Among the plethora of tests that new arrivals to the Netherlands can take is the grand-sounding staatsexamen (state exam Dutch as a second language). Now a new online course, or StaatsexamenCursus, has been developed to “make it almost certain” you’ll pass.

While passing the full range of integration exams is a requirement for those seeking permanent residence or a Dutch passport, for others, showing you can speak the language is enough to get what you are looking for.

That includes students, who may have to prove they know enough Dutch (B1 level) to enroll in certain educational programmes, or professionals, whose employers may require a certain Dutch aptitude or who want to advance their careers by upping their Dutch language capabilities.

“It’s also good for your personal life,” says Bart Nawijn, a former teacher who devised the new programme. “The B1 level is the beginning of independence in your daily life and helps with cultural integration. Language opens doors and makes life more fun, interesting and comfortable.”

The courses

Following the successful model of his integration courses, StaatsexamenCursus.nl is an online, guided self-study course that lets students study at their own pace in their own time.

“People have full-time jobs, and many have children, so it’s difficult for them to find the time to sit in a course,” says Bart. “Our self-study courses are flexible and convenient, allowing students to balance their studies with their personal and professional lives.”

There’s also a mobile website that makes study on the go easy. And the course’s exam-focus makes people more comfortable when taking the actual exam, doing away with test jitters.

“I felt more confident, and the exam felt like the questions I’d already practiced,” says 39-year-old Tarik Mallouili. “It’s impressive how they know what students are looking for.”

“These courses are focused, succinct and time efficient!” adds 63-year-old Canadian retiree Barbara of Bart’s courses. “I like that everything is online so it suits my lifestyle, and I can do it at my own pace. There are no books required, and I find the cost very reasonable.”

Indeed, Bart’s courses cost a fraction of what typical classes charge, with his subscription-based lessons costing as little as €9 per month. Bart also suggests checking with your employer about possible reimbursements, as many companies include language study among their employee benefits.

The exams

The staatsexamens are strictly to test one’s Dutch-language capabilities and consist of reading, listening, writing and speaking.

Bart, whose courses have helped some 40,000 students pass their integration exams, recommends taking the classes in that order, which go from easiest to most difficult.

“It helps to study the receptive skills—reading and listening—together, as they use similar abilities and have similar multiple-choice tests,” he says. “Then comes the more difficult, productive skills, like writing and speaking. Studying from easiest to difficult will help decrease your study time.”

More study tips

Bart also recommends setting an exam date for yourself. Although you can only book a test date two months in advance, he says setting your own goal helps you prepare for it. “You’ll be able to study in a more structured way, and it will help motivate you.”

Dutch language beginners who study regularly, 7-10 hours of study a week should be comfortably prepared to pass the A2 level within six months, he says. For those who are already at the A2 level, similar study habits should net you your B1 diploma in another six months. For quick learners or those who put in more hours, that time frame can be significantly reduced.

“I would definitely recommend the course for those who need to pass quickly and want to save time and money on preparation,” said one Ukrainian student who took Bart’s integration classes. “Using the course shortened my preparation time to a couple of hours, whereas studying with books could have taken days.”

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