Staatsexamen NT2 programma I · updated November 2026
Staatsexamen NT2 B1 (Programma I): Every Part Explained, With Free Practice
The parts at a glance
| Part | Time | What you do | Free practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lezen (reading) | 110 minutes | 6 texts with 35 or 36 multiple-choice questions. | Practise B1 lezen free |
| Luisteren (listening) | 90 minutes | About 40 questions on 5 or more recordings, including 1 to 3 videos. | Practise B1 luisteren free |
| Schrijven (writing) | 100 minutes | 8 sentence tasks, 2 partial writing tasks and 2 short writing tasks. | Practise B1 schrijven free |
| Spreken (speaking) | About 25 minutes | 8 short tasks (20 seconds each) and 8 medium tasks (30 seconds each). | Practise B1 spreken free |
Who needs the B1 staatsexamen?
The B1 exam is for people who need Dutch at B1: for the B1 route of inburgering, for many jobs, and for some studies. For the B1 route of inburgering, DUO refers to the Staatsexamen NT2 programma I for the content of the language exams.
Need B2 for university or a higher-level job? That is programma II. The structure is similar, with harder texts and tasks and a long speaking task.
Each part, and how to practise it
Lezen (reading)110 minutes
What the exam looks like
- 6 texts with 35 or 36 multiple-choice questions.
- The texts are in a booklet, the questions are on the computer.
- There is always one correct answer. A Van Dale Nt2 pocket dictionary is allowed.
How to practise
- Read the question first, then find the paragraph that answers it. The texts are long; reading all of them closely costs too much time.
- Practise with real B1 texts: news, information leaflets, letters from organisations.
- Learn to use the pocket dictionary fast, but only for words the answer depends on.
Luisteren (listening)90 minutes
What the exam looks like
- About 40 questions on 5 or more recordings, including 1 to 3 videos.
- You hear each recording only once, without pausing.
- You get 25 seconds to read the question and the 3 answers.
How to practise
- Train with audio you cannot replay: listen once, answer, then check.
- Use the 25 seconds to read the question and answers before the audio starts, so you know what to listen for.
- Listen to natural Dutch at B1 every day (podcasts, radio, news) so the speed stops surprising you.
Schrijven (writing)100 minutes
What the exam looks like
- 8 sentence tasks, 2 partial writing tasks and 2 short writing tasks.
- On the computer. A Van Dale Nt2 pocket dictionary is allowed.
How to practise
- Answer every part of the task. Missing a point costs more than a small grammar mistake.
- Practise formal emails and short texts with a clear structure: reason for writing, details, what you want.
- Check word order in subordinate clauses (omdat, dat, als): the verb goes to the end.
Spreken (speaking)About 25 minutes
What the exam looks like
- 8 short tasks (20 seconds each) and 8 medium tasks (30 seconds each).
- You get the task through headphones and on screen; a beep starts and ends your turn.
- No dictionary.
How to practise
- Practise with a timer. 20 and 30 seconds go fast, so start talking right after the beep.
- Give an answer plus a reason or example. That is what turns a short answer into a B1 answer.
- Learn phrases that keep you going when you search for a word.
A simple way to prepare
- Take the free 60-second exam check to see which part needs the most work.
- Practise each part on its real timing. B1 is as much about speed as about Dutch.
- Listen to natural B1 Dutch every day, without pausing, to get used to hearing everything once.
- Two weeks before your exam, do a full mock exam and fix what it shows.
The mock exam uses the real exam timings, so you know where you stand before exam day.
Start the free B1 mock examFrequently asked questions
What is the Staatsexamen NT2?
NT2 means Nederlands als tweede taal, Dutch as a second language. The Staatsexamen NT2 is the official state exam. Programma I tests B1 and programma II tests B2. Each programme has four exams: lezen, luisteren, schrijven and spreken.
How long does each part of the B1 staatsexamen take?
According to staatsexamensnt2.nl, programma I takes 110 minutes for lezen, 90 minutes for luisteren, 100 minutes for schrijven and about 25 minutes for spreken.
Can I use a dictionary in the Staatsexamen NT2?
In lezen and schrijven you may use a Van Dale Nt2 pocket dictionary (Pocketwoordenboek Nt2). In spreken you may not use a dictionary.
Do I need the Staatsexamen NT2 for inburgering at B1?
For the B1 route of inburgering, DUO refers to the Staatsexamen NT2 programma I for the content of the B1 language exams. Your letter from DUO and Mijn Inburgering tell you which exams you need.
What is the difference between programma I and programma II?
Programma I tests B1, the level for B1 inburgering and many jobs. Programma II tests B2, the level many universities and higher-level jobs ask for. B2 uses harder texts and tasks, and spreken adds a long task of 2 minutes.
Are you ready for your B1 exam?
Pick your exam and date, answer 3 exam-style questions and get your personal route. Free, no account needed.