The Dutch integration exam system was changed significantly recently. As of January 1, 2022, the new Wet Inburgering 2021 (Civic Integration Act) came into effect.
Two things changed:
1) Increased Level Requirement: The integration exams were elevated from A2 to B1 level for most newcomers arriving in the Netherlands after January 2022. This adjustment aims to better prepare individuals for active participation in Dutch society and the job market.
2) Municipal Role: Municipalities now play a crucial role in the civic integration process. The system was restructured to enable newcomers to learn Dutch more efficiently while gaining work experience simultaneously
A2 >>> B1
The main change of course is the change in the level of examination from A2 to B1. At the A2 level, you might be able to have a basic conversation about hobbies, family, or travel. At the B1 level, you could discuss more complex topics like environmental issues, cultural differences, or personal experiences.
My experience
I work mainly with expats who have had a good education in their native country, they can speak English well and they usually don't have a lot of time to practise Dutch each week (because of a demanding job and/or family situation). We practise 1 or 2 hours together weekly and they make a little "homework". For these people passing the A2 exam within 5 or 6 months is not a problem.
However reaching the B1 level is a different story in my opinion. A good A2 level must already have been reached. And then a lot of studying will have to be done to make the step to B1. In the situation that an expat does not have a lot of time to study every week, I think it can take at least 3 years to reach a good b1 level.
In the LInkedIn feed below you find a short report of a teacher about the current situation in the Dutch integration examination system.
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