Obtaining a language certificate for the healthcare sector

Did you earn your medical degree outside the Netherlands and do you want to work in healthcare? To work in the healthcare sector, you must be registered in the BIG Register. Healthcare workers must obtain a Dutch language certificate to do so. Read all about the language certificate assessment and find out how you can prepare for it at Babel.

Courses Freestanding exams
20 minutes

More than just a certificate

Earning a language certificate at Babel is more than just a piece of paper. It’s your journey toward working with confidence in the Dutch healthcare sector. We’re not just here for the language assessment. We guide you from start to finish.

40+ Years of experience in language teaching
125+ Qualified teachers
3 Learning paths tailored to your level
3.500+ Professionals who have taken this course before you
 
 
 

Choose Your Path

The path to certification is different for everyone. What fits your situation best?

Professionals with Secondary Vocational Education (B1)

Professionals with Higher Professional Education (B2)

Academics and medics (B2+)

 

Assess your language level

Would you like to know which course best suits your language level? We’d be happy to help! Take our free placement test and receive personalised advice, so you can get the most out of the course.

Take the free placement test
 

Freestanding exams and assesments for medics

Have you already reached the required language level? If so, you can sit a standalone exam. Professionals with MBO or HBO qualifications can sit the NT2 State Examination.

For medical professionals, we offer a language test that enables you to obtain a B2+ language certificate for the BIG register. The language test consists of two exam components, both of which are compulsory for your BIG registration. You can sit both components on the same day with us, but you must register for each component separately.

What we offer:

Exam – Reading & Writing

Have you already passed the Listening & Speaking part of the exam? Here you’ll find all the information you need to sit the Reading & Writing test.

Exam – Listening & Speaking

Have you already passed the Reading & Writing part of the exam? Here you’ll find all the information you need to sit the Listening & Speaking test.

Preparation for the Dutch Language Certificate for Medical Professionals (B2+)

Would you like to take a course to prepare for the Dutch Language Certificate for Medical Professionals (B2+) exam and sit the exam straight away during the final lessons? Take a look at this course.
 

English reading test

For candidates outside the EEA, an English reading comprehension test is required in addition to a language certificate. Below, you can register for the test at the A2, B1, or B2 level. You’ll also find information about the test format and sample exams, so you’ll know what to expect.

Register

You can use the links below to register directly for the English reading test at your desired level.

What can you expect?

The English reading test:

  • consists of 5 to 6 general English passages with approximately 20 to 30 multiple-choice questions.
  • takes 40 to 50 minutes, depending on the version.
  • includes passages on general topics unrelated to healthcare.
Get ready

Curious about what the test looks like? Check out a sample exam at your level below.

We offer exam preparation for English reading comprehension as a tailored programme, fully customised to meet specific learning needs. Would you like to improve your general English language skills? Then check out our selection of general English courses or take our placement test to find a course that matches your level.

 
 

Why choose Babel?

Boost your confidence

You learn and practise in a safe, stimulating environment. This will give you the confidence to use the language with conviction.

Babel Illustratie Verleg je grenzen ROOD (voorkeur)

Push your boundaries

Our teaching methods challenge you to get the most out of yourself and open doors to new worlds.

Babel Illustratie Behaal meetbaar resultaat ROOD (voorkeur)

Achieve measurable results

With clear personal goals and dedicated teachers, you will see noticeable and measurable progress in your language skills.

PLP - Babel Illustratie Jij zet volgende stap ROOD (voorkeur)

Take the next step

We offer you the words to express yourself, collaborate and take the next step with confidence.

Frequently asked questions

When do I need to obtain a Dutch language certificate?

To work in the healthcare sector, registration in the BIG register is compulsory. To do this, healthcare workers who did not obtain their qualification in the Netherlands must obtain a language certificate. To obtain the language certificate, the language level must be B1 for medical professions at MBO level, B2 for professions at HBO level, and B2+ for academic professions.

How do I reach the right level for my exam or assessment?

We offer a clear pathway for MBO professionals, HBO professionals and academic doctors. You can find the pathways here. Not sure which one is best for you? Then take our free entry test.

What is the difference between the Babel assesment and the State Examination in Dutch?

The difference between the two relates to the level of education. For academic healthcare professionals (medical practitioners), we offer the Dutch for Medical Practitioners B2+ assement, which enables them to obtain their recognised language certificate. Healthcare professionals at higher professional education (HBO) level (such as physiotherapists, physician assistants, midwives and registered dental hygienists) can sit the NT2 State Examination Programme II. Healthcare professionals at senior secondary vocational education (MBO) level (such as nurses) can sit the NT2 State Examination Programme I.

Is Babel’s B2+ certificate officially recognised?

Yes, Babel’s B2+ certificate is recognised by the CIBG and confirms that you have mastered the language at B2+ level, as required for medical professionals at academic level. The assessment for the language certificates consist of two parts, each covering two skills: Reading & Writing and Listening & Speaking. If you register for a single part, you will receive a partial certificate upon successfully completing each part. If you opt for the full assessment (‘all parts’), you will receive a single certificate for all four skills, provided you pass both parts. If you pass only one section of this full assessment, you can apply for a partial certificate yourself. This is not done automatically.

Do you have any questions?

Do you have a question about obtaining language certificates or about our range of courses, exam preparation courses, assessments and exams? We’d be happy to help.

info@babel.nl +31 (0) 30 227 0008