Head to head · Independent

Inburgeringsexamen (DUO) vs Staatsexamen NT2 (CvTE / DUO)

A fit check, not a scoreboard: who wins for which goal, and who each option is the wrong pick for.

Inburgeringsexamen (DUO)Exam · Netherlands (national)88/100

Official Dutch civic integration exam. Required to obtain permanent residency and Dutch citizenship. Includes KNM, ONA, and language parts.

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Staatsexamen NT2 (CvTE / DUO)Exam · Netherlands (national)90/100

Official Dutch State Exam NT2. Program I (B1) for vocational/MBO, Program II (B2) for HBO/university. Required for many jobs and citizenship paths.

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Quick verdict

Inburgeringsexamen (DUO) and Staatsexamen NT2 (CvTE / DUO) sit within a few fit points (88 vs 90). Pick on format and goal, not vanity score.

It depends

Pick by situation

Same two options. Different winners depending on what you need.

  • If

    You need inburgering / residency

    → Inburgeringsexamen (DUO) Inburgeringsexamen (DUO) maps more cleanly to civic integration needs.

Side by side

FactorInburgeringsexamen (DUO)Staatsexamen NT2 (CvTE / DUO)
Fit score8890
TypeExamExam
CityNetherlands (national)Netherlands (national)
RegionNetherlandsNetherlands
LevelsA2, B1B1, B2
OnlineNoNo
In personYesYes
FocusInburgering, Citizenship, RequiredNT2 Program I, NT2 Program II, Official, Citizenship

Yellow marks the stronger side on that row.

Best for, not for

Inburgeringsexamen (DUO)

Best for

  • Learners who need an official certificate or civic path requirement.
  • People preparing residency or citizenship paperwork.
  • People who progress better face to face.

Not for

  • Casual learners with no exam date and no certification need.
  • Anyone looking for a course: this is an exam body, not a school.
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Staatsexamen NT2 (CvTE / DUO)

Best for

  • Learners who need an official certificate or civic path requirement.
  • Study and work paths that require Staatsexamen proof.
  • People who progress better face to face.

Not for

  • Casual learners with no exam date and no certification need.
  • Anyone looking for a course: this is an exam body, not a school.
Open full profile →

Related head-to-heads

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