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Tests

If you wish to apply for a certificate of competence, you must take a general knowledge and skills test [AKV-toets]. This applies to all professions. The Dutch language is the most important part of the general knowledge and skills test.

The AKV test will be replaced by language certificates as of 1 January 2024. Until this date, there is a transitional situation in which you can choose to take the AKV test or provide language certificates. Read more about what this means. 

STAP 7 - Verklaring Vakbekwaamheid

If you are a doctor, dentist or nurse, you must also take a professional test after the general knowledge and skills test [BI-toets]. The tests are administered at a number of times per year.

General knowledge and skills test

If your application is complete, you will receive a letter from us inviting you to take the general knowledge and skills test [AKV-toets]. The general knowledge and skills test is administered by the Babel Language Institute. In the letter you will find information about the test, registration, the costs and payment. After you have paid, we will send you a letter with an access code which you can use to register for the test on the Babel site.

Important! Not many spots are available for each test. If there are no available spots, new dates will be scheduled. You should therefore keep an eye on the website of Babel Language Institute.

Information on the content of the general knowledge and skills tests

Dutch language proficiency is an important part of this general knowledge and skills test. English reading proficiency, ICT skills and knowledge of the Dutch healthcare system are also elements of the test. You can find more information on the content on the website of the Babel Language Institute:

Have you already paid but will you not be taking the general knowledge and skills test?

Once you have registered for a component of the AKV test, your registration is final. If you want to change or cancel your registration, costs will be charged depending on the moment of cancellation.

  • If you cancel up to 14 days prior to the exam, you pay €45,- administration costs. You will get the rest of the amount back.
  • If you cancel within 14 days prior to the exam, you will receive a refund of 50% of the total amount.
  • If you cancel on the day of the exam, you will not receive a refund.

Professional test

Doctors, dentists and nurses must also take a professional test after the general knowledge and skills test [BI-toets]. We will send you a letter inviting you to register for the professional test. In this letter you will also find information about the costs and payment. After you have paid, we will send you the details and the information which you can use to register for the test.

Information on the content of the professional test

In the case of nurses this is a written test which focuses on knowledge and skills. In the case of doctors and dentists it is a written test of their basic and clinical knowledge. In addition, doctors and dentists have to take a skills test involving human subjects. You can find more information on the content via the following links (information in Dutch):

  • Doctors; There are three rounds of tests every year. A maximum of 25 doctors can participate per test round. You can register for a test round up to 8 weeks before the first test. The tests for 2023 are full. After payment you will receive a registration form with dates for 2024.
  • Dentists; There are two test rounds at ACTA every year. Due to the test capacity, you may not be able to participate in the next test.
  • Nurses (information in Dutch)

Is it not (yet) possible for you to take the professional test?

If so, please let us know as soon as possible and state why you cannot yet take the test. The amount will then be refunded to you.

Information meetings

We organise information meetings several times a year. During these information meetings you will receive information about the tests and you will be able to ask questions.