Frequently asked questions language certificates

To work in the healthcare sector, registration in the BIG register is mandatory. To this end, healthcare employees who did not obtain their diploma in the Netherlands must obtain a language certificate. To obtain the language certificate, the language level for MBO nurses must be at B1 level, for HBO nurses at B2 level and for academics at B2+ level.

Babel’s certificate stating that the participants have mastered the four skills at the desired language level (B2+ for academic professions) is officially recognized by the CIBG.

For academic professions (medics), we offer the Exam B2+ for Medical professions. Healthcare professionals at higher professional education level (such as physiotherapists, physician assistants, midwives and registered dental hygienists) can take the NT2 Programme II state exam. Healthcare professionals at secondary vocational education level (such as nurses) can take the NT2 Programme I state exam.

The prices of the different components are stated below. You have passed the full exam when you pass all components. You only have to retake the components that you did not pass.

*Please note: this part is only necessary for candidates from outside of the EER.

You can find more information about the exam here: Inhoud van de toets Nederlands voor medici (B2+).

You can find the sample test here: Sample questions Exam Dutch for medics B2+.

The reading and writing component of the B2+ exam for medical professionals is as follows: You will read a text related to healthcare and welfare and write an essay of 300–350 words based on that text. This part of the exam lasts a maximum of 1.5 hours..

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The listening and speaking component of the B2+ exam for medical professionals is as follows: You prepare a 5-minute presentation at home on a topic related to your field of study. 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. The exam is taken individually and lasts approximately 20 minutes.

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

 

The tests are mostly administered on a laptop. Therefore, you do not need to bring any materials of your own.

• Writing and reading section: Administered on a Babel laptop in a classroom with multiple participants.
• Listening and speaking section: Administered individually in a separate room with two assessors.

More information about the content of the tests can be found here:
Content of the Exam B2+ for Medical professions.

You pass when you have successfully completed all components. You only have to retake the parts you did not pass.

• On test day you need to bring an official identification document (passport, identity card, driver’s license).
• You may not bring your own aids to the testing room. We will provide pen and paper. If allowed, we will provide a dictionary.

Babel offers a professional language program to prepare for the assessment. Through the steps below, you can reach the required language level.

Academics and medics (B2+)

This program is intended for academically trained healthcare professionals, such as doctors, dentists, pharmacists, psychotherapists, healthcare psychologists, and clinical technologists.
Steps in the preparatory program for the language certificate:

Step 1: Beginners Dutch course (A0-A2)
Step 2: Intermediate Dutch course (A2-B1)
Step 3: Upper-Intermediate Dutch course (B1-B2).
Step 4: Advanced Dutch course (B2 → C1)
Step 5: Dutch for medics (B2+) → includes the exam

In addition, it is possible to take a separate examination.

Higher Professional Education (B2)

This programme is intended for healthcare professionals with a higher professional education (HBO) degree, such as physiotherapists, physician assistants, midwives and registered dental hygienists.
Steps in the preparatory program for the language certificate:

Step 1: Beginners Dutch course (A0-A2).
Step 2: Intermediate Dutch course (A2-B1).
Step 3: Upper-Intermediate Dutch course (B1-B2).
Step 4: Exam training course State Exam NT2 Program II.
Step 5: State Exam NT2 Program II.

Secondary Vocational Education (B1)

This programme is intended for healthcare professionals with a vocational education (MBO) background, such as nurses.
Steps in the preparatory program for the language certificate:

Step 1: Beginners Dutch course (A0-A2).
Step 2: Intermediate Dutch course (A2-B1).
Step 3: Please contact us to discuss the possibilities for an assessment. We may be able to help you.

Virtual classroom or in Utrecht

We offer all courses both in the virtual classroom and at our school in the center of Utrecht. Most courses have different intensities: 1, 2 or 4 lessons per week. So you can choose the variant that best suits your personal situation.

Candidates with academic professions are ready for the test when they have mastered the Dutch language at B2+ level. For candidates who obtained their medical degree outside the EEA, it is also important to master English at an B2 level.

Do not register if you do not yet have the required level! We understand that you want to start working as soon as possible. But Dutch is a difficult language, take your time to learn the language!

You can register on the course page: Course Dutch B2+ for medical professions.

You can register for the full exam or for one of the two parts:

Exam B2+ for medical professions – alle parts
Exam B2+ for medical professions – reading and writing
Exam B2+ for medical professions – speaking and listening 

The tests consist of two sections in which the four skills are tested:

1. reading and writing
2. listening and speaking

You have passed if you have successfully completed all parts. You only have to retake the parts you did not pass.

You will receive the results of all tests within 5 working days.