Integration Exam 2024 for expats remains at level A2.
The B1 requirement has been postponed FOR EXPATS
For how long? Please note that the new political climate is not favorable for non-Dutch residents.
Go safe and clear the exam in 2024.
Read how to secure your permanent naturalization in this blog
Estimated reading time 7 minutes
Author: Margreet Kwakernaak, Dutch for Dummies, Werkwoorden op Rij 1, 2 en 3 and 6 other textbooks on Dutch
To which civic integration group do I belong?
Are you an expat or a highly skilled migrant? Continue reading!
Expats are not subject to civic integration requirements. Still, you may want naturalization.
Are you a refugee, or subject to integration obligation in some other way? Stop reading! Then this information does not apply to you.
When you are subject to integration requirements, the date January 1st, 2022 is crucial. If you entered after that date, level B1 is required for the Integration Diploma. The municipality guides you.
However, if you are not subject to integration obligation because you are an expat, level A2 is enough to receive the Integration Diploma, regardless of the date on which you received your BSN. Moreover, you decide how you learn Dutch. Payment is also your responsibility.
On the publication date of this blog, for persons not subject to integration obligation, passing the exam at language level A2 is enough to receive your Integration Diploma. You need the Diploma for naturalization.
As the author of this blog is not a lawyer, check your situation at IND Living in the Netherlands for a more secure permanent residence permit and naturalization
When must I have passed all five Civic Integration subjects at level A2?
Now, there is a transitional law. It says that once you have started the exam, you can finish this exam at level A2 up to two years later.
In that law, you have got 3 years to finish it, starting from the date you registered for the exam.
As Inburgeren.nl does not mention this, I advise you to check at Contact met DUO
However, due to political developments, I advise passing all parts of the exam in 2024. The Netherlands has a right-wing cabinet now, in 2025, laws and regulations may change.
This advice is strictly personal and no rights can be derived from this. Check IND and DUO for legal advice.
How much time does it take to prepare for the Integration Exam for expats in 2024?
When you are highly educated you’ll manage in 3-5 months – this requires 4-6 study hours per week.
It may take longer if you don’t work in the Netherlands. You’ll have to take the ONA or MAP part. ONA is time-consuming. It is about how to find work in the Netherlands.
KNM, Knowledge of Dutch society, has to be cleared by all candidates. Learn more about KNM in KNM mock- exams.
How much time does it take to prepare for the integration exam at level B1 – if I want to have a higher language level?
Learning Dutch or NT2 from zero to B1 takes twice as much time as up to A2 – a year. Moreover, learning to speak and write at level B1 without professional support is unlikely. You may do the reading and the listening part yourself. However, self-study always takes longer than studying with professional support.
By the way, do you know that there are three possible civic integration exams? Read Dutch citizenship, which exam?
Can I prepare for the Civic Integration Exam at level A2 by myself?
Yes, you can prepare part of it by yourself. You can find a lot of information online. As mentioned before, it will save you time and exam money if you pay for guidance. Good e-learning, like Nederlands, voor Buitenlanders provides you with all the materials to learn reading and listening. However, to speak you need others. That’s why E-learning and online conversation classes are the quickest and the cheapest way. Read more about E-learning with conversation classes
Do you prefer classes on location? They are more expensive than any form of online learning. Courses on location are primarily done by refugees – the government pays for them.
What will be the costs to prepare for the Integration exam for expats in 2024?
The price depends on your strategy, intelligence, and discipline. Of course, you cannot avoid paying for the exam, normally € 250, with ONA € 300,-. Inburgeren.nl Let’s dive deeper into the three elements that determine price and success.
First: Strategy
Preliminary research is half the battle – inform yourself! Read on the internet and compare courses and prices. Time-consuming, but worth it. Additionally, ask friends or colleagues how they managed their studies and ask for references.
Facebook has several Inburgering groups. Watch out: it takes a while to distinguish between sense and nonsense. On the other hand, both social media and social contacts reinforce your studies. One of the most informative groups is Facebook Inburgeringsgroep Ad Appel
Second: Intelligence
We cannot influence how intelligent we are born, but make sure you use a course that matches your level of intelligence. When you are highly educated, attend Buurthuis, Library, and other free conversation groups for no longer than 3 months. Then you’ll notice that there is not much progression. Both Buurthuis and Library groups seldom reach the level required for the Civic Integration Exam for expats in 2024.
Moreover, be careful not to choose any course longer than 3 months- it lacks flexibility. And note: an online test intake test is limited. It’s better to do an intake by phone at least to talk over your situation.
If you are highly educated, The Delft method with online conversation classes in groups of 9 students is the fastest way to learn Dutch. However, the Delft method requires study skills and self-discipline. The Delft method Suitcase talen online courses are in the evening, and the modular system offers the flexibility that full-time working people need.
Last but not least: Discipline
Studying all by yourself requires discipline and perseverance. That’s why I do not recommend it. For this way of studying, Word learning, making it part of your daily life is a helpful blog that shows you where to find them .
How to remember words – the seven steps teaches you how to memorize words.
Accelerate the learning of Dutch B1 words focuses on B1 words, which often consist of two or more parts that you know already.
Sure, Duolingo is great for learning vocabulary in useful sentences, up to level A2. Though vocabulary is indispensable, learning to speak Dutch needs real-life practice.
Doing your studies in a group, be it online, keeps you on track.
Of course, you can try to form a group yourself – in the Facebook groups you’ll find soulmates. However, those groups generally have a short life.
Moreover, talking without professional guidance and correction may be useful to get some practice – but only a Dutchman, a schooled volunteer, or a professional like Margreet Kwakernaak, can give you good feedback for the Civic Integration Exam. Your Dutch partner? Sometimes it works, sometimes not.
Conclusion
- for expats the required language level in 2024 is A2
- by completing the exam in 2024 you avoid the risk that the current transitional law will be abolished
- The Delft method with conversation classes is the fastest way to learn to speak Dutch
So, what’s the best for me?
Nobody but you can tell. Of course, I would love to tell you that Suitcase talen conversation classes with the Delft method are the best for you – but it all depends on your situation. Here’s your to-do list:
- check available courses on the internet
- ask friends and colleagues
- decide how much help you want: no help may cost time and money, and you may have to redo parts of the exam
- for the Civic Integration exam at level A2, € 1000 is the budget for online learning with professional help plus exam money. For classes on location, you’ll pay more.
- choose a school, study its website, fill out the contact form describing your situation, and ask for advice. A (free) intake by phone is the start of successful studies.
Suitcase talen’s Delft method Modules are the most flexible way to the Civic Integration Exam
Are you highly educated, willing to study 4-6 hours per week, and looking for professional conversation classes and advice, including the flexibility to take breaks in between modules? Fill out the Contact Form in English, mentioning:
- what is your general education level
- since when you are in the Netherlands and your situation
- how is your actual level of Dutch
- your target: Dutch for daily life, Dutch because of (future) children, Dutch for work, Civic Integration Exam 2023 at level A2, or Civic Integration Exam at level B1
