You take classes and depending on the route you take, you take exams
In the 'B1-route' (B1 pathway) and the 'onderwijsroute' (educational pathway), you are required to take exams. In the 'zelfredzaamheidsroute' (self-sufficiency pathway), it is not compulsory. Then you can choose whether you want to take exams. You can read more about it on this page.
The B1 pathway
The goal of the B1-route is to learn the language quickly while also working. This is what the B1-route looks like:
You learn the Dutch language at language level B1.
Your PIP lists the minimum number of class hours you will take.
You will also learn
.'Kennis van de Nederlandse Maatschappij' (knowledge of Dutch society) (KNM)You take the
.'Module Arbeidsmarkt & Participatie' (labour market & participation module, MAP)You combine language classes with paid work or volunteer work.
You take the
organised by the municipality.'Participatieverklaringstraject' (declaration of participation, PVT)
You will take the exams below:
Reading at language level B1
Listening at language level B1
Writing at language level B1
Speaking at language level B1
The KNM exam
Not able to pass language exams at level B1 within 3 years? It is possible to take exams at level A2. Your contact person at the municipality can tell you more about this.
The educational pathway (o-route)
The goal of the educational pathway is to pursue education in the Netherlands, such as
You learn the Dutch language at level B1 or B2.
In total, you take 1,000 hours of Dutch language classes and 500 hours of classes in other subjects.
You take the
organised by the municipality.'Participatieverklaringstraject' (declaration of participation, PVT)
You will take the following exams:
Reading at language level B1 or B2
Listening at language level B1 or B2
Writing at language level B1 or B2
Speaking at language level B1 or B2
The
exam'Kennis van de Nederlandse Maatschappij' (KNM)
You must get a passing marking for all sections to pass. Do you pass the Staatsexamen B1? Then you can go on to MBO. Some MBO courses allow you to take the course 'Nederlands op Staatsexamen B1' (Dutch at state exam B1) as part of your course. You must then pass the course in order to continue your education.
Did you pass the Staatsexamen B2? Then your Dutch is good enough to do a Dutch-language course at HBO or university.
The 'zelfredzaamheidsroute' (self-sufficiency pathway, z-route)
The goal of the z-route is to be able to participate in Dutch society.
You learn the Dutch language in order to live independently in the Netherlands. You learn Dutch at language level A1.
You take 800 hours of Dutch language classes.
You take 800 hours of activities through which you learn more about the Netherlands. This can be (volunteer) work. Or, for example, creative or sports activities.
You take the
organised by the municipality.'Participatieverklaringstraject' (declaration of participation, PVT)You do the
.'Module Arbeidsmarkt & Participatie' (labour market & participation module, MAP)You take lessons for
.'Kennis van de Nederlandse Maatschappij' (knowledge of Dutch society) (KNM)
You pass your civic integration exam in the z-route if the municipality finds that you can manage yourself well in the Netherlands. In a conversation with the municipality your contact person will determine whether you have passed. You do not have to take any exams. But you can.
You can take these exams voluntarily:
Dutch language (speaking, writing, listening and reading)
The exam for
'Kennis van de Nederlandse Maatschappij' (knowledge of Dutch society) (KNM)