Free level test

Obtain a Dutch language certificate from Babel

Did you obtain your degree outside of the Netherlands and do you want to work in the Dutch healthcare sector? To work in the healthcare sector, you are required to register in the BIG registry. To do so, you must obtain a language certificate.

Please note: the information on this page concerns the new version of the Dutch B2+ exam for medical professionals. Until the end of February, it is still possible to take the exams in the old style. All information about the exams in the old style can be found here.

What are the language requirements for BIG registration?

The language level requirements for registration in the BIG register vary depending on the level of education:

  • Secondary Vocational Education (Dutch MBO): B1 level
    This group of healthcare professionals can participate in the NT2 Program I state exam.
  • Higher Professional Education (Dutch HBO): B2 level
    This group of healthcare professionals can participate in the NT2 Program II state exam.
  • Academic education (University) : B2+ level
    Continue reading for all the information about obtaining the B2+ language certificate for academically schooled medical professionals at Babel.

Individual exams for medical professionals

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To make sure that you start a course at the right level, Babel offers a free level test. The test will be checked by one of our language trainers.

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    If you want to follow a course at Babel, it is important that you make our placement test. The test is checked by one of our language trainers.

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Examination fees

The prices of the various parts are listed below. You have passed if you have successfully completed all parts. You only have to retake the parts you did not pass.

Part of exam Price including VAT
Full exam € 438
Reading and writing € 189
Listening and speaking € 249

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to obtain a Dutch language certificate?
To work in the healthcare sector, registration in the BIG register is mandatory. To do so, healthcare workers 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 B1, for HBO professions B2, and for academic professions B2+.
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.
What is the difference between the language certificates and the state exam of Dutch?
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.  
How are the tests administered?

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.

Are things still not quite clear? Take a look at our page with frequently asked questions.