🇳🇱 Staatsexamen NT2 · Programma I · B1

Staatsexamen NT2 Programma I — the B1 exam for mbo and the integration B1-route

Programma I is the B1 version of the Staatsexamen NT2, intended for mbo study and work at mbo-3 or mbo-4 level. Since the Wet inburgering 2021 it is also the language exam taken on the standard B1 integration route.

⭐ If your PIP places you on the B1-route or the onderwijsroute, the language exam you sit is this one — Staatsexamen NT2 Programma I. There is no separate B1 inburgering exam.

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What's in the exam

Lezen — 110 minutes, around 35–36 multiple-choice questions across six texts. Dictionary permitted.
Luisteren — 90 minutes, around 40 multiple-choice questions plus video fragments. Each fragment plays once.
Schrijven — 100 minutes: eight zinstaken, two deelschrijftaken and two korte schrijftaken.
Spreken — about 25 minutes: eight short tasks (20 seconds) and eight medium tasks (30 seconds).

Programma I or Programma II?

Choose Programma I if you are heading for mbo study, mbo-level work, or you are meeting the B1 integration requirement. Choose Programma II if you need hbo or university entry, BIG registration, or professional-level work. Sitting Programma II when you only need B1 is a common and expensive mistake — but the reverse is worse, because a Programma I diploma will not open an hbo door.

Scoring and retakes

500 points passes each component, and each one earns a deelcertificaat in its own right. Four deelcertificaten are exchanged for the NT2 diploma. You may only re-register for a component after you have received its result.

FAQs

Is Programma I enough for civic integration?

Yes, on the B1-route. Under the Wet inburgering 2021 B1 is the default level, and the B1 language exam is the Staatsexamen NT2 Programma I. Dropping to A2 is permitted only after demonstrable effort, typically 600 or more hours of NT2 tuition.

Is Programma I enough for naturalisation?

Yes. An NT2 diploma at Programma I or Programma II satisfies the language requirement for Dutch citizenship.

Can I take Programma I for one skill and Programma II for another?

The programmes are separate exams, so mixing is not how the diploma works. Most candidates pick the programme matching their goal and take all four components in it.

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Practise Programma I before you register

Four components, each graded against the 500-point pass mark, so you know exactly where you stand.

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Mock results are indicative practice scores, not official DUO outcomes. Each component is graded separately against the 500-point pass mark.