Certificate of competence

This procedure generally applies to healthcare professionals with a diploma obtained in a non-EU member state or Switzerland. Doctors, dentists and nurses must take an additional professional content (BI) test. Read the step-by-step plan below carefully so that you know what to expect. for For certain professions it’s only possible to apply for BIG registration after obtaining a Certificate of Competence (see step 9).

Information about recognition of foreign diploma's is also available in Dutch.

Step-by-step plan

You can expand each step to see information about that step.

The procedure in 9 steps
1. In some steps you can access more detailed information. We recommend that you also read this information. From the moment you submit the application, the procedure takes an average of 6 months to 1.5 years. The time it takes to process the preparations differs per person and situation.
2. 1.Prepare your application
  
  It is important that you properly prepare your application to ensure that your application is processed quickly. Therefore, read the Preparing the application section carefully. There you will find information about, among other things, the required Dutch language skills. We also organize consultation hours and general information meetings about this procedure.
  
  You will receive all messages about your application in your digital file on 'My BIG register'. To view your message in your file, you must log in with your DigiD or your BIG login. For more information go to 'Preparing the application'.
3. 2.Complete the application form and add the documents
  - Complete the general application form (in Dutch) and, if applicable, the profession-specific annex (in Dutch).
  - If you want to have your specialism recognized at the same time, please indicate this on the form.
  - Print the form and sign section 12.
  - Add the requested documents. See section 13 of the application form.
  Complete the application form in full and add all the documents, otherwise we will not be able to process your application.
4. 3.Submit the application form and documents
  
  You should send the form, any annex(es) and the documents to:
  
  CIBG
  Erkenning buitenlandse diploma’s
  PO 16114
  2500 BC The Hague
  The Netherlands
  
  You will receive a confirmation of receipt within 2 weeks. You will be notified if any documents are missing.
  
  You will receive all messages about your application in your digital file on 'My BIG register'. To view your message in your file, you must log in with your DigiD or your BIG login. For more information go to 'Preparing the application'.
5. 4.Assessment of qualification and overviews of subjects
  
  After your application is complete, we will assess your qualification(s) and overview(s) of subjects, if necessary.
  
  This assessment will be carried out by Nuffic or by the Foundation for Cooperation on Vocational Education, Training and Labour Market [Samenwerkingsorganisatie Beroepsonderwijs Bedrijfsleven] (SBB).
  
  Important! You do not have to arrange for this assessment to be carried out by Nuffic or SBB; we will do that for you.
6. 5.Take the professional test (only for doctors, dentists and nurses)
7. 6.Assessment by the commission
  
  The Commission for Foreign Healthcare Graduates [Commissie Buitenlands Gediplomeerden Volksgezondheid] (CBGV) is an independent commission that assesses your application and the results of the professional (BI) test. It is possible that your application is not approved, or is not approved immediately, for example because you a need to take an additional course, or do an additional work placement.
  
  If your application is not approved, or not approved immediately, there is a possibility that the commission will invite you to a meeting. Read more about the the Commission for Foreign Healthcare Graduates.
8. 7.Receipt of (intended) decision
  
  After we have received the commission's advice, we will first send you a message explaining which decision we intend to take. This is referred to as the intended decision. This decision may be positive or negative. If you do not agree with the intended decision, you will have 2 weeks to respond.
  
  If you do not respond, you will receive the definitive decision after these 2 weeks. If you wish, you can object to this definitive decision. Read more about 'Assessment and decision'.
  
  You will receive all messages about your application in your digital file on 'My BIG register'. If you do not yet have a DigiD or BIG login, you can request one. For more information go to 'Preparing the application'.
9. 8.Your certificate of competence
  
  The positive decision you have received by post is your certificate of competence. You should therefore keep this document in a safe place.
  
  Recognition of specialism
  
  If you have indicated in the application that you also want to have your foreign specialist qualification recognised, we will also send the positive decision to the specialists' registration commission that is responsible for your specialism. This commission will then contact you. Read more about the recognition of a specialism.
10. 9.It is now possible to apply for BIG registration (only for certain professions)
  
  If you have a certificate of competence and if you are a pharmacist, doctor, physiotherapist, healthcare psychologist, remedial educationalist generalist, psychotherapist, physician assistant, dentist, midwife or nurse, you can now apply for a BIG registration.
  
  This is a separate application. If you want to use the professional title of one of these professions in the Netherlands and work in one of these professions, you can only do so if you are listed in the BIG register. Read more about applying for BIG registration.
  
  Other healthcare professionals can now, with a certificate of competence, practice their profession independently in the Netherlands and use their professional title.