The KNM exam, explained in English
The KNM exam (Kennis van de Nederlandse Maatschappij) is part of the Dutch civic integration exam. It tests what you know about life in the Netherlands. You take it on a computer, it lasts 45 minutes, and the questions are in Dutch.
What is on the exam?
You answer questions on different themes from daily life. Since 1 July 2025 the exam objectives are built around four everyday situations, and they focus more on facts than on rules of behaviour.
- Work and income, and your rights at work
- Housing and your neighbourhood
- Health and healthcare
- Education and raising children
- Government organisations, DigiD and money matters
- How the Dutch state and the rule of law work
- History, freedom and equality, including the Holocaust
How many questions, and what is the pass mark?
DUO does not publish how many questions the exam has or where the pass mark is. Be careful with websites that say they know. Our mock exam uses 30 questions in 45 minutes so you can practise with a timer, but that is our choice and not the official format.
How do you book the exam?
You book the KNM exam with DUO on Mijn Inburgering. You log in with DigiD and choose the date and the place. Book in time: according to DUO it can take more than six weeks before you can take the exam. You can change or cancel until one week before the exam.
On the day of the exam
- Bring a valid ID, such as your passport, residence document or driving licence. Without valid ID you cannot take the exam.
- Come alone. Other people have to wait outside.
- The exam is secret: you sign that you will not share the questions.
- You get the result within eight weeks by letter, and you can also see it on Mijn Inburgering.
Try three practice questions
You are starting a new job. What do you agree with your employer in writing?
An employment contract sets out what you do, how much you work and what you earn. Without a written contract it is hard to prove later what was agreed.
You fall ill and cannot work. What do you do first?
You report sick to your employer as soon as possible, following the rules that apply there. Someone who does not report sick counts as absent without leave.
You move to another municipality. What must you do?
You register with the municipality where you are going to live. That is compulsory and it is the basis for almost everything: your post, your allowances, your right to vote and your health insurance.
Questions about the KNM exam
How long is the KNM exam?
According to DUO the KNM exam lasts 45 minutes. You take it on a computer.
Is the KNM exam in English?
No. The exam is in Dutch. You can prepare in English on KNMexam, with the Dutch key word shown next to every question.
Where do I book the KNM exam?
With DUO, on Mijn Inburgering. You log in with DigiD and choose the date and place yourself.
Practise for free
10 free questions every day, in English, with an explanation after every answer.
Practise for the KNM examThe themes we practise
Work and income
Rights and duties at work
Housing and your neighbourhood
Health and healthcare
Education and raising children
Institutions, DigiD and money matters
Government and the rule of law
History, freedom and equality
All questions on this site are written by us. DUO's official exam questions are confidential and are not included here.