KNM Passing Score 2026: The Official DUO Benchmark & Scoring Rules
Planning to take your Kennis van de Nederlandse Maatschappij exam at DUO? Here is the complete breakdown of how many questions you need to answer correctly, how the grading scale works, and how to verify if you are exam-ready today.
26 / 40
Passing Threshold (Geslaagd)
Minimum 65% correct to pass
45 Min
Total Exam Duration
~67 seconds per question
0 Penalties
No Negative Marking
Always guess every question
5–8 Wks
Official Results Timeline
Published on Mijn Inburgering
🧮 Interactive KNM Pass/Fail Calculator
Drag the slider below to simulate your practice score out of 40 questions and see whether DUO would award you a pass or fail.
Simulated Correct Answers:28 / 40
🎉 GESLAAGD (PASSED)
Accuracy: 70% • Estimated DUO Grade: 7.0
Comfortably above the 26-correct threshold. You are well-positioned to pass on exam day!
How DUO Scores Your KNM Examination
The Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs (DUO) administers the KNM exam on a computer at designated examination centers (such as Amsterdam, Eindhoven, Rotterdam, Utrecht, and Zwolle).
During the 45-minute test, candidates are presented with 40 multiple-choice questions based on short video scenarios, photographs, and real-life situational dialogues in the Netherlands. Each question has either 3 or 4 possible answers (A, B, C, or D).
The Cesuur (Pass Mark) Standard
DUO uses a fixed cut-off point known in Dutch as the cesuur:
0 to 25 Correct (0% - 62.5%): Result is Niet Geslaagd (Failed). You must register for a retake.
26 to 40 Correct (65% - 100%): Result is Geslaagd (Passed). This fulfills your KNM inburgering requirement for life.
Score Conversion Scale (DUO 1–10 Grading)
In your official results letter, DUO reports a grade on the traditional Dutch 1 to 10 scale (where 6 is the standard passing grade):
Correct Answers
Percentage
Official DUO Grade
Status
38 – 40
95% – 100%
Grade 10 (Uitstekend)
✅ Geslaagd
34 – 37
85% – 92%
Grade 9 (Zeer Goed)
✅ Geslaagd
30 – 33
75% – 82%
Grade 8 (Goed)
✅ Geslaagd
26 – 29
65% – 72%
Grade 6 – 7 (Voldoende)
✅ Geslaagd
22 – 25
55% – 62%
Grade 5 (Twijfelachtig)
❌ Gezakt
< 22
< 55%
Grade 1 – 4 (Onvoldoende)
❌ Gezakt
💡 5 Battle-Tested Strategies to Pass KNM On Your First Try
1. Never Leave a Single Blank Answer: There is zero negative marking. If you're running out of time on question 39 or 40, select your best guess immediately!
2. Use the DUO On-Screen Flag Button: If a question seems tricky or has unfamiliar vocabulary, click the "Vlag" (Flag) button and return to it during your last 10 minutes.
3. Listen to the Audio Twice: DUO equips every testing station with high-quality headphones. Listening to spoken Dutch often clarifies words that look confusing when reading.
4. Watch Out for Absolutes: In Dutch culture and governance, questions featuring absolute words like altijd (always) or nooit (never) are frequently incorrect distractors. Dutch society favors consensus and conditional rules.
5. Practice Realistic 40-Question Mock Exams: Do not just read notes passively. Timed simulations build stamina and train your brain to pace itself comfortably under 45 minutes.
See If You Would Pass Right Now
Take our free 40-question mock exam calibrated exactly to DUO's 26/40 passing standard.
How much does it cost to take or retake the KNM exam?
As of 2026, the registration fee for the KNM exam is €50 per attempt. If you do not achieve 26 out of 40 points, you must pay €50 again to sit for a re-examination.
What identification do I need to bring to DUO?
You must bring a valid original passport, Dutch residence permit (verblijfsvergunning), or European ID card. Expired IDs or photocopies are strictly rejected, and you will forfeit your examination fee.