Levels and exams
Language levels and tests explained
An overview of the most important language levels and tests in the Netherlands, such as the basic foreign exam, integration exams, KNM and State Exam NT2.
Language levels and tests explained
Use this page if, due to all the test names and levels, you can no longer see which exam is intended for what and approximately what level it is.
- A1, A2, B1 and B2 are language levels; they are not automatically the same as a specific key name.
- Basic exam abroad, integration exams and State Exam NT2 belong to different goals and phases.
- The right test depends on your route: before departure, for integration or for study and work at a higher level.
Levels and exams
Practical guidance for Language levels and tests explained
Use this extra explanation layer to understand the topic independently before you open individual guides or source pages.
01
This way you link your level to the right test
1. First name your phase
Are you still outside the Netherlands, are you in the middle of integration, or are you continuing your studies or work? That phase determines which keys are logical.
2. Then determine your goal
Other tests are relevant for departure, legal integration and higher education, even if language levels sometimes overlap.
3. Only then use the level label
A1, A2, B1 and B2 help you understand the difficulty, but without a goal they do not tell you which test you really need.
02
What a level does and does not say
Fitting
A level says something about independence, complexity of language and how much support you still need in reading, listening, speaking and writing.
Not
A level does not automatically say which route, test or legal obligation applies to you.
Practical lesson
So don't just ask which level is higher, but especially which level or which test suits your next real step.
03
Common fallacy
People sometimes compare a language level with a test name as if they are the same kind of concept. A level is a step of language proficiency; a test is a measurement moment with its own purpose and context.
What is the difference between A1, A2, B1 and B2?
A clear explanation of the best-known language levels and what they mean in practice for listening, reading, speaking and writing.
- A1 and A2 are basic levels, B1 and B2 are clearly more independent and complex.
- A level is not the same as an exam, but many tests do aim at a certain level.
- Your route determines which level will be practically relevant to you.
Read next
Related guides and next steps
These links move you to the next logical question in your integration journey.
What is the basic integration exam abroad?
A clear explanation of the test that in some situations becomes relevant outside the Netherlands before someone comes to the Netherlands.
- The basic foreign exam is part of certain routes before departure to the Netherlands.
- The exam is not the same as the later integration exams in the Netherlands.
- To the Netherlands, IND and the Netherlands Here are the most important starting points worldwide.
What is the NT2 State Exam?
A clear explanation of the State Exam NT2, Program I and II, and why this test has a different purpose than standard integration exams.
- State exam NT2 has a different purpose than regular integration exams.
- Programs I and II connect to different forms of study and work.
- This test is more often associated with higher language goals than with an initial orientation to the Netherlands.
Which test belongs to which goal?
A practical comparison article for people who want to know when the basic foreign exam, integration exams, KNM or State Exam NT2 make sense.
- Basic exam abroad may be relevant before departure.
- For legal integration, look at integration exams, KNM and route components.
- For study or work at a higher language level, you should look at the NT2 State Exam.
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.
Official exam information
Use these resources if you want to know which tests exist, where you can find current conditions and exactly how exam names are used.
DUO
Integration examsImportant for personal integration exams, planning, results and outstanding components.
Open source pagewww.duo.nl/particulier/inburgeren/Inburgeren.nl
Routes and contextProvides an explanation of which exams and levels may become relevant within the trajectory.
Open source pagewww.inburgeren.nl/To the Netherlands
Foreign preparationKnown for preparation for basic foreign exams and early language orientation.
Open source pagewww.naarnederland.nl/Resources for higher language levels
For people who go beyond the standard integration context, these resources are useful for follow-up tests and educational goals.
State exam NT2
NT2Important source for Programs I and II, intended for study or work at a higher language level.
Open source pagewww.staatsexamensnt2.nl/Nuffic
Educational contextUseful if language level is related to further study, diplomas or educational advancement.
Open source pagewww.nuffic.nl/ROC or language school
Guided preparationWidely used for language development from A1 to B1 or higher.
Open source pagewww.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/inburgeren-in-nederlandSelf-study and practice support
These sources mainly help with daily practice, understanding concepts and repeating at level.
Telefoon.nl
Free practiceUseful for basic skills and gradual language building.
Open source pagewww.oefenen.nl/Ad Apple
NT2 practiceFrequently used resource for language building, vocabulary and examples.
Open source pageadappel.nl/Library and Language House
Local supportUseful for practice groups, consultation hours and extra support per level.
Open source pagewww.bibliotheek.nl/Quick answers
Important questions that come up often
Use these short answers as your first orientation, then open the matching guide for more detail.
Is B1 always higher than A2?
Yes. A1, A2, B1 and B2 increase in level. But which level you need depends on your goal and route.
Is KNM a language level?
No. KNM is a knowledge test about Dutch society, not a CEFR language level.
Are higher tests such as the NT2 State Exam the same as integration?
No. The NT2 State Exam is intended for study or work at a higher Dutch level and has a different purpose than standard integration tests.
KNM is our active practice offer today, while the information pages already cover the wider integration landscape.