Assessment and decision

Assessment

The assessment is carried out by an independent committee of experts known as the Commission for Foreign Healthcare Graduates [Commissie Buitenlands Gediplomeerden Volksgezondheid] (CBGV). The members of this committee work in medical practice and at the educational institutions.

The courses in the Netherlands are different to courses abroad. Among other things the CBGV assesses whether the course attended is equivalent as regards content and level to the Dutch vocational course. Your qualification is recognised if the content of your course is the same, or almost the same, as the Dutch course. If the commission considers it necessary, we will submit your qualification to the Dutch Organisation for Internationalisation in Education (Nuffic) or the Foundation for Cooperation on Vocational Education, Training and Labour Market [Samenwerkingsorganisatie Beroepsonderwijs Bedrijfsleven] (SBB).

If the CBGV assesses that the course is not equivalent, it will consider whether the differences have been compensated by any subsequent courses, training and/or work experience. That is why it is important that your information about additional training, courses you have attended and work experience is complete. The CBGV uses this as a basis to advise whether an additional course, extra practical training, or proof of competence is necessary in order to obtain recognition.

Characteristics of Dutch courses

Dutch courses have the following characteristics:

• They are broad-based courses aimed at all patient categories and all healthcare sectors, namely prevention, home care and primary and secondary care.
• The courses prepare students to become independent professionals. Healthcare providers in the Netherlands often do not work on the instructions of others. This means they have to be able to make diagnoses and needs assessments themselves.
• The courses not only focus on professional-technical aspects of the profession, but also on skills and competencies such as cooperation, methodical working, evidence-based thinking and professional conduct.

The assessment of your application is based on, among other things, the above characteristics.

Interview with CBGV

If your application is not approved, or not immediately, there is a possibility that the commission will invite you to an interview during which the advice and any follow-up procedure will be clarified.

Intended decision

After we have received the CBGV's advice, you will receive a message in which we explain which decision we intend to take. This is referred to as the intended decision. If the decision is subject to conditions, such as attending additional courses, this will also be stated in the intended decision. You have two weeks to respond to this intended decision. If you wish you can also request a judgement review.

The definitive decision

If you have not responded to the intended decision, you will receive the definitive decision two weeks later.

The positive decision is your recognition

If you have received a positive decision, this will be the recognition of your professional qualifications. In that case you should keep the document in a safe place.

Negative decision?

If you have received a negative decision, this means your qualification has not been recognised. You will then be unable to work in your profession in the Netherlands. If you do not agree with the decision, you have the option of lodging an objection. You have 6 weeks to do this. In your decision and on this website you can find an explanation of how to lodge an objection and how much time you have to do so.

Questions about the decision

If you have any questions about the decision, or if you want to know what you should do as a result of the decision, please contact our Client Contact Centre. When doing so, you should always state the reference shown on your decision.