The Dutch Integration Exam A2: What you need to know & how get ready

Are you getting ready to take the Dutch Integration Exams at the A2 language level? Meet Welmoed and Renske, two passionate teachers at NedLes, a popular language school in Amsterdam-Oost. New courses begin frequently at NedLes, including sessions to prepare for the inburgeringsexamen, the national tests for civic integration.

The required Dutch language level is still A2 for anyone who has to take the inburgeringsexamen. The integration exams are often necessary to receive permanent residency or to qualify for naturalization, and they are obligatory for anyone who has to complete the integration process according to the 2013 Integration Act.

With over a decade of experience, Welmoed and Renske know how to prepare students for success. In this article, they unveil the five key aspects crucial for acing the exam, and how they help NedLes students get comfortable with the test material.

1. Navigating multiple-choice questions

The Integration Exam A2 consists of several segments, each testing a different aspect of your Dutch proficiency. These include reading, listening, speaking, and writing - all at ERK-level A2. Additionally, there's an exam evaluating your knowledge of Dutch society and culture, called Kennis van de Nederlandse Maatschappij, or KNM.

In both the listening and reading exams, you have to answer multiple-choice questions about a short fragment have either just read or heard. If you're accustomed to navigating multiple-choice questions in your native language or other languages, you're already halfway there! Armed with basic knowledge of Dutch, passing these exams shouldn't be very hard.

2. Your Dutch doesn’t have to be perfect

During the speaking and writing exams, you have to demonstrate your ability to communicate in Dutch about everyday topics. The questions are not multiple choice during the speaking and writing exams, so you have to come up with your own answers.

But whether it's discussing your favourite fruit, hobbies, or simply rescheduling an appointment via email, clarity trumps perfection. Making grammatical, spelling, or pronunciation errors is acceptable as long as your response effectively addresses the question, and shows your ability to communicate clearly in Dutch.

3. No need for special KNM courses

The KNM exam assesses your comprehension of Dutch society, featuring multiple-choice questions akin to the language exams. Drawing from experience, Renske and Welmoed affirm that most people can independently prepare for this exam.

With self-study, mastering the necessary knowledge is well within reach for the vast majority of their students.

4. It's likely easier than you think

Renske and Welmoed often encounter students who are nervous and anxious regarding the exams. While it is a good idea to take the exams seriously, post-exam feedback shows the exams are often less daunting than anticipated.

So, if pre-exam jitters are kicking in, rest assured: it might not be as nerve-wracking as imagined. Simply give it your best shot - that's usually more than sufficient.

5. There is a course for every schedule

To excel in the language exams, you'll need to know 1,000 to 2,000 Dutch words to be firmly at the A2 level. Although this might sound intimidating, it's entirely manageable, especially with the Delft Method. This is a unique method that is based on learning the most frequently used words.

NedLes offers courses of varying intensities to accommodate diverse schedules, each designed to help you reach the A2 level. Whether it's an intensive crash course spanning two weeks or a hybrid ten-week course with three intensive offline weekends and online evening classes in between, there's an option suited to your needs.

Renske and Welmoed assure you: although not specifically designed to prepare for the Integration Exam, it is definitely possible to pass the exams after one of these courses. Just check out Rachel's story to find out more about that!

If you're eager to master Dutch in order to pass the Integration Exams, new courses with the Delft Method start almost every week at NedLes, both online and offline. Explore the upcoming courses or schedule a free intake today to kickstart your journey toward success!