The Knowledge of Dutch Society (KNM) civic integration exam has been updated to reflect current social developments. The revised final objectives place greater emphasis on women’s self-determination and knowledge of the Holocaust, aiming to ensure that newcomers understand essential values underpinning Dutch society.
The changes come as part of the regular revision of the integration curriculum, which takes place every five to ten years to align the exam with shifts in legislation and societal norms. The last update occurred in 2015.
According to State Secretary Jurgen Nobel (Participation and Integration), the changes are essential to ensure that “immigrants know how Dutch society works, what you need to do to get started, and how we treat each other in the Netherlands.” Nobel also underscored the significance of teaching that women in the Netherlands have the right to organise their own lives and participate fully in the workforce.
The updated KNM exam now includes content testing whether migrants know:
- What the Holocaust entails, including the fact that many Dutch Jews were murdered.
- That antisemitism and discrimination are prohibited in the Netherlands.
- That women in the Netherlands have the right to self-determination, including the right to work and make independent life choices.
The final objectives of the KNM exam are organised around themes such as work and income, social norms and values, housing, and the structure of government. The aim is to equip migrants with the knowledge necessary to participate fully and function effectively in Dutch society.
The revised exams were developed by Cito on behalf of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment, and are administered by the Education Executive Agency (DUO). The new final terms were officially published last year in the Government Gazette as part of the Integration Regulation 2021.
