You are integrating in the Netherlands, so language is important. But it is also important to know about the Netherlands. For example, if you are looking for a job, or a new home, or if you want to make a hospital appointment, and so on. How do you do these things in the Netherlands? What are the rules? How do you learn these things?

You are responsible for your integration, education and finding help. You must arrange the integration exam yourself.

If you do not know enough about the Dutch language yet, and do not know enough about life in the Netherlands yet, you can take a course. You are responsible for finding your own course. You must integrate in the Netherlands within 3 years.

The course and the exam cost money. You are responsible for paying for the course and the exam. DUO can lend you money for the course and the exam, but you do need to follow a course that has the Blik Op Werk approval mark. Schools that have this approval mark can be found on www.blikopwerk.nl

Not everyone has to take the integration exam. You can also take another exam: The State Exam for Dutch as a Second Language. This exam (NT2) is needed if you want to start studying. It will teach you a higher level of Dutch.

Did integration became a legal requirement for you after 1 January 2015 and you already passed the diploma State Exam NT2? In this case, there are two more exams you need to take to obtain your integration diploma. These are: the Orientation on the Dutch Labor Market Exam, and, the Knowledge of Dutch Society Exam.