Inburgering Exam Costs 2026: Fees, Free Attempts, and Loans
See current A2 inburgering exam costs, 2021 and 2013 route totals, free-attempt rules, DUO loan payment options, and what to check before booking.
Many learners search before booking: how much does the inburgering exam cost in 2026, and do I have to pay myself?
The answer depends on your route, your status, and the integration law that applies to you. Use this page as a planning guide, but always check Mijn Inburgering before paying because DUO shows your personal exams and payment options there.
Source check for fees
DUO currently lists EUR 50 for each A2 language exam part and EUR 50 for KNM. Under the 2021 Act, the five DUO exam parts listed on DUO's cost page total EUR 250. Under the 2013 Act, DUO also lists ONA at EUR 40, so the listed total is EUR 290.
Questions this guide answers
- How much does each A2 inburgering exam part cost in 2026?
- What is the total under the 2021 Act?
- What is the total under the 2013 Act if ONA is required?
- When are the first attempts free for asylum status holders under the 2021 Act?
- Can I pay for an A2 language or knowledge exam with a DUO loan?
- What extra course, travel, or childcare costs should I check?
Quick cost answer
| Situation | DUO-listed exam cost | Important note |
|---|---|---|
| A2 / 2021 Act | EUR 250 for Writing, Speaking, Listening, Reading, and KNM | MAP is done with the municipality and DUO says you are not charged for it. |
| A2 / 2013 Act | EUR 290 if Writing, Speaking, Listening, Reading, KNM, and ONA are required | ONA is listed separately at EUR 40. |
| Asylum status holder under the 2021 Act | First 2 attempts at every exam can be free | DUO says this does not apply if you take an exam below the level in your PIP. |
| Extra attempts | Usually the exam-part fee again when free attempts no longer apply | Check Mijn Inburgering before booking because your payment screen is personal. |
Exam fees listed by DUO
| Exam | Amount | When it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Writing | EUR 50 | A2 language exam |
| Speaking | EUR 50 | A2 language exam |
| Listening | EUR 50 | A2 language exam |
| Reading | EUR 50 | A2 language exam |
| Knowledge of Dutch Society (KNM) | EUR 50 | Knowledge exam |
| Orientation on the Dutch Labour Market (ONA) | EUR 40 | Mainly relevant under the 2013 Act or voluntary integration when ONA is required |
| Total for A2 language exams + KNM | EUR 250 | Common DUO-listed total under the 2021 Act |
| Total including ONA | EUR 290 | DUO-listed total under the 2013 Act when ONA is part of your route |
When exams may be free
DUO says that for asylum status holders under the 2021 Act, the first 2 attempts at every exam are free, unless you take the exam at a lower level than stated in your PIP. DUO also says extra attempts may need to be paid and, for this group, cannot be borrowed from DUO.
Who usually pays?
| Group | Course costs | Exam costs |
|---|---|---|
| Asylum status holder under the 2021 Act | DUO says the municipality pays for the course. | DUO says the first 2 attempts at every exam are free, unless the exam is below the PIP level. |
| No asylum status holder, for example family migrant | You may pay yourself or borrow from DUO for approved schools. | You may pay yourself or use a DUO loan if you are eligible. |
| 2013 Act route | Rules can differ from the 2021 Act. | Check Mijn Inburgering because ONA and PVT costs can also matter. |
Paying with a loan
DUO says that for a knowledge exam or A2 language exam, you can choose paying with a loan in Mijn Inburgering. If you register with a form, indicate on the form that you want to pay with your loan.
Course, childcare, and travel costs
The exam fee is not always the full cost of integration. DUO says course prices differ by school, some learners may use a DUO loan for approved schools, childcare benefit may apply in some course situations, and some municipalities may pay travel expenses. Ask the school or municipality before assuming these costs are covered.
What to check before booking
- Which law applies to you: 2013 Act or 2021 Act.
- Which exams Mijn Inburgering says you personally need.
- Whether your PIP gives you free attempts.
- Whether you are allowed to use a DUO loan.
- Whether you are registering at the right level.
- Whether ONA or PVT applies to you.
- Whether you are ready enough to avoid paying for extra attempts.
Simple planning example
If your route shows the four A2 language exams plus KNM and you pay yourself, budget EUR 250 for the exam fees listed by DUO. If your route also requires ONA under the 2013 Act, add EUR 40. Keep course, travel, childcare, and retake costs separate because they depend on your situation.
Practice after reading
Use free practice to check readiness before booking paid attempts.