Language & integration in the Netherlands

A practical guide to the integration route, exams, PIP and the steps you need to complete your integration successfully.

Start first: check your route

The first step is not booking an exam. Open Mijn Inburgering and check your personal integration plan PIP. Your route and exams depend on the law that applies to you, your situation and the start date of your integration obligation.

If you are unsure, ask your municipality or DUO before booking an exam or paying costs.

The main stages

Under the 2021 Civic Integration Act, the process can include an intake with the municipality, your personal PIP, language learning, knowledge of Dutch society and, where required, PVT and MAP. In the B1 route, language exams are normally at B1 or B2, together with the other required components.

Think of integration as a process with stages and deadlines, not just four language exams.

What is the PIP?

The PIP is your personal integration and participation plan. It contains information such as your route, language level, lessons and components you must complete.

Keep a copy and make your own checklist of deadlines, lesson hours and exam results. Tell the municipality early if you have a problem.

Routes: B1, Z and O

The 2021 system has several routes. The B1 route focuses on B1 Dutch and participation in work and society. The Z route is more practical and focuses on self-reliance and participation. The O route is for people with a suitable education or study pathway. Your municipality determines the route with you in the PIP.

If B1 is not achievable, there are conditions under which a person in the B1 route may move to A2. Ask your municipality or DUO what applies to you.

Language exams: four skills

The language components are Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking. At B1 and B2 these are the State Exam NT2, known as Programme I (B1) and Programme II (B2).

DUO states that B1 Reading takes 110 minutes, Listening 90 minutes, Writing 100 minutes and Speaking about 30 minutes. Always check the current exam information for your exam.

KNM: Knowledge of Dutch Society

KNM covers Dutch society: work, housing, healthcare, education, rules, rights and duties and everyday situations.

Do not only memorize words. Practise real-life situations and check Mijn Inburgering to see whether KNM is required for you.

PVT: participation statement process

The PVT is arranged with the municipality. You learn about important values and principles in the Netherlands and then sign the participation statement.

You do not book PVT like an ordinary language exam with DUO. Follow the invitations and appointments from your municipality.

MAP: labour market and participation

The MAP covers work and participation. You may learn which jobs fit you, how to look for work and how to apply. Practical activities such as volunteering, an internship or paid work can also be part of it.

MAP can be required in the B1 and Z routes. DUO states that at least 40 hours of participation are needed to complete MAP.

How to plan your route

1) Check Mijn Inburgering. 2) Review your PIP. 3) Plan language lessons. 4) Prepare KNM. 5) Complete PVT and MAP if required. 6) Book the correct exams. 7) After each result, check what remains. 8) At the end, verify that all required components are registered as complete.

A practical exam plan

Set a separate goal for each exam. For Reading, practise speed and identifying the main idea. For Listening, listen daily without translating every word. For Writing, practise texts and check sentence structure, tenses and linking words. For Speaking, practise complete answers with a reason and an example.

Use official DUO practice exams and complete at least one full practice session under time pressure.

What if you fail?

Failing one component does not mean that your whole integration process has failed. Review the result, identify the weak skill and prepare again. Keep all results.

If illness or special circumstances affect your exam, contact the relevant authority as early as possible and ask about the rules for your situation.

After passing: how do you know you are finished?

Passing your last language exam does not always mean the whole integration process is automatically complete. Check Mijn Inburgering and, if PVT or MAP applies, check that the municipality has registered them. Make sure all required components and any required hours or activities are complete.

When everything is complete, you may receive an integration diploma according to the rules that apply to you. Keep your diploma and exam results.

Deadline, delay and fines

Your integration period depends on your situation and the law that applies to you. Use the deadline shown in Mijn Inburgering as your starting point.

DUO can impose fines when certain components are completed too late. For late PVT or MAP, DUO states that a €340 fine can apply in certain situations. If you are struggling, contact DUO and your municipality before the deadline.

Costs and childcare

Costs depend on your situation and the applicable system. Since July 2026, childcare benefit can, when the conditions are met, also cover mandatory components such as MAP and PVT and certain participation hours in the Z route. If you have children, ask your municipality and Dienst Toeslagen about the conditions before making costs.

Final checklist

☐ I know which route I follow.
☐ I checked my PIP and deadline.
☐ My language lessons are completed as agreed.
☐ Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking are passed if required.
☐ KNM is completed if required.
☐ PVT is completed if required.
☐ MAP is completed if required.
☐ I checked Mijn Inburgering after the results.
☐ I saved my diploma, results and important letters.

If something is unclear, do not guess. Ask DUO or your municipality.

Where to find reliable information

Use Nederlandhulp for explanations, steps and examples. Use Mijn Inburgering, DUO and your municipality as the official sources for your personal obligations. Rules can differ between people and can change over time.

For B1 and B2, also use the official State Exam NT2 information and practice materials.

Official sources

Always verify your personal requirements and deadlines with the official sources:

This guide explains the process in simple language but does not replace an official decision. Check your personal details in Mijn Inburgering, with DUO and your municipality.