Preparation program for obtaining a language certificate

Babel offers a professional language program to help you prepare for the assessment for your certificate. By following the steps below, you can reach the required language level for the BIG registry.. On average, it takes one and a half years to prepare and reach the correct language level (from A0). This can vary depending on your available (self) study time and your current language level. 

Would you like to determine your current language level to know which course you can start with? Take our free and non-binding level test and get a good indication of your current 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 location in the center of Utrecht. Most courses have different levels of intensity: 1, 2 or 4 lessons per week. You can choose the one that best suits your personal situation.

Frequently asked questions

General

Do I need to obtain a Dutch language certificate?
To work in the healthcare sector, registration in the BIG register is mandatory.  Healthcare employees who did not obtain their diploma in the Netherlands must obtain a language certificate to register. 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.
Is Babel’s language test officially recognized?
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.
What is the difference between the language certificates and the state exam of Dutch?
For academic 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 higher education professions because there is already a good option at B2 level with the state exam.

Are there sample tests?
Yes, you can find them here:

How is an exam day conducted?
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:

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