The Dutch integration exam focusing on knowledge of Dutch society will change from July 1, with newcomers being tested more on practical topics and less on socially desirable behaviour.

The aim, officials say, is to increase self-reliance and reduce stereotypes, after years of criticism of the current exam.

The current version, introduced in 2013, has been accused of being denigrating and stereotyping, with questions about birthday customs or neighbour disputes where even many Dutch people would disagree on the “correct” answer.

Integration professor Han Entzinger, who led a committee to review the content, says the changes put knowledge first. “We wanted to focus more on knowledge rather than on rules of behaviour,” he told the Telegraaf.

From Tuesday, candidates will have to answer 28 of 40 questions correctly on themes such as geography, history, applying for social security benefits, and registering a divorce.

Before taking the exam, participants will still have to sign a confidentiality agreement to prevent questions being leaked. The social affairs ministry, which is responsible for “inburgering” has not said how many versions of the tests there are.

An estimated 100,000 people are currently going through the inburgering system according to the Telegraaf. EU nationals and people on highly-skilled worker visas are exempt, but the tests are required for refugees and most people who want to apply for Dutch nationality.

To pass, people must learn Dutch to a basic level within three years, follow courses on applying for jobs and the labour market, and sign a declaration confirming their respect for Dutch norms and values.

“In political debates people often treat integration as a solution for everything,” Entzinger says. “But it is not a miracle cure. Integration should be seen as a stepping stone towards basic participation in Dutch society. That is what most newcomers need — no more and no less.”