Exam B2+ for Medical professions – all parts

Level: Advanced (B2/C1)

Exam B2+ for Medical professions – all parts

Level: Advanced (B2/C1)

Did you obtain your medical degree abroad and would you like to work in healthcare here? In order to work in the Dutch healthcare sector, you must be registered in the BIG register. Healthcare workers must obtain a language certificate for this. The language level for academic professions is B2+. This group of healthcare providers must obtain the B2+ language certificate in order to apply for BIG registration.

438,-

I want to register right away

Starting from 10 April 2026

- 24 April 2026

+ 10 more start dates

The exam for the B2+ language certificate is intended for medical professionals with an academic background who wish to apply for BIG registration in order to work in the Netherlands.

This is a separate exam for the Language Certificate. Preparation for the exam is therefore not included. If you are taking the exam, you already have a good command of Dutch.

Would you like to prepare well for the exam? Babel also offers courses that help you bring your language skills up to the right level and take the exam with confidence. Take a look at the Course Dutch B2+ for medical professions, which includes this exam for the B2+ language certificate.

Read more about the content of the exam for the B2+ language certificate here.

I want to register right away

If you pass both parts of the exam, you will receive your B2+ language certificate, which you can use to apply for BIG registration. This is an important step towards being qualified to work in the healthcare sector in the Netherlands.

I want to register right away

The exam for the B2+ language certificate for medical professionals consists of two tests:

Reading and writing

You will read a text related to the field of Care & Welfare and write an essay of 300–350 words based on that text. This part takes a maximum of 1.5 hours.

Listening and speaking

You prepare a 5-minute presentation at home on a topic related to your field of study/field of expertise. Two assessors evaluate your presentation, ask in-depth questions and discuss a statement or dilemma related to the field of Care and Welfare with you. This part is assessed individually and takes approximately 20 minutes.

At Babel, you will take the exam in a professional, quiet environment. This will be supervised by experienced language assessors with knowledge of the healthcare context. You may retake one of the two tests if you only pass one.

I want to register right away

On the day of the examination, you will spend approximately half a day at Babel to take the exam . In addition, it is important that you prepare well for the examination. You can do this by taking a course, for example. The time investment varies per person and depends on your starting level and your choices regarding preparation.

Have you reached the right level to take the test? Take a look at the sample questions to prepare yourself properly.

I want to register right away

  • The exam is held at Babel in Utrecht. It is not possible to take the exam online.
  • The exam is intended for medical professionals with academic-level professions.
  • The exam is intended for participants who have mastered Dutch at B2+ level.
  • It is possible to retake one of the two parts separately.

I want to register right away

FAQ

Do I need to obtain a Dutch language certificate?

In order to work in healthcare, registration in the BIG register is mandatory. To do so, healthcare providers who did not obtain their diploma in the Netherlands must obtain a B2+ language certificate. To obtain the language certificate, the language level of MBO professions must be at B1 level, for HBO professions at B2 level and for academic professions at B2+ level.

Can I take the exam online?

The exam is held at Babel in Utrecht. It is not possible to take it online.

Will I receive a certificate after this exam?

If you have successfully completed both parts of the exam, you will receive the B2+ language certificate for medical professionals.

Is the Babel language test officially recognised?

The Babel certificate, which states that participants have mastered the four skills at the required language level (B2+ for academic professions), is officially recognised by the CIBG.

How can I prepare for the exam?

It is important to carefully review the exam content and complete the sample questions. You can also participate in the Course Dutch B2+ for medical professions, which includes this exam.

I want to register right away