Exams and components
Integration exams and obligations
View which exams, language components and mandatory components are often associated with integration and how they differ per route or trajectory.
Integration exams and obligations
Use this directory if you want to know which tests and obligations you may encounter within the B1 route, education route or Z route.
- Not every route ends with exactly the same exams, so always look at your route and personal appointments.
- KNM, language exams, MAP and PVT are often confused, even though they are different components with their own goals.
- Before planning your exam, always check the current requirements in My Integration, DUO and information from the municipality.
Exams and components
Practical guidance for Integration exams and obligations
Use this extra explanation layer to understand the topic independently before you open individual guides or source pages.
01
What types of parts you will encounter in this topic
Anyone who mixes up these components often plans incorrectly and is more likely to think that everything must be learned at the same time.
Language exams
About reading, listening, speaking and writing. It is best to prepare them per skill.
KNM exam
Is a knowledge component about Dutch society and requires thematic understanding plus familiarity with Dutch questions.
PVT and MAP
These are route and participation components that often run through the municipality and do not work the same as a language test.
Personal obligations
Ultimately come from your file, route, PIP, DUO or municipal agreements and not from a general article alone.
02
How to reduce exam stress
1. Separate administrative questions from learning problems
First ask what is still officially open. Only then see which part is really difficult for you in terms of content. This prevents everything from feeling unclear at the same time.
2. Work by skill or component
Reading, listening, speaking, writing, KNM and participation components each require different preparation. By separating that line, studying becomes more concrete.
3. Check your file more often than your feelings
Many people feel that they are behind, even though their real outstanding items or deadlines are different. Your file is more reliable than stress or stories from others.
03
Practical truth
General exam explanations help you understand what an item is. Only your personal environment confirms whether that part counts for your file now, later or perhaps not at all.
What is the KNM integration exam?
An overview of what KNM is, which topics frequently arise and how you can prepare this part smartly during your integration.
- KNM is a knowledge exam about Dutch society.
- Many questions revolve around practical themes from daily life in the Netherlands.
- The best preparation combines thematic learning with many practice questions and explanations.
Read next
Related guides and next steps
These links move you to the next logical question in your integration journey.
Which language exams are part of the B1 route?
An overview page for people who want to understand which language components are often related to the B1 route and where you officially check this.
- The B1 route is often related to several language components.
- You should always officially check which requirements exactly apply to you.
- Use DUO and My Integration for personal clarity about exams and progress.
What are PVT and MAP during integration?
A clear explanation of two mandatory components that often raise questions: Participation Declaration Process (PVT) and Labor Market and Participation Module (MAP).
- PVT and MAP are route components that often run through the municipality.
- They differ from language exams and KNM because the goal is more practical and participation-oriented.
- Check with your municipality how exactly planning and completion are arranged.
Do you have to take the exam in the Z-route?
A route-oriented explanation for people who want to know how obligations and possible exam components work within the Z-route.
- The Z route works differently than routes that focus on B1 or education.
- Always check your personal file and the municipality for your exact obligations.
- Do not expect that general information from other routes automatically applies to you.
Which integration exams are there?
A complete overview of the best-known integration exams and components, so that you can see more quickly which names correspond to your program.
- Integration often consists of several language components, KNM and sometimes route components such as PVT and MAP.
- Not every part is relevant to everyone, because the route and personal agreements differ.
- DUO, Mijn Inburgering and the municipality together usually provide the clearest personal confirmation.
How does the reading exam work for integration?
A practical explanation of the reading component within integration and why reading should be practiced differently than speaking or KNM.
- Reading is about understanding text, not just knowing individual words.
- Short practice texts and fixed question patterns often help better than just learning word lists.
- Check on DUO and in your file how this part counts for your route.
How does the listening exam for integration work?
An explanation of the listening part and how you can learn to recognize conversations, announcements and question forms better.
- Listening is about spoken context and not just about recognizing individual words.
- Short audio exercises with repetition often work better than just reading theory.
- Compare your preparation with your personal exam requirements in DUO and My Integration.
How does the speaking exam for integration work?
A practical guide to the speaking part, with attention to self-confidence, question formats and everyday situations.
- Speaking requires practice in answering, not just knowledge of rules.
- Many people improve faster by practicing out loud with fixed situations.
- Personal guidance or a language buddy can make a big difference here.
How does the writing exam for integration work?
An explanation of the writing component and how you can better master short texts, formulations and fixed writing patterns.
- Writing is all about clear formulations and useful basic structures.
- Fixed example sentences and a lot of repetition often help more than loose grammatical theory.
- Check your personal trajectory in DUO and My Integration for the role of this part.
Sources
Official and popular sources by topic
Each topic shows where official information lives and which study resources or support channels are commonly used for extra help.
Exam information and planning
These sources are the most important if you want to know which exams exist, how to schedule them and where you can see results or conditions.
DUO exam information
OfficialThe place for exam names, registration, payment, results and other practical exam matters.
Open source pagewww.duo.nl/particulier/inburgeren/My Integration
PersonalHere you can see what is still open in your file and which parts have already been completed or processed.
Open source pagemijn.inburgeren.nl/To the Netherlands
PracticeWell-known practice material that is often used to prepare for language and general exam familiarity.
Open source pagewww.naarnederland.nl/Route-related obligations
In addition to exams, there are often fixed route components that you must understand and complete through the municipality or route counselor.
Municipality about MAP and PVT
Official routeThe municipality often organizes or coordinates these components and can provide explanations about planning and completion.
Open source pagewww.inburgeren.nl/inburgeren-bij-de-gemeente/Inburgeren.nl obligations
OverviewUseful to understand the connection between exams, participation and route obligations.
Open source pagewww.inburgeren.nl/Werk.nl
Work orientationRelevant if you want more context on work, job applications and the purpose behind MAP-like activities.
Open source pagewww.werk.nl/Additional support for preparation
Many people also use these additional resources to prepare for exams or compulsory components.
Telefoon.nl
Free practiceHelps with basic skills, language, and repetition around topics that come up often in daily study.
Open source pagewww.oefenen.nl/Ad Apple
TutorialFrequently used NT2 and integration source to further train vocabulary and language skills.
Open source pageadappel.nl/School or teacher
GuidanceGuidance through school or teacher can make a big difference for explanation, practice rhythm and personal feedback.
Open source pagewww.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/inburgeren-in-nederlandQuick answers
Important questions that come up often
Use these short answers as your first orientation, then open the matching guide for more detail.
Does everyone have to take exactly the same exams?
No. Which parts apply to you depends on your route, file and agreements. Therefore, always check your personal environment and ask the municipality.
Is KNM the same as the language exams?
No. KNM is about knowledge of Dutch society. The language exams measure language skills and are separate components.
Where can you see what is still open?
Usually in My Integration and DUO. The municipality can also be decisive for participation components such as MAP or PVT.
KNM is our active practice offer today, while the information pages already cover the wider integration landscape.