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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Questions about the Basic Civic Integration Examination Abroad and the practice tests

2. Questions about the practice test: Logging in online

3. Questions about the practice test: Starting up the stand-alone (DVD)

4. Questions about working with the practice test


1. Questions about the Basic Civic Integration Examination Abroad and the practice tests

My TIN codes for the practice tests have expired (or are about to do so). Can I still use these TIN codes?

Yes, you can still use the TIN codes. Remember that from 1 April, both the practice tests and the examination itself will be assessed at Level A1.

Has the pass mark for the basic examination been changed?

Yes. The minimum pass mark has already been raised, on 15 March 2008. In practice, this means that candidates must provide a greater number of correct answers in the Spoken Dutch (TGN) test.
On 1 April 2011, the level of the TGN test is to be further raised from the current ‘A1 minus’ level to level A1 (of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). This means that the minimum score required to pass increases from 16 points to 26 points.

Can the DVD be played in all types of DCD/VCD players in all countries?

Every pack includes the film on DVD, in Dutch and seven or eight support languages, including of course the language ordered. The DVDs are region-free. Different countries have different video broadcast standards, so two DVDs are provided: one in NTSC format and the other in PAL/SECAM format. Check the user manual for your player and/or television to find out which format you require. Alternatively, see the list here.
You can also try both DVDs to determine which one gives the better picture and sound.

Do I need a computer to use the practice tests in the self-study pack?

No, you do not need a computer but you do need a telephone to connect to the test computer. However, you will require a computer with internet access in order to retrieve your test scores. If you do not have your own computer, you can use public facilities such as an internet café or library, or use a friend’s computer. For further information, click here.

When I enter my TIN code, I am asked to do so again. The computer does not accept the code.

You are probably using a ‘pulse dialling’ phone. You must have a ‘tone dialling’ type telephone which sends an audible tone when you press the keys. These tones are essential when entering your TIN code. All telephones in the Netherlands now have tone dialling, as do most phones in other countries. If your telephone is still operating on ‘pulse’ dialling, check to see if there is a switch underneath or on the side with which you can set it to ‘tone’. This may well solve the problem. If not, it could be that your local telephone exchange is not yet on a digital network. In this case, even if your phone is set to ‘tone’ dialling, the exchange uses a ‘pulse’ signal. The test computer will then be unable to receive the TIN code. This is an isolated problem, but has been noted in some Eastern European countries such as Russia and Belarus.
If you have any questions or problems with the practice tests, please contact the Naar Nederland Helpdesk at helpdesk@naarnederland.nl.

Will using a mobile phone affect the results of the practice test?

It is possible that using a mobile phone will indeed affect the results of the test. However, it is not possible to state how, or to what extent, because there are many factors which can lead to problems. This is why we strongly recommend you to use a landline and a telephone with push-button keys. A mobile connection may be subject to ‘fall-out’ and interference, as will a VOIP connection such as Skype. If you call using a mobile telephone or with Skype, it is possible that your connection will be cut off while you are taking the practice test, or that the sound quality is not good enough. It is also possible that your score will not be recorded properly. This is due to the variable quality of the telephone connection. A landline will usually have the best sound quality and stability.

If the connection is broken for any reason before you have completed the test, it is not possible to resume the test from where you left off. You must use a new TIN code and start the test again from the beginning.

Will the questions in the TGN and GBL practice tests also be included in the real examination?

No. The questions in the TGN and GBL practice tests are not used in the examination itself. The purpose of the practice test is to help students to prepare for the examination. It allows them:

  • to experience what it is like to take an examination using a telephone connection to a computer.
  • to become familiar with the various components of the examination and the type of questions included in the GBL and TGN tests.
  • to become familiar with the various voices, accents, speech patterns etc. that will be used in the real examination.
  • to gain a realistic indication of the likelihood of passing the examination.


I have achieved different scores in each of the practice tests, but the overall ‘chance of success’ is always the same. Why?

The ‘chance of success’ is directly related to the minimum pass mark for required language level. Any score of between 39 and 80 will therefore be shown as a ‘95% chance of success’, since 39 points represents the minimum required level. The ‘chance of success’ is never more than 95%, since it is impossible to state that you will definitely pass the real examination when the time comes.

The time stated on the scorecard for my practice test is not the time that I actually took the test.

