How to prepare for the NT2 exam

Ready to pass the NT2 Exam? Here's your complete guide to success

Are you dreaming of getting certified in Dutch? The Staatsexamen NT2 (Dutch as a Second Language State Exam) is the official path to prove your language skills — whether you want to work, study, or live in the Netherlands.

This internationally recognized diploma is issued by DUO (Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs) on behalf of the Dutch Ministry of Education. And the best part? It opens doors to education, jobs, and even permanent residence or citizenship.

Why take the NT2 Exam?

Whether you're learning Dutch for professional reasons or integration, the NT2 gives you real benefits:

•  Boost your CV and job applications
• Meet language requirements for residence or citizenship
• Qualify for Dutch university programs
• Gain motivation and focus on your learning journey

What are the levels of the NT2 exam?

Unlike other language diplomas (like the DELE), the NT2 exam includes only two levels, both based on the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages):

• B1 for workers, students (MBO), language use for everyday work and social interaction
• B2 for university students, professionals, academic language use and formal work environments

NT2 Program I – B1 Level (Vocational & Daily Use)

Designed for people working or studying at the vocational level (MBO), or for those integrating into Dutch society. Suitable for many types of jobs, and often enough for a residence permit.

What you should be able to do:

• Understand routine instructions and conversations
• Fill in forms, send emails, and participate in simple workplace dialogue
• Talk about familiar topics like health, work, and shopping

Reading (~110 min)

• Ads, brochures, instructions, short articles
• Find information, understand key points 

Listening (~90 min)

• Workplace conversations, announcements
• Match audio with questions, grasp tone and details

Writing (~100 min)

• Fill in forms, write emails or short messages
• Describe a problem or situation

Speaking (~30 min, computer-based)

• Respond to everyday prompts
• Simulate real-life work or social conversations

 NT2 Program II – B2 Level (Professional and Academic Use)

If you want to study at a university (HBO/WO) or work in a professional setting, this is your exam. It’s also accepted for citizenship and white-collar jobs in Dutch-speaking environments.

 What you should be able to do:

• Understand formal and abstract texts like reports or editorials
• Debate, write structured arguments, respond professionally
• Participate in meetings or give short presentations

Reading (~100 min)

• Academic texts, newspaper articles
• Understand tone, intent, arguments 

Listening (~90 min)

• Lectures, interviews, debates
• Grasp nuance, identify speaker’s opinion or point

Writing (~100 min)

• Write formal letters, summaries, opinion texts
• Use proper structure, tone, and vocabulary

 Speaking (~30 min, computer-based)

• Answer questions, describe situations, argue a position
• Show fluency and organization

 How is the exam graded?

Each part (Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking) is graded separately. You must pass all four parts to earn your NT2 diploma.

If you fail one part, you can retake just that section — no need to redo the whole exam.

 What does the NT2 exam cost?

As of 2025:

• Per section: ~€45
   
• Complete exam: ~€180
   
• Available in testing centers across the Netherlands

 How to choose the right program

Ask yourself:

• Want to work in practical or customer-facing roles? → Program I (B1)
• Planning to study at university or work in a professional setting? → Program II (B2)

Still unsure? Take a free level test or try a mock exam at staatsexamensnt2.nl.

 How to prepare effectively

Build a study plan:

• 3–6 months: Study 30–60 min/day, 5 days/week
• <2 months: Study 1–2 hours/day + weekend reviews

Use official tools:

• Books: Vooruit!, De Finale, TaalCompleet
• Websites: nt2.nl, inburgeren.nl, nt2oefening.nl

Practice speaking and writing

• Simulate exam conditions with a timer and microphone
• Record yourself, analyze, and improve
• Get feedback from a native speaker or tutor

 Avoid these mistakes

• Studying only grammar
• Not practicing speaking
• Ignoring writing structure
• Skipping mock exams
• Not reviewing past mistakes 

 Should you take a course?

Absolutely, especially for speaking and writing. A structured NT2 prep course offers:

• Certified tutors familiar with the NT2 exam
• Personalized feedback
• Exam simulations
  Need help? Check out our NT2 Exam Preparation Course

Work directly with certified teachers who specialize in NT2. Our course includes:

•  Personal study plan
• Weekly speaking & writing feedback
• Mock exams with real correction
• Exam strategies & time management
• Flexible online options
• Join 1,000+ successful students and prepare with confidence.

 Final Advice

You don’t need to be perfect to pass the NT2, you need to be prepared. With the right materials, consistent practice, and the support of professionals, you’ll be ready to succeed.