The De Staatsexamens Nederlands als tweede Taal (Nt2) are state exams in the Dutch language for foreigners who study Dutch as a second language. Diploma stating that they have passed the State Exam Nt2 is a proof of sufficient knowledge of the Dutch language, enabling them to work or study in the Netherlands.
The De Staatsexamens Nt2 consist of four parts: lezen – reading, luisteren – listening, spreken – speaking and schrijven – writing. There are two levels: Programma I (B1 level) and Programma II (B2 level).
Lezen (reading): During the exam, you will be given a textbook. TQquestions and available answers will be visible on computer. You will have to provide answers to 35-38 questions relating to the total of 7 texts. These are always provided in the form of multiple-choice questions. The Programma I exam takes 110 and Programma II 100 minutes.
You can learn more about the exam at
Luisteren (listening): The exam consists of 5 or more texts with 40 or more questions. There are also 1-3 video clips with assignments. You will listen to short audio texts using headphones. Questions and available answers will be visible on computer. These are always provided in the form of multiple-choice questions. This exam takes 90 minutes.
You can watch a short video with the instructions at
Spreken (speaking): The exam involves short or somewhat longer tasks to be completed on computer, using microphone and headphones instead of talking with an actual person. The exam takes about 25 minutes and consists of two parts for the Programma I and three parts for the Programma II.
You can watch a short video with the instructions at
| Programma I | Programma II | |
| Deel 1 | 8 korte spreekopdrachten | 4 korte spreekopdrachten |
| Deel 2 | 8 middellange spreekopdrachten | 8 middellange spreekopdrachten |
| Deel 3 | – | 1 lange spreekopdracht |
Schrijven (writing): The exam involves completing or filling in sentences and writing short or medium sized texts. This exam takes 100 minutes.
You can see more in the video at
| Programma I | Programma II |
| 10 zinnen schrijven | 7-8 zinnen schrijven |
| 2 korte teksten aanvullen | 1-2 korte teksten schrijven |
| 2 korte teksten schrijven | 1-2 middellange teksten schrijven |
You can see example exams for the Programma I and Programma II at
Class load
Preparation for the Programma I involves the load of 72 lessons if you have already completed the A2 course or if your Dutch language level is A2. If you are a complete beginner, the preparation will include 168 lessons.
Preparation for the Programma II involves the load of 48 lessons if you have already completed the B1 course or if your Dutch language level is B1. If you are a complete beginner, the preparation will include 216 lessons.