Dutch Language Proficiency Exam: NT2, Part One Posted by sarah on Jun 1, 2010 in Dutch Language
For a variety of reasons, one day you might just find yourself preparing for a little thing called the Nederlands als Tweede Taal Examen (Dutch as Second Language Exam). I say little, but to be honest, it is intimidating, stressful, and nerve-wracking, all in one. But fear not, there is a lot of information available to guide you through the process, and in this post I’ll introduce you to some resources that should (I make no promises here) make the process a little less confusing.
There are a variety of reasons you might be taking the NT2 exam, including, but not limited to, fulfilling requirements for your integration program or demonstrating language proficiency for an employer. Therefore, knowing which exam is right for you is a good place to start. I can’t figure that out for you, but I can send you in the right direction.
If you are following an integration program (inburgering) you should contact your local taalwijzer. The taalwijzer is a language resource service that can set up the learning program that is right for you. I found my local taalwijzer to be incredibly helpful, and you might even find that your language courses and exam are paid for by the town you live in. But you’ll never know if you don’t ask. Actually, even if you aren’t following an inburgering program, I would probably start at the taalwijzer anyway, because they are the experts and will in the least of things send you in the right direction. You might not have to take the exam, but you might find that they have courses for you anyway.
The Exam
The NT2 exam is divided into two groups: Programma 1 and Programma 2. Programma 1 is for people who want to display somewhere around a high school level proficiency in Dutch. Programma 2 is for those who wish to display a university level proficiency in Dutch.
The exam is actually a series of four exams. Listening, reading, writing and speaking.
Listening:
In the listening section you will be asked to listen to short radio programs or conversations, and answer multiple choice questions based on what you are hearing. You will be answering the questions in short pauses during the program. The pauses are marked by a beep.
Reading:
In the reading section you will be asked to read a variety of types of texts. Some of these texts only require you to scan for the information you need, such as from a pamphlet or flier, while other texts are longer and require you to read very carefully.
Writing:
In the writing section you will be asked to write both short answers, longer essays, and complete sentences.
Speaking:
The speaking section is the strangest section for most people. It requires you to speak to a computer through a headset with a microphone. First you will hear a short piece of a conversation, a description of a situation, or look at a picture. You will be asked to respond or describe the situation. The section has a variety of types of questions. Some of the questions require only a short answer of one or two sentences. Other sections require you to speak in a sort of monologue for 2 minutes. This part of the exam goes very quickly, causing a lot of frustration.
For further information on the Staatsexamen NT2, the Expertise Centrum has provided practice exams and general information.
For even further information and to register for the exam, go to the IB-Group.
My apologies, but the information on these sites are only available in Dutch. I actually don’t understand why that is because obviously you want this information if you are learning Dutch, but…such is life.
In my next post, I will give you more in-depth information and personal tips regarding the different sections of the exam.
Build vocabulary, practice pronunciation, and more with Transparent Language Online. Available anytime, anywhere, on any device.
Comments:
R D agbenyo:
i am studying at home for the NT2 e xams so i would like to recieve more infomatons as necesary.i find this information useful and good work done.
R D agbenyo:
goood work. keep it up
sarah:
@R D agbenyo Hi R D,
Thanks for your comment. In the second part of this post I’ll give you some tips for the exam. Feel free to ask any questions you might have!
Groetjes-
-Sarah
R D agbenyo:
i know that before the exams you have to do a portfolio,and since i am not attending school and studying at home,i wonder how i can pass the exams without doing the porfolio.
sarah:
@R D agbenyo Hi R D,
I’m not actually sure what you mean about being required to do a portfolio. The exam administration that gives the test requires nothing of you at all. You are not even required to take language courses, although it is highly advised. For the NT2 exam, you sign up and show up. If I’m somehow mistaken in this, please send me information on where you found that requirement so I can pass that info along.
Thanks!
-Sarah
Mohamed:
Great stuff Sarah, Thanks a lot for your info. I have a question and I wonder if you could please help me. My situation in Netherlands is a bit different, I’m here as an internet marketer, and I dont really wish to work for an employer, I’m starting to study by myself at home, and I’m aiming to take the NT2 level 1 only. Will that be good enough if I have that diploma? I mean will it be recognised by the state to apply for a Dutch passport? I thank you indeed.
sarah:
@Mohamed Hi Mohamed,
Thanks for your comment.
I have to be honest, I am in no way qualified to answer your question. To find the definite answer, contact your local gemeente, stadsdeel or IND.
Sorry I can’t help you out more with that. I can answer questions about what the exam was like, but I’m not an immigration expert.
vida:
hello
I just was looking for some more information about NT2 courses and where can i find some course neat my town.i am totally confused i really don t know where i have to go.i was in gemeente but they told me they just can offer me nt2 in univercity but AFTER obtainig permission state that it already complicated.but the most important thing is that i have to be ready for nt2 exam in netherland or in my home country.i need some advise so i tought maybe u can help me,
thank you in advance
my regard
vida
Edolene:
Hi. Does anyone know where in London i can do this exam!!
Janusz:
Hi. Thanks for the info regarding the exam. I have one question about the cost. Is it that I sign up and turn up on a specified date? Guess there’s a cost involved..
tiffany:
@Janusz Hi Janusz,
Things have most likely changed since this post was written – a lot of changes were made and still are being made to the way things work with the exam thanks to government budget costs. The best thing to do is contact your local municipality (gemeente) and ask what the procedures are. There is definitely a cost involved though. It’s just a question of how much. To give you a rough idea, it was 90 euro back when I took the exam in 2010. Best of luck!
irfan inam:
hi
i have done level A2, and now i want to do NT2 1, to study further for a MBO course, i need to know about the course material, where i can i get that from and please anyone recommend me any good school.
thank you
Irfan