What is the KNM exam?
The KNM exam (Kennis van de Nederlandse Maatschappij — Knowledge of Dutch Society) is a mandatory part of the inburgering (integration) exam in the Netherlands. If you are required to integrate under the Wet inburgering 2021, you will need to pass this exam.
The exam consists of 45 multiple-choice questions with three answer options (A, B, C). You have 40 minutes to complete it. To pass, you need to answer at least 27 out of 45 correctly — 60%.
| Number of questions | 45 multiple-choice (A/B/C) |
| Time allowed | 40 minutes |
| Passing score | 27 / 45 correct (60%) |
| Language | Dutch (sometimes with audio support) |
| Where | Official DUO exam centre |
Note: The questions and the real exam are in Dutch — not English. This guide is in English to help you understand the exam, but you will need to study Dutch society vocabulary to pass.
The 7 topics on the KNM exam
Every question on the KNM exam falls into one of seven topics. Knowing which topics are hardest lets you spend your study time wisely:
- Work & Income (hardest) — employment contracts, UWV, minimum wage, sick leave, starting a business
- Government & Rule of Law (hard) — parliament, voting rights, separation of powers, rule of law
- Government Institutions (hard) — which agency handles what: DUO, UWV, municipality, Tax Authority
- Housing (medium) — renting, municipality registration (BRP), tenant rights
- Education & Children (medium) — school levels, compulsory education, childcare
- Health & Care (easier) — GP, health insurance, emergency services (112 vs 0900-8844)
- History & Geography (easier) — national holidays, key events, Dutch geography
Focus most of your time on Work & Income, Government & Rule of Law, and Government Institutions. These three topics cause the most failures.
How to prepare: a step-by-step approach
Step 1 — Start at least 3 weeks before your exam
20–30 minutes of daily practice over 3 weeks beats 4 hours of cramming the night before. Your brain needs time to store and connect new knowledge. Set a consistent time each day and stick to it.
Step 2 — Practice with real multiple-choice questions
Reading about Dutch society is useful background — but it is not the same as practicing the exam. The KNM exam tests your ability to quickly choose the right option under time pressure. You need to practice that specific skill.
Practice now: Our free mock exam has 45 validated questions in the exact format of the real exam — 40-minute timer included. No account needed.
Step 3 — Analyse your mistakes
After every wrong answer, ask yourself: was it a language problem, a knowledge gap, or did I read the question too fast? Write the correct rule in your own words. One extra minute per mistake has an enormous effect on your next attempt.
Step 4 — Aim for 70–75% in practice
The passing score is 60%, but you should aim for 70–75% in practice. That gives you a comfortable margin. If you are consistently scoring above 70% in practice, you are ready for the real exam.
Step 5 — Do a full timed mock exam before your real exam
Sitting for 40 minutes with 45 questions is a skill in itself. Time pressure causes many people to rush and make avoidable mistakes. Do at least one full timed mock exam in the week before your real exam — this makes the actual experience feel familiar.
The 3 most common reasons people fail
- Not practising the right format. Reading summaries is not the same as answering multiple-choice questions under time pressure. Practice the exam, not just the content.
- Underestimating Work & Income. Dutch labour law is complex and different from most other countries. UWV, CAO, arboarts — these terms need to be second nature.
- Confusing which institution does what. Knowing when to go to the UWV versus the municipality versus the Tax Authority is one of the most tested skills on the exam.
On the day of the exam
Bring a valid ID (passport, ID card, or driving licence) and your DUO confirmation. Arrive at least 15 minutes early. Mobile phones must be switched off. The exam is on a computer — no special computer skills required.
Read each question twice. If you are unsure, skip it and return later. You have on average 53 seconds per question — don't rush.
Ready to start? Take the free mock exam now — 45 validated questions, 40-minute timer, instant feedback. No account needed.
Frequently asked questions
How many times can I take the KNM exam?
You can retake the KNM exam multiple times. There is a waiting period between attempts and costs are involved. Check DUO.nl for current rules and any reimbursement options for your specific integration route.
Is the KNM exam in Dutch or English?
The exam is in Dutch. There is no official English version. Some candidates with language difficulties may qualify for audio support — check with DUO if this applies to you.
When do I get my results?
Results are typically available shortly after the exam via Mijn DUO. You receive a breakdown by topic, so you know exactly which areas to focus on if you need to retake.