Select key

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.

Routes to get to the Netherlands First steps after arrival in the Netherlands Learning resources for integration and KNM Official information about integration Integration routes explained Integration exams and obligations

Full guide by section

Which test belongs to which goal?

A lot of confusion is not due to the test itself, but because people confuse different goals. The right question is therefore not only which exam exists, but especially what goal you have.

Goal first, test second

Before departure

Can mean basic civic integration exam abroad and residence preparation.

For legal integration

Moves faster towards language exams, KNM, PVT and MAP.

For study or work at a higher level

Makes State Exam NT2 more logical.

Three questions before choosing a test name

What phase am I in now?
What goal do I want to achieve with this test?
Which official source corresponds to that phase and that goal?

Why this way of thinking works

Those who first identify the phase and the goal will have to rely much less on the opinions of others and will see more quickly which test is really logical.

Sources and references

A practical comparison article for people who want to know when the basic foreign exam, integration exams, KNM or State Exam NT2 make sense.

IND

For departure and purposes of stay.

ind.nl/

DUO

For integration file and exams in the Netherlands.

www.duo.nl/particulier/inburgeren/

State exams NT2

For higher language tests towards study or work.

www.staatsexamensnt2.nl/

Frequently asked questions

Important questions that come up often

Use these short answers as your first orientation, then open the matching guide for more detail.

Can you need multiple key types at the same time?

Sometimes yes, but usually in different phases or for different purposes. That is why it helps to first determine the phase of your journey.

Is KNM necessary for study or work at a higher level?

Not as a language test for a higher level. KNM is part of the knowledge of Dutch society within the integration domain.

What is the fastest way to choose the right key?

First link your goal to the right phase: before departure, for legal integration or for study and work at a higher level.

KNM is our active practice offer today, while the information pages already cover the wider integration landscape.

Our current offer

Practice with our KNM questions now and use this information hub for the rest of your path

Right now we mainly offer KNM practice. The information hub still helps with routes, official information, and broader integration questions.

Related guides and next steps

These links move you to the next logical question in your integration journey.

Basic exam abroad

Open this if your question is mainly about the phase before departure.

Read guide

What is the KNM exam?

Continue with the integration side of testing in the Netherlands.

Read guide

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.

Read guide