Civic Integration questions 2022 – for those who integrate voluntarily.
Is A2 enough for integration in 2022? The answer to Civic integration questions of expats, highly skilled migrants, and Europeans.
To which civic integration group do I belong?
First, distinguish whether you are integrating voluntarily or not. If not: stop reading, this article is not interesting for you. If you are an expat or a highly skilled migrant, continue reading!
Expats are not subject to the civic integration requirements. However, you may want either a permanent residence permit or naturalization. Then you need to pass the Civic Integration Exam: you are integrating voluntarily.
Second, keep in mind the date that you entered the Netherlands. Was it after January 1st, 2022? Then your voluntary integration level is B1, the third level of the language levels of the CEFR – and stop reading.
Was your entering date before 2022? Continue reading.
Estimated reading time 7 minutes
Author: Margreet Kwakernaak, Dutch for Dummies, Werkwoorden op Rij 1, 2 en 3 and 6 other textbooks on Dutch
If I take one or more parts of the Integration exam before January 2023, can I finish the exam at language level A2? Civic Integration question 2022 number 1
Congratulations, it was a good decision to do that! Never mind whether you passed or failed: you can finish your exam at level A2. You have got 3 years to finish it, starting from the date that you registered for the exam.
I am an expat and I want to apply for permanent residence or citizenship. On which level should I take the exam?
For expats and others who are integrating voluntarily, the exams will remain at the A2 level in 2022.
I am a highly-skilled migrant and I want to apply for permanent residence or citizenship. At which level should I take the exam?
For highly skilled migrants the exams will remain at the A2 level in 2022.
How much time does it take to prepare for the civic integration exam at level A2?
When you are highly educated and have a job for at least 48 hrs per month, you’ll manage in 6 months – when you study 4-6 hours per week. In case you have no work, it will take a complete year or more. You’ll have to take the ONA part ONA is time-consuming. KNM, Knowledge of Dutch society, has to be done by all candidates. These are the KNM mock- exams. Luckily, provided that you studied properly, KNM is easy to pass.
How much time does it take to prepare for the civic integration exam at level B1
Learning Dutch up to B1 takes twice as much time as up to A2. Nothing is impossible, but learning to speak and write at level B1 without any professional support is unlikely. The reading and the listening part you may do yourself – though this always takes longer than when you get professional support.
Can I prepare for the Civic Integration Exam by myself?
Yes, you can prepare part of it by yourself. The language level A2 is low and you can find much information online. However, it will save you a lot of time (and you know, time is money!) if you pay for guidance. A good e-learning course provides you with all the materials, a blended course provides you both with the materials and (online) conversation classes.
In 2022, classes on location are hardly available and much more expensive than any form of online learning. Expensive and extended courses on location are mostly meant for refugees – the government pays for them.
What will be the costs to prepare for the exam at level A2? Question number 2
The price depends on your strategy, intelligence, and discipline. Of course, you cannot avoid paying for the exam, normally € 250, with ONA € 300,-. Let’s dive deeper into the three elements that determine price and success.
First: Strategy.
Preliminary research is half the battle – inform yourself! Read on the internet and compare courses and prices. Time-consuming, but worth it. Additionally, ask friends or colleagues how they managed their studies and ask for references. Use ‘Civic Integration questions 2022’ keywords for your research.
Facebook has several Inburgering groups. Watch out: it takes a while to distinguish between sense and nonsense. On the other hand, both social media and social contacts are indispensable to studying effectively. One of the most informative groups is Facebook Inburgeringsgroep Ad Appel
Second: Intelligence
We cannot influence how intelligent we are born, but make sure you use a course that matches your level of intelligence. When you are highly educated, don’t attend buurthuis and other free conversation groups too long – 3 months is Ok for total beginners, After that, you’ll notice that there is not much progression and buurthuis groups seldomly reach level A2.
Moreover, be careful not to choose any course of 6 months or longer- it lacks flexibility. And note: in case the intake is an online test only, the course has been made for people with intermediate intelligence. Ad Appel taaltrainingen offers massive online classes with 45 students.
In case you are a fast learner, The Delft method with online conversation classes in groups of 9 students is the fastest and most flexible way to learn Dutch.
Last but not least: Discipline
Studying all by yourself requires a lot of discipline – that’s why I do not recommend e-learning as the only resource. Sure, e-learning is great to learn vocabulary and the free app Duolingo works fine up to level A2. Though vocabulary is indispensable, learning to talk Dutch needs real-life practice.
To do parts of your studying in a group, be it online, keeps you on track and saves time. Of course, you can try to form a group yourself – in the Facebook groups you’ll find soulmates. However, those groups generally have short life. Moreover, talking without professional guidance and correction may be useful to get some practice – but only a Dutchman, either a schooled volunteer or a professional, can give you good feedback. Your Dutch partner? Sometimes it works, sometimes not.
S0, what’s the best for me? Civic Integration question 2022 number 3
Nobody but you can tell. Of course, I would love to tell you that the Suitcase talen’s conversation classes with the Delft method are the best for you – but it all depends on you and your situation. Here’s your to-do list:
- check available courses on the internet
- ask friends and colleagues
- decide how much help you want: no help may cost time and money, and you may have to redo parts of the exam
- € 1000 is the budget for professional online e-learning/ an online course plus exam money. Classes on location are hardly available for non-refugees and you’ll pay much more.
- choose a school, study its website, fill out the contact form describing your target+situation and ask for advice. A (free) intake by phone is the start of successful studies.
Suitcase talen’s Delft method modules: the most flexible way to the Civic Integration Exam
Are you highly educated, willing to study 4-6 hours per week, and looking for professional conversation classes and advice, including a lot of flexibility? Fill out the Contact Form in English, mentioning:
- what is your general education level
- since when you are in the Netherlands and your situation
- how is your actual level of Dutch
- your target: Dutch for daily life, Dutch because of (future) children, Dutch for work, Civic Integration Exam 2022 at level A2, or for Civic Integration Exam at level B1.