Content of the integration exams
In the integration exam, DUO checks whether you know enough about the Netherlands and also whether you speak Dutch well enough.
Participation statement
You do all the learning for the participation statement at the municipality. The municipality will also register that you have signed the statement. But first you must learn what is important in the Netherlands: freedom, everyone being equal, helping each other and democracy. The municipality tells you what you need to do. The participation statement does not involve taking an exam at DUO. More on the participation statement.
Writing
You do the Writing exam with pen and paper. This can involve writing a short letter, for instance, or filling out a form. The exam lasts 35 minutes. At the end of 2018, you’ll no longer have to finish sentences as part of the exam. The exam will then take 40 minutes.
Writing Skills Exam
The Writing Skills exam is taken on paper. You must arrive 30 minutes before the exam starts. You must prove your identity at the reception desk, so do not forget to bring a valid proof of identity with you. You will take the exam together with others. Everyone will wait in a waiting room until the exam starts. Before the exam starts, you must put your belongings in a locker.
When it is time for the exam, the exam leader will call you. The exam leader will check your proof of identity again. In the exam room, everyone has their own seat. You will be given a pen and some scrap paper. The exam leader will distribute the booklets with writing assignments. After his, you can start your exam. Read the assignment in the booklet carefully. The answers should be written in the booklet. If you have a question about the exam, you can raise your hand. The exam leader will come to you. Ask your question. The exam leader will answer your question. This way, you cause the least disruption.
Have you finished the exam? Then you should also raise your hand. Stay seated until the exam leader comes to you. The exam leader will collect your booklet and will tell you that you are allowed to leave. Please leave the room quietly.
The exam results will be sent to you by post. If you passed the exam, it means that you have passed this part of the integration exam.
Speaking
You do the Speaking exam on a computer. You will watch short films and answer questions. The exam lasts 35 minutes.
Exam on the computer
On the day of the exam, you must arrive 30 minutes before the exam starts. You must prove your identity at the reception desk. Do not forget to bring a valid proof of identity. An example of a valid proof of identity is a Dutch driving licence.
You will take your exam together with others. Everyone waits in a waiting room until the exam starts. Before the exam starts, you have to put your belongings in a locker. When it is time for your exam, the exam leader will call you. The exam leader will check your proof of identity again. Everyone has their own seat in the exam room.
Are you sitting in your own seat? The exam leader will now tell you how to take the exam. First, you get an explanation. Afterwards, you get two practice questions.
If you have a question about the exam, then raise your hand. The exam leader will come to you. Ask the question. The exam leader will answer your question. This way, you will keep disturbances to a minimum.
If you have finished your exam, then raise your hand. Stay seated until the exam leader comes to you and tells you that you may leave. Please leave the exam room quietly.
The exam results will be sent to you by post. If you passed the exam, it means that you have passed this part of the integration exam.
Listening
You do the Listening exam on a computer. You will answer questions about short films and you listen to texts. The exam lasts 45 minutes.
Reading
You do the Reading exam on a computer. You will read texts and also answer questions. The exam lasts 65 minutes.
Knowledge of Dutch Society
You do the Knowledge of Dutch Society exam on a computer. You will watch short films which can be about, for instance, shopping or going to the doctor. After each film you answer questions. The exam lasts 45 minutes.
Orientation on the Dutch Labour Market
The Orientation on the Dutch Labour Market exam is about working and looking for work. Read more about the Orientation on the Dutch Labour Market exam.