The computer used for the practice tests is owned by the American company Ordinate and is set to Pacific Daylight Time (PDT). The time in Amsterdam, for example, is eight hours ahead of PDT. You can calculate the precise difference between the location at which you took the practice test and PDT very easily using the website www.timeanddate.com. Remember to allow for daylight saving!

The self-study pack is available in eighteen support languages. How can candidates who do not speak any of these languages prepare for the Basic Civic Integration Examination Abroad?

Even people who do not speak any of the eighteen support languages can use the Naar Nederland self-study pack. A partner in the Netherlands or a relative in the country of origin can help, perhaps by watching the film together with the student and translating (parts of) the film into his or her native language. The photo book can be used in the same way. The questions in the photo book relate directly to the content of the film and to that of the Knowledge of Dutch Society component of the examination. The questions are also on the audio CD.

The workbook, audio files, e-learning program and the practice tests can all be used to prepare for the Spoken Dutch (TGN) and Literacy and Understanding Written Texts (GBL) components of the examination. The first twenty lessons can be followed easily even without additional information in a support language, thanks to the many illustrations and visual instructions. The other lessons can be completed with the help of somebody who speaks either Dutch or one of the support languages.

In some countries, courses in Dutch are available and there may even be special courses to help students prepare for the Basic Civic Integration Examination Abroad. An alternative would be to come to the Netherlands for a brief period (e.g. on a tourist visa) to take a short civic integration course and/or some Dutch lessons. Candidates can also prepare for the examination with the help of their partner. Once they have done enough preparation, they can take the practice tests included in the Naar Nederland self-study pack. This can familiarize them with what the examination itself involves and allow students to form a realistic impression of their likelihood of passing the real examination.

Is it possible to order additional TIN codes for the TGN and/or GBL practice tests?

Yes. A pack containing two extra TIN codes for the TGN practice test and two for the GBL practice test is available. It can be ordered from (online) bookstores or www.naarnederland.nl.
NB It is possible that the extra pack contains a practice test that was already included in your basic pack. This applies to both types of test.

Exactly what does the Literacy and Understanding Written Texts (GBL) part of the examination assess?

Dutch is written using the Latin (Roman) alphabet, just like English, Spanish and French for example. The GBL test assesses whether the candidate can read Dutch at level A1 of the European Common Framework of Reference for Languages. The test requires the candidate to read individual words and sentences out loud. It examines the candidate’s ability in reading and in comprehension, i.e. understanding the words and sentences being read. The score of the GBL test reveals whether the candidate has met the requirements of level A1 of the European Common Framework of Reference for Languages.
The precise description of the GBL component of the examination can be found here.

Does the GBL test require the candidate to write in Dutch?

No. The GBL test is designed to assess reading skills. The candidate does not have to (be able to) write. However, candidates may make notes for their own reference during the GBL test, perhaps as an aide memoire for the section (Part E) which requires them to answer questions about a short passage. If the candidate does not wish to make notes, there is no obligation to do so.

How long will the Basic Civic Integration Examination take when the GBL is added?

The entire process will take approximately two hours. This includes the time spent in providing explanation and instructions, recording personal information and checking ID, etc., as well as the breaks between the various parts of the examination.

What is ‘Level A1’?

‘Level A1’ is a standard of linguistic ability described in the Common European Framework for Languages as that at which a person “can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce him/herself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows and things he/she has. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.”

The skills required to pass this component of the Basic Civic Integration Examination Abroad are as follows.
Listening: I can understand familiar works and basic sentences which affect me, my family and direct setting, provided people speak slowly and clearly.
Reading: I can read familiar names, words and extremely simple sentences, e.g. in notices and announcements, in catalogues and on posters.
Speaking: I can take part in a simple conversation, provided the other person is willing to speak slowly and clearly, to repeat or rephrase sentences and to help me express what I am trying to say. I am able to ask simple questions and answer those relating to direct requirements or extremely familiar subjects.

How should I prepare for the Kennis van de Nederlandse Samenleving (Knowledge of Dutch Society; KNS) test?

