti-Semitism explicitly included. The exam also emphasizes that in the Netherlands, the law always takes precedence over religious or cultural rules, a cornerstone of the Dutch constitutional state. Another crucial addition is the inclusion of a woman’s right to self-determination, highlighting the principle of individual autonomy and equality.

Practical knowledge for modern Dutch life

Beyond these significant societal topics, the new KNM exam incorporates practical knowledge essential for daily life. Digital literacy is now a key component. You must know what a DigiD is, how to log in securely to government websites, and understand the importance of online privacy. These are not optional skills; they are necessary for interacting with official bodies in the Netherlands. The exam also covers practical healthcare knowledge. For instance, you should know the role of a practice support worker (POH) at a GP’s office and when to contact them. This knowledge empowers newcomers to navigate the Dutch healthcare system more effectively and independently.

The timeline is non-negotionable

If civic integration is obligatory for you, you have three years to complete the entire civic integration process from the moment you receive your official letter from DUO. This is not a flexible deadline. And that means the pressure is on. This timeline demands a proactive and structured approach to your studies, as well as a thorough preparation for the exam itself.

Our exam training courses

Private inburgering lessons are the ideal way to quickly reach your desired level of Dutch with a dedicated tutor and a tailored lesson program. But what happens after that? Mastering a language does not necessarily mean you are 100% prepared for the exam. The right exam strategies and knowledge about the exam structure are also essential. And that is exactly what we focus on in our online exam training courses in small groups. The right approach, time management, and stress management are central. Together with our exam specialist, you will work on authentic exam assignments, so you know exactly what to expect. And that’s not all, because the training includes two bonus KNM lessons! Click one of the buttons below to learn more!

With the right guidance, the changes to the Dutch civic integration exam will not get you down. Instead, you’ll approach your exam day with more confidence than you had ever dreamed possible.