Dutch language skills and English reading skills

All letters and other communications you receive in this recognition procedure are in Dutch.

Valid proof of Dutch language proficiency

• Certificate of a Dutch language test for speaking, writing, listening and reading;
• Final report on Dutch-language primary education (primary school) and secondary education diploma (high school);
• Annex to your diploma (diploma supplement) showing that you have completed your professional education in Dutch.

Language levels Dutch language skills

A language level that must be achieved has been determined for each professional level. If you provide a language certificate as proof of language proficiency, it must have been obtained for the language level that corresponds to your professional group. In the complete overview  Educational levels for professions you can see which level corresponds to your profession.

Minimal language level per professional level

Professional level	Language level
Academic or Scientific education. For example doctor, dentist, pharmacist	B2+ (This is higher than B2, but lower then C1)
Higher vocational education (hbo) For example physiotherapist, midwife, dietician, occupational therapist	B2
Secondary vocational education (MBO) For example nursing and nursing in individual healthcare	B1

Requirements for the language certificates

If you provide a language certificate as proof of your Dutch language proficiency, the certificates must meet the requirements below:

• The certificate must have been obtained with an exam or test for reading, writing, speaking and listening;
• The language certificate at language level B1 and B2 must have been obtained with a State Examination of Dutch as a Second Language (NT2);
• The certificate must have been obtained at the level required for the profession (see language levels paragraph);
• The certificate must be passed with a passing grade;
• The certificate may not have been obtained more than two years ago.

A certificate of participation will not be accepted; the certificate must prove that you have passed a test or exam.

Where can you go to learn Dutch language levels B1 and B2?

For this language level you must take the State Examination Dutch as a Second Language (NT2). NT2 is a national language exam for non-Dutch speaking adults who are learning Dutch as a second language at level B1 and B2. In the Netherlands there are several providers where you can follow a Dutch training or course at the right level to prepare you for taking the state exam.

For a preparatory course for the State Exam:

• You can visit a university language center. You will find all university language centers in the Netherlands on the NUT website .
• via the website Staatsonderzoeksnt2.nl .
• You can also contact all language institutes that can offer a Dutch course at the right language level and with the right course components (reading, writing, speaking and listening).
   

The state exam Nt2: what, where and how

You can take the State Exam NT2 in six cities: Amsterdam, Eindhoven, Rijswijk, Rotterdam, Utrecht and Zwolle. On the website Home | State Exams Nt2 you will find information about the content of the State Exam Nt2 and about registration. You will also find the exam schedule here: Exam schedule | Sign in | State exams Nt2 . You will also find instructional videos and information about how you can practice for the Nt2 State Exam here.

Where can you learn Dutch or take a test at language level B2+?

Not all language centers offer a language course and/or language test at B2+ level. Only language certificates of language level B2 from the institutions below are accepted.
 

Name of institution	Name of key
Babel Language Institute	Dutch language certificate B2+
ExcelLanguages	Dutch language test
NedLes	Dutch language test B2+
SUEZ Language tests	Dutch language test
Language school 'And now Dutch'	Language test B2+
Rhetora	Dutch language test
BGB Academy	Dutch B2+ exam
Dutch in Dialogue	Dutch B2+ for doctors
Care Force Language Academy	Language test B2+ for doctors from the EEA
Elycio Talen	Dutch language test B1, B2 or B2+ for healthcare professionals
VU- NT2	Day Intensive level 5 (B2 > B2+), including testing
Taalbureau Lest Best	Training and Exam

Want to learn Dutch and take an exam from abroad?

Do you live abroad and is your Dutch good? Then you can take a ' Dutch as a foreign language ' ( CNaVT ) test. This must be a test of the Dutch Language Union. Certificates from other foreign language institutes are not accepted.

The CNaVT test is taken once a year in May. After the results have been assessed, you will receive a paper certificate from the CNaVT. A watermark, three signatures and the CNaVT logo are visible on the certificate.

English reading skills

Information about this can be found on the 'English language skills ' page.

NB. The requirement for English reading skills does not apply to nurses in individual healthcare (VIG). If you apply for recognition for this profession, you do not need to provide proof of English language skills.