Processing time and costs

The exact time it takes before your qualification is recognized, and how much costs are involved, may differ per person and per situation. Preparations, such as learning Dutch for example,can take more time for some people than for others. Statutory deadlines apply to checking and assessing tests and processing the application.

Total amount of time to obtain recognition

In total the entire process takes, on average, between 6 months and 1,5 years from the moment you submit your application. The exact amount of time that it takes until you receive your certificate of competence depends on a variety of factors:

The preparations

The amount of time the preparations take varies per person. For example, if you still have to learn Dutch and/or English, this will take time. It can also sometimes take a long time before you receive the necessary documents (evidence) that you have requested from a foreign agency.

The application

If your application has been completed fully and properly, and if you have submitted all the documents (correctly), we will notify you of the next step within 4 weeks. If any information is missing, or if additional information is required, we will send you a request to submit it. In the meantime the processing of your application will be put on hold. As a result it may take longer to process your application in full.

The professional (BI-)test

The professional test (BI-test) is administered at a number of times during the year. It may therefore vary how long it takes before you can take the test. After taking the BI-test, you will receive the results within 3 to 6 weeks.

Deadlines for the assessment of applications by the commission

A number of fixed deadlines apply to the assessment of the application by the commission and the receipt of your decision.

  • For professions without a BI-test: You will receive your (intended) decision within 6 weeks after your application has been submitted to the commission for advice.
  • For professions that also have to take a BI-test: your application will be assessed within 12 weeks after the result of the BI-test is known. You will also receive your intended decision within this period.

Additional training

The commission also examines whether there are differences between the training you have followed and the Dutch training. If the committee sees differences, it may advise that you need to complete additional training. These additional courses can last between 3 months and 2 years.

Costs

There are no costs associated with the application for the certificate of competence and the assessment by the commission. You do have to pay for the BI-test. The exact costs depend on the profession for which you are applying.

Possible other costs

If you still have to take a course or training in Dutch and/or English, you will also incur costs. These costs vary per provider. Having documents certified may also cost money.

Costs of applying for BIG registration

For certain professions you can apply for BIG registration after you have received a certificate of competence. The costs of BIG registration are € 85.00. For your BIG registration you must also prove that you are not subject to any foreign restrictions of authority or criminal convictions. Obtaining this proof will often cost money. The amounts differ per country.