KNM is the same exam on both levels
If your gemeente put you on the B1-route, your inburgering has these parts:
- the four language exams at B1, the Staatsexamen NT2 Programma I
- the KNM exam
- the MAP (Module Arbeidsmarkt en Participatie)
- the PVT (participatieverklaringstraject)
Passing the Staatsexamen NT2 covers the language exams. It does not replace KNM. KNM is one exam for the A2 and B1 levels, so any KNM practice material for A2 also works for you.
The same goes for afschaling: if your gemeente lowers some language exams to A2, your KNM exam does not change. Read more in our guide to afschaling from B1 to A2.
In the onderwijsroute you also take KNM, next to language exams at B1 or B2. In the Z-route there is no KNM exam; DUO lists only the PVT and the MAP there.
The KNM exam at a glance
| Item | KNM |
|---|---|
| Format | On a computer, at a DUO exam location |
| Questions | 40, multiple choice |
| Answer options | 3 per question (A, B or C) |
| Time | 45 minutes |
| Pass mark | At least 28 correct |
| Cost | €50 per attempt |
The questions are in simple Dutch and grouped by theme. The questions cover eight themes, from Werk en inkomen (work and income) and Wonen (housing) to Staatsinrichting en rechtsstaat (government and the rule of law). Every question comes with a picture, and some also describe a short situation.
KNM tests your knowledge of Dutch society, not your B1 language level. Still, you must understand Dutch words such as huisarts (GP), gemeente (municipality) and zorgverzekering (health insurance). Here is an example in the KNM style:
Wanneer moet u een zorgverzekering hebben?
- A. Alleen als u werkt
- B. Als u in Nederland woont of werkt
- C. Alleen als u naar de huisarts gaat
When must you have health insurance? The answer is B: if you live or work in the Netherlands. For all themes and more examples, see how the KNM exam works.
KNM, Staatsexamen NT2 and who runs what
The two exams come from different systems, which is why people mix them up.
- Staatsexamen NT2: the exam board CvTE makes the exams; DUO handles registration and results. You register in Mijn DUO, and your results appear there after about 5 weeks.
- KNM: an inburgering exam of DUO. You book it in Mijn Inburgering. You get the result by letter within 8 weeks, and you can also see it in Mijn Inburgering.
You can take KNM before, between or after your NT2 exams. You complete your inburgering only when you have finished every part in your PIP, within your term of 3 years. How to register for the language exams is in our guide to registering for the Staatsexamen NT2.
Do you take Programma I for work or study, without an inburgering duty? Then KNM is not part of your exam. Check with DUO or the IND if you need KNM for another procedure.
How to prepare for both
Prepare for the two exams separately, because they test different things.
- For KNM, learn the facts and the Dutch words per theme. Then answer short multiple-choice questions against the clock. DUO's KNM practice exams show the real format. You can also try our free KNM practice questions.
- For the Staatsexamen NT2, use the official practice environment of the exam board. It has past exams in the real exam player. It has no KNM questions. More options are in our Staatsexamen NT2 practice exams guide.
- Plan your dates. KNM needs less language than the B1 exams, so it can make sense to take it early. One passed part is one less thing to worry about.
