KNM stands for "Kennis van de Nederlandse Maatschappij"
The KNM exam is short for Kennis van de Nederlandse Maatschappij — which means "Knowledge of Dutch Society" in English. It is a mandatory exam that tests whether you understand how life in the Netherlands works: how to find a job, how the health system operates, what your rights are, and how Dutch democracy is organised.
The KNM exam is one of several parts of the inburgering (integration) exam in the Netherlands. If you are required to complete inburgering under the Wet inburgering 2021 (Integration Act 2021), you will need to pass the KNM exam.
Who needs to take the KNM exam?
Most people who immigrate to the Netherlands and are required to integrate (inburgeren) must pass the KNM exam. This typically applies to people who:
- Come from outside the EU/EEA
- Have a residence permit that includes an integration obligation
- Are between 18 and 65 years old
Important: Not everyone is required to take the KNM exam. Your obligation depends on your nationality, residence permit type, and whether you have exemptions (e.g. if you already speak Dutch at B1 level or have a Dutch diploma). Check with the IND or DUO for your personal situation.
What does the KNM exam cover?
The KNM exam covers seven topics, all related to daily life in the Netherlands:
| 💼 Work & Income | Employment contracts, UWV, minimum wage, sick leave, starting a business |
| 🏛️ Government & Law | Parliament, voting, rule of law, separation of powers |
| 📋 Government Institutions | Municipality, DUO, Tax Authority, DigiD |
| 🏠 Housing | Renting, municipal registration (BRP), tenant rights |
| 🎓 Education & Children | School levels, compulsory education, childcare |
| 🏥 Health & Care | GP (huisarts), health insurance, 112 emergency |
| 📜 History & Geography | Dutch national holidays, key historical events |
The questions always describe a realistic situation. For example: "Your child is sick and cannot go to school. What do you do?" or "You lose your job. Where do you go for support?" — you choose the correct answer from A, B, or C.
How is the KNM exam structured?
- 45 multiple-choice questions — three answer options (A, B, C) per question
- 40 minutes — roughly 53 seconds per question
- 60% to pass — you need at least 27 correct answers
- Computer-based — taken at an official DUO exam centre
- In Dutch — the exam is not available in English
How does the KNM exam fit into the inburgering process?
The inburgering exam has several components. The KNM exam is just one of them. Depending on your route (B1-route, Z-route, or Education route), the other components may include Dutch language exams (speaking, reading, writing, listening), a participation declaration, and a civic integration assessment.
You can take the different components in any order and at different times. Many people find it easiest to start with the KNM exam since it does not require Dutch language production — only recognition of the correct answer.
How do you register for the KNM exam?
You register for the KNM exam via Mijn DUO. You choose your own date, time, and location from the available DUO exam centres across the Netherlands. Waiting times vary by location and period — book early to get your preferred slot.
How to prepare: The best preparation is practising with real multiple-choice questions in the actual exam format. Start our free mock exam — 45 validated questions, 40-minute timer, no account needed.
What happens if you fail the KNM exam?
You can retake the KNM exam. After your exam, DUO sends you a breakdown of your score by topic — use this to focus your preparation on the topics where you lost the most points. There is a waiting period between attempts and costs may apply; check DUO.nl for current rules.
Frequently asked questions about the KNM exam
Is the KNM exam in English?
No. The KNM exam is conducted in Dutch. There is no official English version. This page is in English to help you understand the exam, but you will need to study the content in Dutch.
How long does it take to prepare for the KNM exam?
Most people need 2–6 weeks of preparation, depending on how familiar they are with Dutch society. Daily practice of 20–30 minutes is more effective than occasional long study sessions.
Is the KNM exam the same as the inburgering exam?
No — the KNM exam is one part of the inburgering exam. The full inburgering exam also includes Dutch language components (speaking, reading, writing, listening). You need to pass all components to receive your inburgering diploma.