Inburgering Exam Day Checklist: Rules, ID, and What to Bring
Exam-day checklist for A2 inburgering: valid ID, DUO letter, cup, confidentiality rule, no-ID consequences, adjusted exams, and arrival tips.
Exam-day preparation is part of passing. DUO says that if you do not follow the rules, you cannot take the A2 inburgering exam, so check your invitation and pack the essentials before you travel.
This checklist focuses on A2 inburgering language exams and knowledge exams. B1 and B2 Nt2 exams have their own Staatsexamen Nt2 rules, so use the official Nt2 pages if you are taking Programma I or II.
Questions this guide answers
- What should I bring to the inburgering exam location?
- What happens if I do not have a valid ID?
- Which ID documents does DUO describe as valid?
- Which items should I keep away during the exam?
- What does the confidentiality rule mean?
- When should I arrange an adjusted exam?
- What should I check the evening before the exam?
Exam-day essentials
| Bring or check | Why it matters | Source-backed note |
|---|---|---|
| Valid ID | DUO checks your identity before the exam. | No valid ID, or a damaged ID, can mean you cannot take the exam. |
| DUO invitation or exam information | It confirms the address, time, and exam part. | The main rules are in your invitation letter and the exam regulations. |
| Cup for coffee or tea | DUO's exam-day information says to bring a cup if you want to drink something. | Follow the staff instructions at the exam location. |
| Allowed personal items only | Extra items can cause stress or delay. | Use the invitation and exam regulations as the final rule list. |
| Travel buffer | Arriving rushed makes small problems bigger. | Plan to arrive before the time in your DUO letter. |
Valid ID matters
DUO lists several valid ID types, including a Dutch passport or ID card, Dutch driving license, valid Dutch residence document, valid W-card, valid EU/EEA/Swiss ID or passport, and valid non-EU/EEA travel documents. If you are unsure, check DUO's current ID list before exam day.
Common problems to avoid
| Problem | Likely consequence | Better plan |
|---|---|---|
| ID is expired, damaged, or missing | DUO says you cannot take the exam without valid ID. | Check the expiry date and condition the day before. |
| You rely on memory for the address or time | You may go to the wrong place or arrive late. | Use the DUO letter, not an old note or screenshot. |
| You bring items that are not allowed | You may have to put them away or follow extra instructions. | Bring only what the invitation and exam regulations allow. |
| You need an adjustment but wait until exam day | The exam location may not be able to change the exam on the spot. | Request an adjusted exam through DUO before booking or before the exam. |
Confidentiality
DUO states that exam content is confidential. You may not take photos of the exam, copy assignments, or tell other people what was in the exam. DUO says you agree to this by signing a form.
Final checklist before you leave
- Read the DUO invitation and exam regulations one more time.
- Put your valid ID and exam information together.
- Check the route, parking or public transport, and backup travel time.
- Pack a cup if the DUO information for your exam says to bring one.
- Follow the invitation and exam regulations for personal belongings.
- Eat and sleep normally; do not try to learn a new topic at the last minute.
If you need an adjusted exam
DUO has a separate process for an adjusted exam in case of illness or disability. Arrange this before the exam through official DUO channels.
The evening before
Treat the evening before as logistics time, not heavy study time. Charge your phone for travel, set alarms, place your ID where you will see it, and decide what you will do if transport is delayed.