TL;DR
- The Staatsexamen NT2 is the official Dutch state exam for Dutch as a second language, administered by CvTE and DUO. Two tracks: Programma I (B1) and Programma II (B2).
- Each exam consists of four parts (reading, listening, writing, speaking) at €50 per part = €200 for the full certificate.
- Exam dates run almost year-round; 2026 schedule is on the official examenrooster.
What the Staatsexamen NT2 actually is
The Staatsexamen NT2 (full name: Staatsexamen Nederlands als Tweede Taal) is the Dutch government's official certification of Dutch language ability for non-native speakers. It's owned by the College voor Toetsen en Examens (CvTE) and operated by DUO. Pass it and you have a state-issued language diploma recognised across the Netherlands.
This matters for a lot of things: getting hired in Dutch-language professions, enrolling in HBO or university programs in Dutch, applying for Dutch citizenship, sometimes for licensing in regulated professions (healthcare, legal, financial advisory).
It is not the inburgering exam. Inburgering is a separate (and easier) integration test. NT2 is the more rigorous, more universally-recognised certificate.
Programma I vs Programma II
This is the central question. Both certify Dutch ability; they certify different ceilings.
Programma I (B1)
- Target audience: vocational workers, MBO-level study, many naturalisation routes
- CEFR level: B1
- Required for: a range of practical jobs and some integration tracks
- Easier than Programma II, but still serious
Programma II (B2)
- Target audience: HBO, university students, professionals, many regulated roles
- CEFR level: B2
- Required for: studying in Dutch at higher-ed level, working in many Dutch-speaking professional environments
- The default choice for educated expats with white-collar career goals
If you're not sure which one your employer or programme requires, ask before you register. Many Dutch employers and universities specifically require Programma II.
2026 exam dates and registration
Exams run on a rolling near-monthly schedule. Confirmed dates published on the official examenrooster include:
- June 2026: additional Programma II Speaking exam on Wednesday 24 June
- July 2026: additional Programma II Speaking on Tuesday 7 July
- August 2026: additional Programma I Writing on Tuesday 11 August; Speaking on Wednesday 12 August
- September 2026: Programma I only
Registration goes through DUO. You pick your preferred location and dates during registration; popular dates and locations fill fast, especially in the run-up to academic intake windows in August-September.
Contact DUO: 050 599 89 33 / [email protected].
Fees
The same fee structure applies to both programmes:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Single exam part | €50 |
| All four parts | €200 |
If you fail one part, you only re-take that part for €50. You don't lose credit on the parts you passed.
How to prepare
There are three viable preparation paths. Most successful candidates combine them.
1. Self-study with the standard NT2 curriculum. The Boom NT2 textbook series (De Opmaat for A1, De Sprong for A2/B1, De Finale for B1/B2, Vooruit! for advanced) is the de facto national curriculum. Around €52 per book. Pair with the free practice exams on staatsexamensnt2.nl.
2. Structured NT2 courses. The big providers all run Programma II prep:
- VU-NT2 Academy in Amsterdam (university-anchored)
- INTT at UvA Amsterdam alternative
- Radboud in to Languages Nijmegen
- Babel Utrecht Utrecht
- Direct Dutch Institute The Hague
- Tilburg University Language Center Tilburg (one-year intensive)
3. One-to-one tutoring. A Preply Dutch tutor with NT2 specialisation can fill the gap your group course leaves, especially on the speaking and writing components. Plan on 1-2 sessions per week in the 8 weeks before your exam date.
What to expect on exam day
Each of the four parts is a separate sitting on a separate day:
- Reading (computer-based, multiple-choice + text comprehension)
- Listening (computer-based, with audio fragments)
- Writing (computer-based, multiple short texts)
- Speaking (recorded responses to prompts; you talk, the audio is graded later)
Speaking is the part most candidates underestimate. The prompts are short, the time pressure is real, and you cannot rewrite. Practise out loud with a timer for at least two weeks before the date.
Honest advice
The single biggest cause of NT2 failure is going in at the wrong level. Candidates who target Programma II without first solidly hitting B1 routinely fail Writing or Speaking. If you're below B1 stable, sit Programma I first or do another six months of prep, rather than burning €200 to "see how it goes".
FAQ
How much does the Staatsexamen NT2 cost in 2026? €50 per exam part, €200 total for all four parts. Identical fee for Programma I and Programma II.
What are the Staatsexamen NT2 dates in 2026? Exams run year-round. Confirmed 2026 dates include additional Programma II Speaking on 24 June and 7 July; additional Programma I Writing on 11 August and Speaking on 12 August. September 2026 is Programma I only. Check the official examenrooster.
Programma I vs Programma II: which do I need? Programma I is B1 (vocational, naturalisation). Programma II is B2 (HBO, university, most professional roles). If your career or education is in Dutch, default to Programma II.
Can I take the Staatsexamen NT2 online from abroad? No. The exams are taken in person at designated test centres in the Netherlands. You register via DUO and travel to the centre.
How do I prepare for the Staatsexamen NT2? Combine Boom NT2 textbooks for self-study, a structured course at VU-NT2 Academy or Direct Dutch Institute, and one-to-one prep with a Preply NT2 tutor in the final 8 weeks.