Inburgering Oefenen
KNM

The KNM exam

KNM stands for Kennis van de Nederlandse Maatschappij (Knowledge of Dutch Society). It is not a language exam: it is about how the Netherlands works. Here you can read what is in it and how to prepare.

Marieke Schipper

Marieke Schipper

NT2 teacher · 23 August 2026 · 7 min read

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Part 1 · 2 min

What is the KNM exam?

KNM is one of the exams of your inburgering (civic integration). It is not about grammar or spelling. It is about how the Netherlands works: which doctor you go to, what you do if your rent is too high, who makes the laws, how school works for your children.

You take the exam on a computer. You get questions about short videos, photos and texts. For every question you choose an answer. The exam takes 45 minutes.

DUO on KNM: "You take the KNM exam on the computer. You get different themes. For example ‘wonen’ (housing) or ‘werk en inkomen’ (work and income). For each theme you have to answer questions. The exam takes 45 minutes."

Source: inburgeren.nl — Kennisexamens — accessed 23-08-2026

You see many websites online that write that the KNM exam has a fixed number of questions. DUO does not put that number anywhere on its own site. That is why we do not mention it. What DUO does say is written above: 45 minutes, questions about different themes.

Frequently asked questions

How many questions does the KNM exam have?

DUO does not give a number of questions for KNM on its own pages. What DUO does say: you take it on the computer, you get questions about different themes, and the exam takes 45 minutes. Numbers that you read elsewhere we cannot find at DUO, so we do not mention them.

How many questions do I have to get right for KNM?

DUO does not publish that. The Examenreglement says that the line between failing and passing is a cesuur that the Minister sets. There is no official percentage and no official number of correct answers that you can go by.

How many themes does KNM have: 7 or 8?

Eight. The revised eindtermen with the Regeling inburgering 2021 list eight themes: Werk en inkomen; Omgangsvormen, waarden en normen; Wonen; Gezondheid en gezondheidszorg; Geschiedenis en geografie; Instanties; Staatsinrichting en rechtsstaat; Onderwijs en opvoeding. Older course methods sometimes name seven.

Is the KNM exam in Dutch?

Yes. The exam is completely in Dutch, even though it is not a language exam. That is why it pays to learn the words per theme: if you do not know huisarts, verwijzing or gemeenteraad, you cannot answer the question, even when you know the answer.

Do I have to do KNM in the Z-route?

In the Z-route KNM is part of your course hours, not a separate exam. So you do learn the material, but you do not take an exam in it. In the B1-route and the onderwijsroute you do take the KNM exam. In Mijn Inburgering you can see what applies to you.

What does the KNM exam cost?

At the moment €50, just like the other parts. That price is index-linked and can change, so check it with DUO before you register. If you pay with a loan from DUO, you choose that when you register.

Reviewed by Marieke Schipper, certified NT2 teacher — August 23, 2026 This page is a translation of that reviewed Dutch text; the translation itself was not reviewed. The Dutch version is the source.

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