How to prepare for the NT2 exam - 2026 Guide

Ready to pass the NT2 Exam? Here's your complete guide to success (2026 update)

Are you dreaming of getting certified in Dutch? The Staatsexamen NT2 (Dutch as a Second Language State Exam) is the official path to prove your language skills — whether you want to work, study, or live in the Netherlands.

This nationally recognised diploma is organised by DUO on behalf of the Dutch Ministry of Education (CvTE). Passing NT2 can open doors to education, jobs, and (depending on your situation) long-term residence procedures.

Why take the NT2 Exam?

• Boost your CV and stand out in Dutch job applications
• Meet Dutch language requirements for study (HBO/WO) or work
• Get a clear, motivating goal with a real certificate
• Prove your level with a respected, government-run exam

NT2 levels: Programma I (B1) vs Programma II (B2)

The NT2 exam has two levels, aligned with the CEFR:

• Programma I (B1): practical Dutch for work and daily life (often suitable for vocational contexts)
• Programma II (B2): academic and professional Dutch (often required for HBO/WO and many professional roles)

NT2 exam dates in 2026 (and how registration works)

Where do you take the exam?

You take the Staatsexamen NT2 in person at official exam locations in the Netherlands (you choose the city and date when you register).

When can you register?

• Registration typically opens about 8 weeks before each exam date.
• You can register for multiple parts at once (Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking).
• If you fail one part, you can retake only that part (you don’t need to redo everything).

2026 exam schedule (live links)

The official exam calendar is published online and updated frequently. Use these pages as your source of truth:

• Examenrooster Programma I (B1)
• Examenrooster Programma II (B2)

Tip (2026): dates are published in batches

The NT2 team publishes new exam dates on a rolling basis (so check regularly, especially if you’re planning your exam around work, travel, or study deadlines).

NT2 Programma I (B1): what to expect

Who is Programma I for?

Programma I is designed for learners who need practical Dutch for work and everyday life (often aligned with vocational contexts).

Skills you’ll need (B1)

• Understand routine instructions and everyday conversations
• Write clear messages and emails about familiar topics
• Speak about work, health, shopping, housing, and daily plans

Exam parts (Programma I)

Reading (Lezen I)

• Texts like ads, brochures, instructions, short articles
• Focus: scanning, finding details, understanding main points

Listening (Luisteren I)

• Workplace conversations, announcements, practical dialogues
• Focus: identifying key info, matching audio to questions

Writing (Schrijven I)

• Forms, short emails/messages, describing a situation or problem
• Focus: clarity, structure, correct tone for simple professional contexts

Speaking (Spreken I)

• Responding to prompts, role-plays, everyday work/social situations
• Focus: understandable pronunciation, fluent enough delivery, staying on topic

Most common difficulties (B1)

• Writing: unclear structure, missing key details, wrong tone in emails
• Speaking: answering too short, not addressing the task, speaking too fast when nervous
• Reading: spending too long on one text instead of scanning strategically
• Listening: losing track after one missed detail (recover fast and keep going)

NT2 Programma II (B2): what to expect

Who is Programma II for?

Programma II is for learners aiming for HBO/WO (higher education) or Dutch-speaking professional environments. Expect more abstract language, argumentation, and formal communication.

Skills you’ll need (B2)

• Understand longer, formal and abstract texts (reports, editorials, academic articles)
• Write structured texts with clear arguments and appropriate register
• Participate in meetings, explain opinions, and defend a viewpoint

Exam parts (Programma II)

Reading (Lezen II)

• Academic-style texts, newspaper articles, opinion pieces
• Focus: argumentation, tone, intent, nuance

Listening (Luisteren II)

• Lectures, interviews, debates, longer explanations
• Focus: nuance, opinions, implied meaning, structure

Writing (Schrijven II)

• Formal letters/emails, summaries, opinion texts
• Focus: structure (intro–body–conclusion), argument flow, register, precision

Speaking (Spreken II)

• Explaining, comparing, persuading, responding professionally
• Focus: clear structure, cohesion words, confident delivery

Most common difficulties (B2)

• Writing: weak argument structure, informal tone, limited connectors, unclear conclusion
• Speaking: not organising answers (no “mini plan”), losing precision under time pressure
• Reading: missing nuance (irony, stance, implications), vocabulary in abstract topics
• Listening: long audio + multiple speakers (train with note-taking and prediction)

How the NT2 exam is graded (and retakes)

Each part (Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking) is graded separately. You must pass all four parts to receive the diploma. If you fail one part, you can retake only that section.

NT2 exam costs in 2026

The official exam fees are:

• €50 per exam part (Reading / Listening / Writing / Speaking)
• €200 for the full exam (all four parts)

How to prepare effectively (fast, practical, exam-focused)

1) Build a realistic study plan

• 3–6 months: 30–60 minutes/day, 5 days/week
• Under 2 months: 60–120 minutes/day + longer weekend sessions
• Always: train with a timer (the exam is a time-management test, too)

2) Use official practice materials

• Mock exams: practice with the official portal: oefenexamensnt2.nl
• Exam information: staatsexamensnt2.nl

3) Train the two “high-risk” skills: Writing + Speaking

• Writing: get corrections on structure, tone, and grammar (self-study alone is rarely enough here)
• Speaking: practise with prompts, record yourself, then improve with targeted feedback

Want the fastest path? Use blended learning (self-study + a teacher)

Why blended learning works for NT2

• Self-study builds vocabulary, reading speed, and listening stamina
• A teacher fixes what you can’t easily spot alone: register, structure, typical exam mistakes
• Mock exams + correction turn practice into measurable progress

How our NT2 prep works (coLanguage)

• Blended learning: structured self-study on the platform + personal coaching
• Weekly feedback on writing and speaking (the most decisive parts)
• Exam strategy for time management, task analysis, and scoring points efficiently
• Mock exams with real corrections and actionable next steps
• Flexible online lessons that fit a busy schedule

Need help? Register for our courses, and learn with a private teacher (and learning portal!).

Veel succes!