When I was preparing for the ONA (Orientation on the Dutch Labor Market) exam, I kept hearing two extremes: “It’s a nightmare, brace yourself” and “It’s super easy, just chill and wing it.”
The truth? It’s somewhere in the middle. You can pass this exam — if you prepare strategically.
It takes time, attention to detail, and a bit of planning.
The goal of the ONA is to show that you understand how the Dutch labor market works. If you don’t yet have a profession, you’ll need to present a realistic plan for how you’ll get one — education, work experience, next steps, and even financial readiness.
The exam consists of two parts:
- Portfolio – eight sections describing your chosen profession, including a CV and cover letter.
- Interview – a conversation with two examiners: one asks questions, the other observes and takes notes.
Before starting, check the official 👉 website. There you’ll find the latest requirements and whether you actually need to take the ONA.
Officially, DUO doesn’t test your language level here.
In practice, it helps.
- You can pass with A1, but you’ll sweat through it.
- A solid A2 makes the process much smoother
- If your language level is above A2 - focus on portlofio anв you will be fine
It’s not only about speaking — you also need to understand indirect questions. When I took the exam, my level was “between A1 and A2.” It was challenging, but doable.
Can You Switch to English during the interview? Yes. However I tried to stick to Dutch until the end but switched once when I couldn’t explain a detail about Japanese work culture (I worked in Japan years ago).Switching occasionally is fine — just try to answer as much as possible in Dutch.
Portfolio PreparationWrite your portfolio yourself. Don’t copy from examples online — the examiners can tell. Fixing copied work takes much longer. Mine portfolio took about 6 hours to complete.
Interview PreparationI chose the interview instead of the 64-hour course (which costs around €800-1000). Preparation took about 3–4 hours, plus portfolio time.
On the exam day I arrived early (and regretted forgetting water). Two examiners greeted me. The atmosphere was polite but formal. All questions were based on my portfolio and professional background. The interview lasted about 40 minutes.
DUO officially says up to 8 weeks, but often it’s faster. Some people get results in 10 minutes, others in 3–4 weeks. I received mine in about a month — you can also check online before the letter arrives.
The ONA exam isn’t a nightmare, but it’s not a breeze either. Prepare early, think through your answers, and make your portfolio honest. Small errors in portfolio can delay everything since each revision takes weeks.
And that is where my guide Preparation to Dutch Integration Exams can help you.
Guide for Preparation To Dutch Integration Exams (Inburgering)
I’ve compiled all my experience into a comprehensive guide for integration exams in the Netherlands — practical, organized, and time-saving.
💬 My goal is simple: to help you pass your exams without stress and build confidence in your new country.
📘 What’s inside:
- Tips for every exam + effective study strategy
- Useful links, books, podcasts, and resources
- How to know when you’re ready for exams
- A deep section on ONA — with tips for making a portfolio and interview preparation
⚠️ The guide will be in sale limited time, as exam formats change and I don't plan to update it. So now’s the best time to get it if you plan to take exams soon.
You can buy the guide HERE.
