All about the new format for the Dutch integration speaking exam

For people looking to integrate into Dutch society and get a permanent residence permit or a Dutch passport, passing the civic integration exams is an important step. Starting from March 1, 2025, the format of the speaking exam has changed.

This article will explain what has changed and how you can best prepare for the new exam format.

What has changed

The biggest change is the removal of the multiple-choice section. Previously, there were 12 multiple-choice questions (questions 13-24), but now there will only be spoken questions.

You will need to give all your answers out loud. As a result, the number of exercises has been reduced from 24 to 16. The exam still lasts 35 minutes, giving you enough time to respond fully to each question.

What does the new format mean for you?

If you have already started preparing before March 1, 2025, you may feel a bit uncertain about the new format. But don’t worry, this change actually gives you a better and fairer chance to show your speaking skills.

The new format focuses only on your ability to speak Dutch, which gives a more direct and practical way to test your language skills.

Why is it seen as an improvement?

In the old system, candidates had to answer both multiple-choice questions and spoken questions. You needed to answer at least 9 out of 12 multiple-choice questions correctly in order to continue to the speaking part.

This meant that even good speakers could fail if they had trouble with the multiple-choice questions. Now, the test focuses entirely on speaking, removing the multiple-choice questions.

This means that the exam will be better at showing how well you can actually use Dutch to communicate in everyday situations.

The new speaking exam format

The new format of the speaking exam is as follows:

1. Questions 1-4: Answer a question based on a video. You will need to respond to what you saw in the video with the right words.
2. Questions 5-8: Answer a two-part question based on an image.
3. Questions 9-12: Answer a two-part question based on two displayed images. You can choose between the two pictures.
4. Questions 13-16: You will see three pictures, and you need to say something about all three.

Preparing for the new format

With the changes in place, it’s important to adjust your preparation. Although the new format might seem a bit challenging, it actually gives you a better chance to show your speaking skills. Here are some key tips to help you get ready:

1. Use the words you know: You don’t need to use complicated words or grammar to pass. Just focus on giving clear, simple answers. Use the words you already know, and keep your answers short and to the point. The simpler, the better.
2. Practise in noisy environments: The exam will take place in a room with other candidates, which can be distracting. To get used to this, practise speaking Dutch in places with background noise, like when the TV or radio is on. This will help you stay focused during the exam.
3. Focus on verbs and sentence structure: The exam will mostly test how well you use verbs and form sentences. Do not worry about complicated grammar. The most important thing is to use the correct form of the verb and keep your sentences clear and simple.
4. Surround yourself with Dutch: Even though the exam is about speaking, listening to Dutch every day will help improve your fluency. In the week before the exam, listen to Dutch music, podcasts, or radio (such as TV, RadioNL, Youtube or Spotify). This will help you get used to the sound and rhythm of the language and make speaking feel more natural.
5. Don’t worry about making mistakes: You don’t need to be perfect to pass. The exam isn’t about how quickly you speak or whether you have an accent. It’s about how clearly and fluently you speak, and how well you avoid long pauses. So take a moment to think before answering to avoid many “umms” or hesitation.

Get started today

Don't be waylaid by these changes. Now that you know what the new test looks like, you can prepare accordingly. Make sure that any classes you sign up for are fully ready to assist with the new question styles, and get practising!