The Staatsexamen Nederlands als Tweede Taal (NT2) is the official Dutch language exam for non-native adults learning Dutch as a second language. By passing the NT2 exam and obtaining the diploma, you demonstrate that your Dutch language skills meet the required level for working or studying in the Netherlands.
Who is it for?
The Staatsexamen NT2 is designed for non-native adults (aged 17 and older) who need to demonstrate their Dutch proficiency for work, study, or integration in the Netherlands. This includes expats, international students, and others planning to live in the country.
Having an NT2 diploma is often a requirement for university admission in the Netherlands. However, even if you’re moving to the Netherlands for work, the NT2 diploma is a valuable asset to enhance your job prospects.
In some cases, you may be required to take the NT2 exam as part of your civic integration process (inburgering), depending on the municipality.
If you’re applying for Dutch citizenship (naturalisation), the diploma is typically not mandatory, but it serves as proof of sufficient Dutch language skills, which may help speed up the process.
Programs and Levels
You don’t need a specific educational background to take the NT2 exam.
The Staatsexamen NT2 is divided into two programs: Program I and Program II.
- Program I is for those aiming to work or study at MBO level 3 or 4. It corresponds to CEFR level B1.
- Program II is intended for individuals aiming for higher education (HBO or university), corresponding to CEFR level B2.
The NT2 exam is computer-based and consists of four components: Writing, Speaking, Listening, and Reading.
What to Expect from Each Section
Writing
The Writing exam lasts 100 minutes and includes various tasks related to work, education, and daily life. You may choose the order in which you complete these tasks.
Types of Writing Tasks:
|
Program I |
Program II |
|
Sentence Task (8 tasks) |
Sentence Task (7-8 tasks) |
|
Partial Writing Task (2 tasks) |
Short Writing Task (1-2 tasks) |
|
Short Writing Task (2 tasks) |
Medium-Length Writing Task (1-2 tasks) |
- Sentence Task: Write or complete a sentence.
- Partial Writing Task: Write a short message, complete a text, or fill out a form.
- Short Writing Task: Write a brief text (e.g., note, short letter, or description).
- Medium-Length Writing Task: Describe a problem and suggest a solution, sometimes using provided visuals like tables or graphs.
Dictionary Use: During the Writing exam, you can use the Van Dale Pocket Dictionary for NT2. You must bring it yourself, and it should not contain any notes.
Speaking
The Speaking exam lasts about 30 minutes and includes speaking tasks. You will use a headset and microphone connected to a computer.
For Program I, the Speaking exam includes two parts, while Program II has three parts, featuring both short and long tasks.
Types of Speaking Tasks:
|
Component |
Program I |
Program II |
|
Part 1 |
8 short tasks |
4 short tasks |
|
Part 2 |
8 medium-length tasks |
8 medium-length tasks |
|
Part 3 |
N/A |
1 long speaking task |
- Short Tasks: Provide brief answers (about 20 seconds).
- Medium-Length Tasks: Answer questions in several sentences (about 30 seconds).
- Long Task: Speak for two minutes on a topic, with preparation time.
Dictionary Use: Not allowed during the Speaking exam.
Reading
The Reading exam lasts 110 minutes for Program I and 100 minutes for Program II. You’ll be provided with a booklet containing 6 texts, followed by multiple-choice questions.
Task Types:
- Identifying the text’s subject, source, or target audience.
- Determining the meaning of specific text sections, relationships between parts, or conclusions.
- Finding specific information in the text, and potentially organizing or combining data.
Dictionary Use: During the Reading exam, you may use the Van Dale Pocket Dictionary Dutch for NT2. You must bring it yourself, and it should not contain any notes.
Listening
The Listening exam lasts 90 minutes for both Program I and Program II and consists of 40 tasks based on 5 or more audio recordings. These include 1-3 videos, each followed by a task.
You’ll listen through headphones to short audio clips and answer multiple-choice questions. The recordings feature various speakers discussing work, study, or daily life. Since the recordings are authentic, you’ll encounter different voices, interruptions, and background noise.
Each listening text is played only once, with 25 seconds to answer each question.
Dictionary Use: Not allowed during the Listening exam.