This part of the examination assesses how much you know about the Netherlands, its people and customs. All questions and answers can be found in the Naar Nederland self-study pack. In order to prepare thoroughly for the examination, you should:

  • Watch the film several times in your chosen support language until you are familiar with the
    content.
  • Then watch the film again in the Dutch version.
  • Practise each theme using the questions in the photo book. Listen to the audio CD and look at the photos.
  • Practise all questions for however long it takes you to be able to give the answers with a good pronunciation.
  • When practising, speak out loud, slowly and clearly.
  • Practise as often as you can on the phone, with your partner or someone else who can speak Dutch.
  • Practise the start of the examination as well. You will hear: ‘Zeg de naam van de stad en het land waar u nu bent’. You must then state the city and the country in which you are.
  • Watch the film again, in Dutch. Now that you know the questions, you will be able to understand far more.

Preparation for the KNS test demands less time than that for the two language tests. However, it is best to combine your preparation for all components. The film Naar Nederland includes many words which will also appear in the language tests. By watching the film and listening carefully to the Dutch commentary, you will become familiar with these words and the sounds of the Dutch language.

How should I prepare for the Toets Gesproken Nederlands (Spoken Dutch test; TGN)?

This part of the examination assesses your skills in speaking and understanding spoken Dutch. Some tips to help you practise are given below.
The Naar Nederland basic pack includes a comprehensive tuition method in Dutch as a foreign language. Follow the instructions given in the handbook and other course material.

  • Try to establish a regular study routine. Completing one or two lessons every day is better than trying to do five lessons all at once at the end of the week.
  • The examination itself is conducted by phone. You can practise by speaking in Dutch when you are talking on the phone to your partner or someone else who speaks Dutch. If there is anything you do not understand, ask for it to be repeated. You should also ask your partner to correct your pronunciation if necessary.
  • You can become familiar with the sounds used in Dutch by watching and listening to Dutch television programmes, films and songs on video, DVD or CD. This will help you to develop your listening skills in Dutch as well as improving your pronunciation.
  • Watching and listening to the Dutch version of the Naar Nederland film will also help, as will practising the 100 questions which are included to help you prepare for the KNS test.
  • Once you think you have prepared enough, you can attempt the two TGN practice tests. The required TIN codes (Test Identification Number) are included in the practice pack. Doing these tests will familiarize you with the form of the examination itself.


How can I prepare for the Geletterdheid en Begrijpend Lezen (Literacy and Understanding Written Texts; GBL) test?

Some tips to help you practise reading Dutch.

  • The Naar Nederland basic pack contains a comprehensive tuition method in Dutch as a foreign language, including twenty lessons to familiarize students with the Latin alphabet. Follow the instructions given in the course material and the handbook.
  • Try to establish a regular study routine. Completing one or two lessons every day is better than trying to do five lessons all at once at the end of the week.
  • You can familiarize yourself with written Dutch by looking at a Dutch newspaper every day. Can you tell what an article is about? Try to pick out the important words in the headline. Perhaps there is a Dutch magazine that you would find particularly interesting. Your partner can send you magazines and books. Many Dutch newspapers and magazines can also be found online.
  • The GBL test is conducted using a telephone connection. You can practice by reading something out loud when talking to your partner or someone else who speaks Dutch on the phone. Ask him or her to correct your pronunciation and to tell you if you are speaking too quietly or not clearly enough.

Once you think you have prepared enough, you can attempt the two GBL practice tests. The required TIN (Test Identification Number) codes are included in the practice pack. Doing these tests will familiarize you with the form of the examination itself.

I have a high standard of education. Do I really need to do lessons 1 to 20 in the workbook?

If you follow all the language lessons in the pack, you will learn to read, speak and understand Dutch all at once. You will also be preparing for both language components (TGN and GBL) of the civic integration examination.
Before you can begin preparing in earnest for the TGN and GBL, you must be able to read the Latin alphabet. Dutch is written using the Latin alphabet, just like English, Spanish and Portuguese, for example. The first twenty lessons of the book are concerned with the letters of the Latin alphabet and the sounds they make when spoken. You learn how the letters form words and how those words are pronounced. You will also learn to recognize a number of Dutch words.
If you are already thoroughly familiar with the Latin alphabet and are a fluent reader in your own language, you can begin at Lesson 21. However, we would recommend that you take the time to read through Lessons 1 to 4 and Lesson 20, which deal with the sounds that the letters make in Dutch. In Lessons 21 to 65, there are some sections marked with an orange star. These are specially intended for students with higher education who require some additional information.

Can someone who cannot read at all use Naar Nederland to prepare for the Basic Civic Integration Examination?

