Staatsexamen NT2 programma II · updated November 2026
Staatsexamen NT2 B2 (Programma II): Every Part Explained, With Free Practice
The parts at a glance
| Part | Time | What you do | Free practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lezen (reading) | 100 minutes | 6 texts with 35 or 36 multiple-choice questions. | Practise B2 lezen free |
| Luisteren (listening) | 90 minutes | About 40 questions on 5 or more recordings, including 1 to 3 videos. | Practise B2 luisteren free |
| Schrijven (writing) | 100 minutes | 7 to 8 sentence tasks, 1 to 2 short writing tasks and 1 to 2 medium writing tasks. | Practise B2 schrijven free |
| Spreken (speaking) | About 25 minutes | 4 short tasks (20 seconds each), 8 medium tasks (30 seconds each) and 1 long task. | Practise B2 spreken free |
Who needs the B2 staatsexamen?
Programma II is for people who need Dutch at B2, the level many universities, hbo programmes and higher-level jobs ask for. Check with your school or employer which level and which programme they accept.
Need B1 for inburgering or work? That is programma I. The structure is similar, with easier texts, no medium writing task and no long speaking task.
Each part, and how to practise it
Lezen (reading)100 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. B2 texts are long and you have 10 minutes less than at B1.
- Read a longer Dutch text every day, such as a news article or a report, and time yourself.
- Look up only the words the answer depends on. The dictionary costs time.
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 first, so you know what to listen for.
- Listen to Dutch news, talk radio and podcasts every day, so natural speed stops surprising you.
Schrijven (writing)100 minutes
What the exam looks like
- 7 to 8 sentence tasks, 1 to 2 short writing tasks and 1 to 2 medium writing tasks.
- In a medium task you describe a problem and propose a solution, sometimes using a table, graph or pictures.
- On the computer. A Van Dale Nt2 pocket dictionary is allowed.
How to practise
- Practise the medium task most. It is new compared with B1 and asks for a clear structure: problem, cause, solution.
- Use the information you are given. If there is a table or graph, refer to it.
- Vary your linking words (daarom, hoewel, bovendien) and check word order in subordinate clauses.
Spreken (speaking)About 25 minutes
What the exam looks like
- 4 short tasks (20 seconds each), 8 medium tasks (30 seconds each) and 1 long task.
- In the long task you speak for 2 minutes about a topic, after preparation time.
- You get the task through headphones and on screen; a beep starts and ends your turn. No dictionary.
How to practise
- Practise the 2-minute task with a timer: an opening, two or three points with examples, and a conclusion.
- Use the preparation time to note keywords, not full sentences.
- For the 20 and 30 second tasks, start talking right after the beep and give a reason or example.
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. At B2 the texts are longer and the time is tighter.
- Train the two tasks B1 does not have: the medium writing task and the 2-minute speaking task.
- 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 B2 mock examFrequently asked questions
What is the Staatsexamen NT2 B2?
Staatsexamen NT2 programma II is the official state exam for Dutch at B2. It has four exams: lezen, luisteren, schrijven and spreken. Programma I is the B1 version.
How long does each part of the B2 staatsexamen take?
According to staatsexamensnt2.nl, programma II takes 100 minutes for lezen, 90 minutes for luisteren, 100 minutes for schrijven and about 25 minutes for spreken.
What is the difference between the B1 and B2 staatsexamen?
B2 uses harder texts and tasks. Lezen is 10 minutes shorter (100 instead of 110). Schrijven has a medium writing task where you describe a problem and propose a solution. Spreken has fewer short tasks and adds a long task of 2 minutes.
Can I use a dictionary in the B2 exam?
In lezen and schrijven you may use a Van Dale Nt2 pocket dictionary (Pocketwoordenboek Nt2), which you bring yourself. In luisteren and spreken you may not use a dictionary.
Can I practise the B2 staatsexamen online for free?
Yes. The official site staatsexamensnt2.nl has practice material. Dutch Fluency has free B2 exam-style practice for every part, with instant feedback, and a mock exam on the real timings.
Are you ready for your B2 exam?
Pick your exam and date, answer 3 exam-style questions and get your personal route. Free, no account needed.