How to Prepare Well for the NT2 Exam
Good preparation is the key to success. The NT2 exam assesses not only your language level but also your ability to navigate the exam’s structure and tasks. Follow these tips to boost your chances of passing:
- Start Early
Don’t leave preparation until the last minute. Even if you already speak Dutch well, familiarize yourself with the exam’s format, instructions, and potential pitfalls. -
Practice with Real Sample Exams
One of the best ways to prepare for the NT2 exam is by working with official sample exams from DUO. On their website, you can find past Dutch language exams and authentic practice tests. By using these materials, you’ll not only become familiar with the types of questions you’ll encounter, but also learn to manage your time and keep up with the pace of the exam.Practicing with these exams also helps you get used to the formal exam language that is often used. This can save you valuable time on test day, as you won’t need to stop and figure out what a question means.
Since 2025, the NT2 preparation environment has expanded to include individual Speaking and Writing tasks from Program II. This gives candidates extra practice materials—some of which may even resemble actual exam questions—and allows for targeted practice on specific task types.
Complete full exams and take note of the sections you find most difficult. Then, spend extra time practicing those areas to improve your chances of success.
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Take a Course
Enroll in an NT2 course with personal guidance or group lessons. By following a course, you can practice with specific goals in mind and make rapid progress. You’ll receive direct feedback on your writing and speaking skills, and we’ll help you prepare for the reading and listening exams. Our courses are designed to help you pass the NT2 exam with confidence. Thanks to our small classes and interactive lessons, you’ll quickly become confident in speaking Dutch! Contact us for more information about the available options. - Expand Your Vocabulary and Grammar
Make Dutch a part of your daily routine. Read, listen, and write in Dutch regularly, and use apps like Quizlet to practice vocabulary. Also, check out our other blog full of tips for learning Dutch quickly!
Tips from Our Teachers
- Focus on Writing and Speaking: For most students, writing and speaking are the most challenging. This is because you need to produce language on your own, which requires more than just vocabulary. Practice regularly by writing short texts and verbally answering practice questions. Also, have your texts corrected so you can learn from your mistakes.
- Practice with a Native Dutch Speaker or in a Group: Speaking Dutch in real-life situations is the fastest way to learn. Practice with language partners or in study groups. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll become in speaking Dutch.
- Use a Timer When Practicing: The exam is time-bound, so it’s important to practice under time pressure. Use a stopwatch to track how much time you have for each task. Good time management is especially important for Writing and Reading sections.
- Learn the Exam Structure: Make sure you know exactly what to expect in each section of the exam:
How many tasks are there?
How much time do you have?
What materials are allowed?
By preparing this in advance, you’ll avoid surprises on exam day. Always refer to the official DUO website to ensure you have the most up-to-date information.
How to Register for the Exam
Registration opens about eight weeks before the exam date. The exam is held at six locations in the Netherlands: Amsterdam, Eindhoven, Rijswijk, Rotterdam, Utrecht, and Zwolle.
The cost for the exam is €50 per component, or €200 for all four parts. You can choose to take all parts at once or separately. For the latest registration details and exam dates, visit the official DUO website.
After completing the exam, you’ll receive your results from DUO within a few weeks. If you pass all parts, you’ll receive your diploma. If you fail any section, you can retake it.
Why Take the NT2 Exam?
- Better Job Opportunities: The NT2 diploma proves your Dutch proficiency, which many employers value. It can help you find work more easily or advance in your career. It’s a great addition to your resume.
- Access to University Studies: The NT2 diploma meets the language requirements for many Dutch universities and colleges.
- Visa, Residence Permit, or Naturalization Benefits: Sometimes, when applying for permanent residency or Dutch citizenship, you need to prove that you have mastered the Dutch language. The NT2 diploma can make it easier and faster to apply for permanent residency or Dutch citizenship.
- Increased Confidence: This could be the most important reason: Passing the NT2 exam is a significant achievement. It boosts your confidence in everyday conversations, job interviews, and at work. It gives you a sense of pride and shows that you’ve taken an important step in your life in the Netherlands.
Planning to take the NT2 exam?
We’re here to help! Whether you’re just starting or already advanced, we offer both individual and group courses to help you prepare. Get in touch to find the best path for your NT2 preparation.
This blog serves as a helpful guide, but but information about the NT2 exam can change over time. Always refer to the official DUO website to ensure you have the most up-to-date information.