Anyone who follows all the Dutch language lessons in the pack will learn to read, speak and understand Dutch all at once. Before the student can begin preparing for the TGN and GBL tests in earnest, he must be able to read. Dutch is written using the Latin alphabet, just like English, Spanish and Portuguese, for example. The first twenty lessons of the book are concerned with the letters of the Latin alphabet and the sounds they make when spoken.
Students who cannot read are helped by the many photos, spoken instructions in the support language and visual cues (icons). A spoken version of the vocabulary list, in both Dutch and the support language, is included on the audio CD. Even students who are unable to read their own language can therefore learn the new words.

Is it really possible to learn a language through self-study?

The Naar Nederland pack is intended to help students prepare for the Basic Civic Integration Examination Abroad without any outside assistance. Everything needed to follow the lessons and do the practice tests is included in the basic pack: vocabulary list, instructions in the support language, plentiful illustrations, etc. However, it is very difficult to learn a language when you have no opportunity to speak it. This is why it is so important to practise with your partner. You should also listen to radio and television programmes in Dutch. The film included in the basic pack provides another way in which to expand your vocabulary.

Does the examination require candidates to write in Dutch?

No. The examination only requires candidates to be able to read, speak and listen. The lessons in the workbook include exercises which require you to fill in the missing word. If you are able, you can do so in writing but it is also perfectly acceptable to give the answer verbally.

What does the orange star alongside some exercises mean?

The exercises and the extra grammatical information marked with an orange star are intended for students with a higher level of education. They may wish to know more about Dutch grammar and will appreciate a more challenging programme.

Do I need a computer to learn Dutch?

No. You can learn Dutch using the workbook and the audio CDs. You do therefore need a CD player. The lessons in the workbook are exactly the same as those in the digital practice program. We advise you to use the computer program if you can. It makes learning very much easier.

2. Questions about the practice test: Logging in online

How do I log into the online practice test?

The Naar Nederland self-study pack contains a code to log into the online practice test. In order to log in, you navigate to www.naarnederland.nl and click on the button at the bottom left of the page: E-learning log-in.

You will then be offered two ways of logging in: by using the e-learning login code provided in the self-study pack, or by logging into your personal account. The first time you log in, you will not have set up a personal account yet. After you have submitted the login code (=Token), you will be able to choose from two options:

1. Set up a personal account

In this option, you provide your e-mail address and create a password. You will need to submit your password twice. Setting up a personal account offers the advantage of no longer needing to use the login code to visit the website. On future visits, you will be able to log in using your e-mail address and the password you create. For each login code, you will be allowed to set up two personal accounts: a Student account and a Referee account.

2. Log in as
This option allows you to proceed directly to the practice test without setting up a personal account. On your next visit, you will need to provide the login code again. It is therefore important that you keep the login code in a safe place.

You have the choice of logging in as a Student or as a Referee.

What is a “student”?

The student is the person who is learning Dutch. The student does the assignments that are part of the online practice test. The student’s progress will be saved in his or her personal profile.

What is a “referee”?

A referee assists the student in his or her learning process. Often, the referee is the Dutch partner of the student. The referee is able to log in remotely in order to see the student’s progress and the answers that the student has given. The referee cannot complete assignments, nor will his or her progress be saved.

Will my login code still work once I create a personal account?

Even if you have created a personal account, you will still be able to log in using the login code. They are two separate methods of logging in that remain active concurrently.

Is it possible to log in from more than one computer at the same time?

No, this is not possible. If you log in from a second computer using the same login code, the program will close on the first computer. It will be assumed that you have physically moved to a different computer. Your login code moves with you.

Can my login code be used by more than one person?

No, this is not possible. Your login code is strictly personal. It is linked to your personal progress and results. If a second person logs in using the same account, the first person’s program will be closed.

Can my account be used by more than one person?

No, this is not possible. If a second person logs in using the same account, the first person’s program will be closed.

How long will my login code remain valid?

Your login code is valid for one year following your first login. At the end of this period, you will be notified by the program.

Is it possible to purchase a login code separately from the self-study pack?

No, the login code is only available as part of the complete pack.

Can I use the online practice test for longer than one year?

Yes, you can. You can extend your existing account by purchasing a special extension code. After you log in with the extension code, you will be able to use your personal account for one more year.

NOTE: This login code only works for extending an existing account. You will therefore not be able to log into the online practice test by using this code.

