What the NT2 Spreken Exam Tests at B2
Programma II is the B2 route of the Staatsexamen NT2. Its speaking module is built differently from Programma I: 13 tasks, including one long task in which you speak for two minutes on a single topic. This page sets out what the official sources say about that format.
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Programma II is for people who want to study or work at hbo or university level, which corresponds to CEFR B2.
Both programmes contain the same four components: Lezen (Reading), Luisteren (Listening), Spreken (Speaking) and Schrijven (Writing). All exams are taken on the computer. The speaking module is where the two programmes differ in structure.
B1 vs B2: this page covers Programma II. For the Programma I (B1) version, see What the NT2 Spreken Exam Actually Tests.
Programma II Spreken — three parts
The task types
In Programma II the speaking module has three parts:
- Deel 1 — 4 short speaking tasks, 20 seconds of speaking time each.
- Deel 2 — 8 medium-length speaking tasks, 30 seconds of speaking time each.
- Deel 3 — 1 long speaking task: you speak for two minutes on one topic, and you get preparation time for it.
Programma II has 4 short tasks, 8 medium tasks and 1 long task, 13 in total. Programma I has 8 short and 8 medium tasks and no long task. Programma I also has no preparation time.
Speaking tasks — Programma I and II
The long task
The long task is the part that sets Programma II apart. You speak for two minutes on one topic, and you get preparation time before you start.
The official description confirms that there is preparation time, but it does not state how long that preparation time is. This page therefore gives no figure for it.
How long the speaking module lasts
The official sources give slightly different figures. Plan for roughly 25 to 30 minutes.
Duration — two official sources
How the speaking module is assessed
Speaking is not scored by the computer. Every exam is assessed by two assessors. For Spreken you can receive one or more points per question or task.
To pass the Staatsexamen NT2 you need a score of at least 500. For the assessment breakdown at B2, see how NT2 Spreken is scored at B2.
Sources
- staatsexamensnt2.nl — how the exam is structured (accessed 2026-10-11)
- staatsexamensnt2.nl — assessment and pass mark (accessed 2026-10-11)
- DUO — how the Staatsexamen NT2 works (accessed 2026-10-11)
- inburgeren.nl — exam content and duration (accessed 2026-10-11)