Choosing a course
Not everybody can choose their own course.
Are you required in to integrate under the 2021 civic integration act ('Wet inburgering 2021')?
Asylum status holder
If you are an asylum status holder , the municipality decides which course you take. This is written in your personal integration and participation plan (PIP).
No asylum status holder
Are you not an asylum status holder, but did you for instance come to the Netherlands to be with your family or partner? Then you can choose your own course. But the municipality decides what educational route you need to take. This is written in your personal integration and participation plan (PIP).
If you are required in to integrate under the 2013 civic integration act ('Wet inburgering 2013'), you need to choose your own course. Check in Mijn Inburgering which exams you need to take.
You need to take the language exams at language proficiency level A2 or higher. If you want to take the language exams at level B1 or B2 (Nt2 State exam), the following applies:
- If you were already required to integrate before 2015, you only need to pass the language exams at level B1 or B2 (Nt2 State exam). Then you have completed your integration.
- Are you required to integrate from between 1 Januari 2015 and 1 October 2017? Then you need to pass the language exams at level B1 or B2 (Nt2 State exam) and 2 knowledge exams: Knowledge of Dutch society (KNM) and Orientation on the Dutch Labour Market (ONA).
- Are you required to integrate from between 1 Januari 2011 and 1 January 2022? Then you need to pass the language exams at level B1 or B2 (Nt2 State exam) and 2 knowledge exams: Knowledge of Dutch society (KNM) and Orientation on the Dutch Labout Market (ONA). You also need to sign the participation statement.
There are 3 types of courses:
- Course at level B1 or B2 (Dutch as a second language)
- Course at level A2 (Dutch as a second language)
- Literacy course
1. Course at level B1 or B2 (Dutch as a second language)
During Course at level B1 or B2 (Dutch as a second language) course you will learn Dutch well. After the course, you take the language exams at level B1 or B2 (Nt2 State exam). Link opent externe pagina
Do you want to study or work? If so, the course at level B1 or B2 is the best option for you. There are 2 exam programmes: programme I en programme II.
- Programme I (language proficiency level B1) is suitable for people aiming to work or study at the level of MBO (secondary vocational education) 3 or MBO 4.
- Programme II (language proficiency level B2) is suitable for people aiming to work or study at the level of HBO (higher professional education) or university.
2. Course at level A2 (Dutch as a second language)
You will learn Dutch in the integration course (language proficiency level A2). After following this course, you take the exam.
3. Literacy course
Only if you can’t read or write (well), you choose the literacy course. There you will learn to read and write. And you will learn Dutch as well.
Usually you still need to take the course at level A2 (Dutch as a second language) after the literacy course, and pass the exam.