3. Questions about the practice test: Starting up the stand-alone (DVD)

On what computer systems can the DVD be played?

The practice test is compatible with Windows, Mac and Linux systems. The test was developed for computers that are no more than five years old. Some components (such as playing or recording audio) may not function on older computers. However, it is possible to use the rest of the program on computers that are older than five years.
In addition, you will need a DVD player as well as a sound card to play the audio files. In order to make audio recordings, you will need a microphone.

How do I start the DVD program?

If you are using Windows:

- The program will launch automatically once you have placed the DVD in your DVD player.
If you are using Mac:
- After placing the DVD into your DVD player, select the windmill icon in the Finder screen.
If you are using Linux:
- Run the autorun file in the main menu of the DVD. You will find additional instructions in the comments to this file.

NOTE: The practice test runs entirely from the DVD. It will therefore take some time to start up. The program starts as soon as a screen appears that shows an introductory film about language selection. If you have already selected a language, a screen will appear listing the various lessons.

The DVD does not start

If during startup the following error message appears ‘Mozilla Firefox, Portable Edition cannot be started. You may wish to re-install to fix this issue. (ERROR: firefox.exe could not be found’)’, you probably have a disc cleaning utility installed on your system.

During the executing of the DVD Firefox Portable is copied to a temporary folder. Disc cleaning utilities remove this contents from these folders.

This is a list of known disc cleaners.

To fix the problem you can either de-activate/de-install the disc cleaner or follow these steps:

  • Click ‘Start’ and select ‘My computer’
  • Enter %TEMP% in the adressbar
  • The %TEMP%-folder will now open
  • Remove .stunnixws completely, or click on the folder .stunnixws and remove the folder ‘portableff’

4. Questions about working with the practice test

In which languages do you provide the online practice test?

The online practice test is provided in the same support languages as the self-study pack. You may choose one of the following 18 support languages: Chinese, Dari, English, French, Indonesian, Moroccan Arabic, Pashto, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Somali, Standard Arabic, Thai, Turkish, Urdu, Vietnamese, Kurdish*, and Tarifit Berber*.

* Kurdish and Tarifit Berber are spoken languages. Therefore, the support consists only of spoken audio.

What is the purpose of the learning routes within the practice test program?

You can use the practice test program in three different ways. Your choice may depend on your educational and literacy level. In the profile screen – the first screen you see when you log in for the first time – you are given three routes to choose from.
The first route is especially intended for non-literate or non-Western literate users. This route will provide you with extra lessons about the Dutch alphabet, Dutch sounds, and the pronunciation of Dutch words. The second route is especially intended for users who have attended secondary school. The third route is especially intended for users who have undertaken higher education.

Route 1: This route contains more basic exercises, more repetitions of the instructions, but no additional advanced exercises.
Route 2: This is the standard route, with a lot of basic exercises, but also additional advanced exercises.
Route 3: This route for advanced students contains fewer basic exercises and more additional advanced exercises.
You can select a different route at any time by navigating to your profile and selecting the desired route.

How do I edit my profile/properties?

Click on your name in order to navigate to the profile screen. Here you can edit your support language, edit your name, and/or select a different learning route.

When I select the speaker icon, I don’t hear any sound.

  • Check whether your computer contains a sound card. The best way to do this is to play an audio file that is not related to the practice test program.
  • Check whether your volume is turned up loud enough. The best way to do this is to play an audio file that is not related to the practice test program.
  • If necessary, restart the practice test program.

The lack of sound can also be traced to a configurational error within your system. The flash plugin is often the cause of such errors.

The following page gives several solutions for problems with flash and sound.


The recording function is not working.

In order to use the recording function, you will need a sound card and a microphone.

  • Check whether your computer contains a sound card. The best way to do this is to play an audio file that is not related to the practice test program.
  • Check whether your volume is turned up loud enough. The best way to do this is to play an audio file that is not related to the practice test program.
  • Check whether the sensitivity of your microphone has been properly set. The best way to do this is to make a recording outside the practice test program.

Since the program is only able to make use of your microphone with your permission, you will need to give that permission first.

The first time you select the recording button the following pop-up will appear:

In order to use the recording function, select ‘Allow’. If you like, you can select ‘Remember’ so that you will not have to select ‘Allow’ the next time you make a recording.

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