Failed the inburgeringsexamen (civic integration exam) more than once: your options

You can retake a failed exam

Check the result, remaining requirements and deadline in Mijn Inburgering. For the 2021 law, discuss support or route changes with your municipality. An effort-based waiver under the 2013 law has additional conditions; repeated failure alone does not grant it.

First separate the exam result from your integration deadline

A failed attempt does not by itself mean you receive a fine. The key records are the remaining exam parts, your applicable law and route, and the completion deadline in your latest official letter. Keep the result notice and check the portal and post; for state exams, you generally need the result before booking another attempt.

Choose support based on the barrier

If you have time left and know which skill needs work, book a resit after changing your study plan: practise that component, review errors, and get feedback where possible. If illness or another accepted disruption delayed progress, ask about extra time and the evidence required. If a disability affects the exam itself, check adapted arrangements before booking. A waiver has separate eligibility rules; repeated failure on its own does not grant one.

The law changes who can help

Under the 2021 law, your municipality sets the route and personal plan. Discuss a support need or possible route change with the municipality; DUO handles exam administration. Under the 2013 law, check DUO rules for an extension or an effort-based waiver, including the required course hours and exam attempts. For B1 or B2 state exams, register for a failed component after its result is available.

Before acting, make a short file with your route, deadline, results, course attendance, and relevant medical or personal evidence. Ask the responsible office a specific question: which part remains, what deadline applies, and what proof is needed for the option you are considering. An asylum status holder may have different fine rules, while the integration duty can still remain.