Why is the Dutch language important?
An important element of professional skill is being able to communicate properly with patients and fellow care providers. Because the majority of the patients are Dutch speaking, the working language within the care sector is Dutch and care providers with a foreign diploma must have a sufficient command of the Dutch language.
After recognition providers with a foreign diploma must be able to communicate with patients and colleagues in the same way as care providers with a Dutch diploma.
All care providers who applied for a certificate of competence will take a general knowledge and skills (AKV-toets) test as part of the recognition procedure. Dutch is the most important element of that test. An exemption applies if a care provider has successfully completed Dutch primary and secondary education.
Providers who are allowed to follow the recognition procedure for their professional qualifications are not obliged to take a general knowledge and skills test. If you also need a BIG registration after your professional qualifications have been recognised, you must submit a proof of language proficiency with your registration application.
Important note:
Because sufficient command of the Dutch language is necessary, all communication from de BIG-register will be in Dutch.