If you are required to integrate, you will receive a letter from the Department of Education (DUO). You will also receive an invitation from municipality for a broad intake. The broad intake consists of:

• a test to determine what you can already do
• a conversation about your situation

The municipality then makes a plan outlining how you should integrate. This is called the personal plan for integration and participation (PIP). It states:

• which classes you will take
• what help you can get
• How you conclude the civic integration. This goes with an exam or a closing interview.

You can also integrate voluntarily. For example, if you want to become a Dutch citizen. Read more about voluntary integration on IND.nl.

The integration exam consists of:

• The subjects of reading, listening, writing and speaking at language level B1
• Knowledge of Dutch Society (KNM). Here you will learn about Dutch customs, history and culture. For example, you will learn who runs the country. You will also learn how people in the Netherlands treat each other and situations. For example: what should you do when you are sick? What do you do with your garbage? 
• Module Labor Market and Participation (MAP).You will attend group meetings at municipality. In these meetings, you will learn about working in the Netherlands. You will learn what types of professions there are and what you need to be able to do in the Netherlands. You will also learn how to apply for a job in the Netherlands. For example, by writing a letter and going for an interview. The goal is that you will soon be able to find a job on your own.
• Participation Statement. You follow a two-day workshop at municipality. In it you learn about the Dutch core values. For example, about equality, freedom, solidarity and participation in society. Afterwards, you will sign the participation statement.

Furthermore, the municipality provides workshops. Together with you, we will agree which workshops you will attend.

You do not need to become a citizen in the following situations:

• You have a Dutch passport.
• You are from an EU/EEA country or Switzerland.
• You are under 18 years of age or over retirement age.
• You have lived in the Netherlands for 8 years or more when you were subject to compulsory education.
• You are coming to the Netherlands temporarily to study or work.

Are you required to citizenship but are unable to? You may not be required to citizenship in the following situations:

• You have a serious illness or disability.
• Personal circumstances make it difficult for you to become a citizen.

Do you already know the Dutch language and culture? In the following situations, you may not need to integrate:

• You speak the Dutch language well.
• You have been living in the Netherlands for 10 years or more.
• You have been working in the Netherlands or volunteering here for 5 years or more.
• You are taking a course in the Netherlands or you have obtained the diploma of a Dutch course. Find out at Rijksoverheid.nl which courses this refers to.

You must become integrated within 3 years. This 3-year period starts when your PIP is established. You can sometimes get an extension. For example, if there is a waiting list at the civic school, or if you are ill. Read more about extending the term on Inburgeren.nl.