A2 or B1: the learning routes
Under the Wet inburgering 2021 you follow one of the 3 learning routes. Each route has its own level. Here you read the difference, and when level A2 applies.
Which route do you follow?
After the brede intake (intake interview and test) the municipality (gemeente) makes a PIP (persoonlijk plan inburgering en participatie, your personal plan) together with you. It says which learning route you follow and which exams you take.
Until 1.5 years after the start of your inburgeringstermijn (integration term) you can change to another learning route. From the onderwijsroute you can change to the B1-route or the Z-route during the whole term. A new route is written in your PIP.
The B1-route
The B1-route (B1 route) is for paid work or volunteer work. You take the language exams reading, listening, writing and speaking at level B1. This is the staatsexamen Nt2. You also take KNM, the MAP (Module Arbeidsmarkt en Participatie) and the PVT (participatieverklaring, participation statement).
After the B1-route you get a civic integration diploma.
The onderwijsroute
The onderwijsroute (education route) is mainly for young people who want to go to mbo, hbo or university. You take the language exams at level B1 or B2, KNM, the taalschakeltraject (a bridging language programme) and the PVT. After this route you get a civic integration diploma.
The Z-route
The Z-route (zelfredzaamheidsroute, self-reliance route) is for people for whom the B1-route and the onderwijsroute are too difficult. You learn Dutch at level A1. You also learn to take part in Dutch society. You follow at least 800 hours of lessons in language and KNM, and you do the PVT and the MAP.
Language exams are not required. You may take language exams at level A2. You finish with a talk at the municipality and you get a certificate. Exams you passed are on the certificate.
When does level A2 apply?
- In the B1-route: is B1 not working and did you follow at least 600 hours of language lessons at a school with the Blik op Werk Keurmerk (quality mark)? Then your level can go to A2. This is called afschalen. The municipality checks this. It is only possible in the B1-route.
- Under the Wet inburgering 2013: you take the language exams at level A2 or higher. The civic integration diploma is then always at level A2.
- For naturalisation (becoming Dutch): you first have to pass the civic integration exam at level A2, or the staatsexamen Nt2 at level B1 or B2.
A civic integration diploma of the Wet inburgering 2021 shows whether you took the exams at A2, B1 or B2.
Practise on DutchKlaar
On DutchKlaar you practise at level A1, A2 and B1. First take the level test. Then choose the lessons and practice exams at your level.
Take the level testOfficial practice exams
On inburgeren.nl you read more about the 3 learning routes. In your PIP and in Mijn Inburgering you see which route and which level apply to you.
DutchKlaar is a practice website. We are not DUO and not an official organisation. Rules can change. For your own situation, look in Mijn Inburgering on inburgeren.nl, or ask your municipality (gemeente).
Sources
This text is based on these official pages (in Dutch):