State Exam Dutch as a Second Language (Nt2)
The State Exam Dutch as a Second Language (Nt2: Nederlands als tweede taal) is the official language proficiency exam for non-native adult speakers, that want to be able to prove their level of proficiency in Dutch. Reasons for acquiring a Diploma of the State Exam Nt2 are to be able to study or work in the Netherlands. The Diploma State Exam Nt2 is officially recognized by the Dutch government.
Information clips
1. The diploma Dutch as a Second Language
In the video ‘Preparing for the exams', the information about the costs is no longer correct: each part of the exam costs 50 euros. A complete exam costs 200 euros. This applies to Programmes I and II. For all information about registering for the exam, please visit the website www.duo.nl.
In the video 'The day of the exams' a Prisma dictionary is visible. This dictionary may no longer be used. You may only use the Van Dale Pocket dictionary Dutch as a second language (NT2) during the Reading and Writing exams.
Dutch as a second language for study or work
The State Exam is available in two different levels of proficiency:
Programme I
Programme I is intended for people who want to work or study at vocational level (mbo). The language level of Programme I is B1, according to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).
Programme II
Programme II is intended for people who want to work or study at higher educational level (hbo) or university level (wo). The language level of Programme II is B2, according to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).
Most educational institutions require prospective students that haven’t finished secondary education in the Netherlands, to prove they are sufficiently fluent in Dutch by passing the State Exam Nt2.
However, schools are free to determine their own admission requirements for students. Having passed the State Exam Nt2 does therefore not mean that you are automatically admitted to an educational institution. You are advised to contact the institution you would like to attend to inquire about their admission requirements.
The exams
The State Exam Nt2 consist of four parts. Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking. After passing all four parts of the exams, you will receive a Diploma State Exam Nt2.
All parts of the exams are taken on a computer.
Language courses: state exam training
It is not mandatory to take a language course before taking the State Exam Nt2. Taking a language course and/or exam training can, however, help you be better prepared for the exams.
Find a language school in your neighbourhood
Register
Registration for the exams can be done via the website of DUO. The examinations are held at several different locations in the Netherlands: Amsterdam, Eindhoven, Rijswijk, Rotterdam, Zwolle and Utrecht. In order to participate, you must be able to show a valid ID on the day of the exam. The exam can only be taken in person in the Netherlands.
Costs
The State Exam Nt2 costs €50,00 per part (Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking). Taking all four exams will amount to €200,00.
This applies to both Programme I and Programme II.
Integration obligation
The Diploma State Exam Nt2 can be used to meet the language requirements of ‘Inburgering’ and ‘Naturalisatie’.
Civic Integration Act
The new Civic Integration Act will take effect on 1 January 2022. As of then the municipality will help newcomers with a civic integration requirement to get through their integration procedure. This new law is meant to help newcomers learn Dutch and participate in Dutch society as quickly as possible.
For more information on integration requirements, please visit the website www.ind.nl
Contact
Do you have questions about your registration, payment, the Diploma State Exam Nt2 or other matters that have to do with the organization, results and taking of the exam? Call DUO via 050 599 89 33 or e-mail to: nt2@duo.nl
Do you have questions about the content of the State Exam Nt2 or the preparation for the State Exam Nt2? Contact the Helpdesk State Exam Nt2 via 030 230 60 62 or e-mail to info@staatsexamensnt2.nl.