If you need a B2 Dutch certificate for work or higher education in the Netherlands, Staatsexamen NT2 Programma II is the standard route. If you need an internationally recognized certificate, especially for Flemish higher education or a specific professional profile, CNaVT is the better fit. The right choice depends on where you will use the certificate and how soon you need it.
What each exam actually is
Staatsexamen NT2 is the Dutch state exam for Dutch as a second language. Programma I is B1, aimed at work and vocational study. Programma II is B2, aimed at higher education and many professional roles. It is administered in the Netherlands and is the exam most Dutch employers and universities know.
CNaVT stands for Certificaat Nederlands als Vreemde Taal. It is an international certificate offered at A2, B1, B2, and C1. It is recognized worldwide and has several profile variants at B2 and C1. The general CNaVT exam is available at multiple levels, including B2. The profile exams are more specific.
CNaVT profiles at B2 and above
If you are applying to a Flemish university, the CNaVT PTHO profile is the one to look at. It is a B2 certificate for Dutch as a foreign language for admission to Flemish higher education. It fits students who need to prove their Dutch before enrolling. It does not fit someone who just wants a general B2 certificate for a Dutch employer.
For medicine and healthcare studies in Flanders, CNaVT PMT tests advanced Dutch at B2 and C1. This is for people entering medical or healthcare programs. It is not for general language learners or for most office jobs.
If your field is business or trade, CNaVT PVT is a B2 profile for professional Dutch in commercial and economic contexts. It suits people who need to show they can work in Dutch in a business setting. It is less useful if your goal is academic study or a non-commercial profession.
CNaVT CAN is the C1 academic certificate. It is above B2, so it is not the right target if you only need B2. But if you are aiming higher, it is worth knowing about.
There are also CNaVT profiles below B2. CNaVT PTHS is B1 for Flemish higher secondary education pathways. CNaVT STRT is A2 and B1 for foundational Dutch. These are not B2 options, but they may be relevant if you are still building up to B2.
Staatsexamen NT2 Programma II
Staatsexamen NT2 Programma II is the B2 exam for the Netherlands. It is the one to choose if you need B2 for a Dutch university, a Dutch professional role, or a Dutch integration or naturalisation path that requires B2. Note that naturalisation currently requires A2 in 2026, with a move to B1 planned but no confirmed start date. Inburgering under the 2021 Civic Integration Act uses B1 as the standard route, with A2 possible in some cases. So Staatsexamen NT2 Programma II is usually about work or study, not naturalisation.
The exam is not offered by CNaVT. It is a separate Dutch state exam. You can find preparation options through our NT2 prep section.
Comparing the main options
| Option | Type | Levels | Format | Best for | Fit score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CNaVT Exams | Exam | A2, B1, B2, C1 | Online and in person | General international certificate | 82/100 |
| CNaVT PTHO | Exam | B2 | Online and in person | Flemish higher education admission | 80/100 |
| CNaVT PMT | Exam | B2, C1 | Online and in person | Medicine and healthcare in Flanders | 80/100 |
| CNaVT PVT | Exam | B2 | Online and in person | Business and trade in Dutch | 80/100 |
| CLL Brussels | School | A1, A2, B1, B2 | Online and in person | CNaVT prep in Brussels | 80/100 |
Staatsexamen NT2 Programma II is not in this table because it is not a CNaVT product. It is the main alternative for B2 in the Netherlands.
Which one fits your goal
If you are staying in the Netherlands and need B2 for a Dutch employer or a Dutch university, Staatsexamen NT2 Programma II is the safer choice. It is the exam that Dutch institutions know best. If you are applying to a Flemish institution, CNaVT PTHO is designed for that purpose. If you are in healthcare and moving to Flanders, CNaVT PMT is the specific profile. If you work in business and want a B2 certificate that reflects commercial Dutch, CNaVT PVT is relevant.
If you are not sure where you will end up, the general CNaVT Exams at B2 give you an international certificate that is recognized in multiple countries. That flexibility can matter if your plans are still open.
Preparation and timing
For CNaVT preparation in Brussels, CLL Brussels offers group and private Dutch lessons, intensive programs, and CNaVT exam preparation. That is a concrete option if you are in the EU capital and want structured help. For Staatsexamen NT2 preparation, look at our NT2 prep page for an overview of what is available.
You can also work with a tutor. Our Dutch tutors section lists tutors, and verified Pro means a tutor with 3,000+ lessons and a 4.9+ rating on their platform. That is a useful filter if you want someone experienced.
Timing depends on exam sessions. CNaVT has May exam sessions, but you should check the official source for exact dates and registration deadlines. Staatsexamen NT2 has its own schedule, also available from the official source. Do not rely on second-hand dates.
Practical decision steps
First, write down where you will use the certificate. If the answer is a Dutch university or a Dutch employer, Staatsexamen NT2 Programma II is likely the right exam. If the answer is a Flemish institution or an international context, CNaVT is likely better.
Second, check whether a specific profile is required. For Flemish higher education, that is CNaVT PTHO. For healthcare in Flanders, CNaVT PMT. For business, CNaVT PVT. If no specific profile is required, the general CNaVT exam at B2 may be enough.
Third, check the official source for the exact requirements of the institution or employer you are dealing with. Requirements can differ, and they can change. The official source is the only place to confirm what is accepted.
Fourth, if you need preparation, decide between self-study, a course, or a tutor. CLL Brussels is one option for CNaVT prep. For Staatsexamen NT2, our NT2 prep page can point you to resources. A tutor from our Dutch tutors list can help with either exam if they have relevant experience.
A note on inburgering and naturalisation
If your reason for wanting B2 is inburgering or naturalisation, check the current rules. Inburgering under the 2021 Civic Integration Act uses B1 as the standard route, with exams in reading, listening, writing and speaking plus KNM. A municipality can allow A2 after substantial effort. Naturalisation requires A2 in 2026. A move to B1 is planned but has no confirmed start date. So B2 is usually not required for these paths. If you are aiming for B2 anyway, do it for work or study reasons, not because you think it is required for naturalisation.
Summary
For B2 in the Netherlands, Staatsexamen NT2 Programma II is the standard. For B2 with an international or Flemish focus, CNaVT is the better fit, and the profile exams are more specific. Use the table above to compare the main CNaVT options, then check the official source for your target institution or employer. If you need preparation, CLL Brussels and our tutor list are starting points.
How we know this: the options come from The Dutch Directory listings checked on 2026-10-03, and fit scores are editorial, not user ratings.