Frequently asked questions language certificates

The ministry has decided to abolish the testing of language proficiency through the AKV tests. Instead, applicants must submit with their application language certificates demonstrating mastery of Dutch and English language skills in the appropriate components and the required language level. Language proficiency must have been tested through an examination. There are no changes to the required language levels.

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 (as a replacement for the AKV test) from January 1, 2024. 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 (B1 for MBO professions, B2+ for academic professions) is officially recognized by the CIBG.

Yes, this is possible. The assessors of the tests are not the teachers of the exam training.

• Did you pass component A before January 1, 2024 but not component B? Then you can supplement your results with the listening certificate after January 1, 2024.
• Did you pass component B before January 1, 2024 but not component A? Then you can supplement your results with the reading certificate after January 1, 2024.
• For MBO tests, you cannot retake individual parts. You must retake the entire test. Passed test parts (A + B+ English) remain valid after January 1, 2024.

The prices of the different sections are listed below. You have passed when you have successfully completed all the parts. You only have to retake the individual sections that you did not pass.

For mbo professions we offer the test Dutch for healthcare professionals (B1) and for wo professions we offer the test Dutch for medics B2+. Medical professionals at hbo level (such as physiotherapists, physician assistants, midwives and registered dental hygienists) can take the State Examination NT2 program II.

Babel has decided not to offer a test for college professions because there is already a good option at B2 level with the state exam.

There are no sample tests. For now, we advise people to practice with state exams or school exams. More information on the content of the tests can be found here:

• Content of the test Dutch for healthcare professionals (B1)
• Content of the test Dutch for medical professionals (B2+)

• Duration: 1,5 hours.
• 5 to 7 texts related to healthcare.
• The candidate will receive the texts on paper.
• On the laptop the candidate answers 35 to 45 multiple-choice questions.
• The use of the Pocket Dictionary NT2 is allowed for this part. Babel will provide this dictionary on test day.

• Duration: 45 minutes.
• 4 or 5 listening texts related to Care and Welfare.
• The candidate takes this part on the laptop, with a headset.
• The candidate answers 35 to 45 multiple-choice questions on the laptop.
• No dictionary may be used in this component.

• Duration: 1.5 hours.
• 2 writing assignments in which the candidate must write texts of approximately 250 words.
• The first writing assignment is compulsory. In the second writing assignment, the candidate has a choice of two assignments.
• The candidate will complete this section on the laptop.
• The use of the NT2 Pocket Dictionary is allowed for this part. Babel will provide this dictionary on test day.

• Duration: 15 minutes.
• This component will be taken individually.
• Two assessors are present for this unit. One assessor gives instructions and is the interlocutor, the other assessor takes notes and fills out the assessment model.
• This test consists of 3 parts:
  • Brief introduction and social Dutch (small talk).
  • 3 Pictures to describe, compare, give information, give opinion and answer questions.
  • Talking about an infographic: making connections, giving opinions, displaying gradations.
• No dictionary may be used in this section.

All parts are taken on the same day. You will spend a whole day doing this. You will take a break between each test. More information about the content of the tests can be found here:

• Content of the test Dutch for healthcare professionals (B1)
• Content of the test Dutch for medical professionals (B2+)

Most of the test items are taken on a laptop. Therefore, you do not need your own materials.

• Writing, reading and listening components: Taken on a Babel laptop in a dedicated room.
• Speaking component: Taken individually in a separate room by two assessors.

More information on the content of the tests can be found here:

• Content of the test Dutch for healthcare professionals (B1)
• Content of the test Dutch for medical professionals (B2+)

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.

The exams are only taken on location at Babel in Utrecht.

Babel offers a professional language program to prepare for the assessment. Through the steps below, you can reach the required language level. On average, it takes one and a half years to prepare and reach the appropriate language level (from A0). Depending on the available (self) study time, the preparation can be completed in more or less time.

MBO professions (such as nurse)

Step 1: Elementary Dutch Course (A0-A2))
Step 2: Intermediate Dutch Course (A2-B1).
Stap 3: Exam training language certificate Dutch for healthcare professionals B1
Step 4: Assessment

Hbo professions (such as physiotherapists, physician assistants, midwives and registered dental hygienists)

Step 1: Elementary Dutch Course (A0-A2).
Step 2: Intermediate Dutch Course (A2-B1).
Step 3: Upper-Intermediate Dutch course (B1-B2).
Step 4: Exam training State Exam NT2 Program II.
Step 5: State Exam NT2 Program II (Babel will not take tests for medics at college level as of January 1, 2024).

WO professions (such as doctors, dentists, pharmacists, psychotherapists, health care psychologists and clinical technologists)

Step 1: Elementary Dutch Course (A0-A2).
Step 2: Intermediate Dutch course (A2-B1).
Step 3: Upper-Intermediate Dutch course (B2-C1).
Step 4: Advanced Dutch Course (B1-B2
Step 5: Exam training Dutch language certificate for healthcare professionals B2+
Step 6: Assessment

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.

MBO candidates are ready for the test when they have mastered the Dutch language at B1 level. For candidates who obtained their medical degree outside the EEA, it is also important to master English at an A2 level. For candidates with academic professions, we require a B2+ level.

For candidates who obtained their medical degree outside the EEA, it is also important to master English at a 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 relevant course pages:

• Exam training language certificate Dutch for healthcare professionals B1
• Exam training language certificate Dutch for medical professionals B2+

Via the buttons below you can register directly for the exams.

Register B1            Register B2+

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

1. reading
2. listening
3. writing
4. 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.