Obtain a Dutch Language Certificate from Babel
Do you want to work in the Dutch healthcare sector but did not obtain your degree in the Netherlands? To work in the healthcare sector, you are required to register in the BIG registry. To do so, you must obtain a language certificate (replacing 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. More information about these language levels can be found here.
Your language level must be tested by means of an exam or assessment. At Babel, we administer the language exam and, once you have passed, issue the language certificate. Please note that a certificate (proof of participation) of a Babel language course is not valid proof for BIG registration. We will be offering new tests from January 1, 2024. Would you like to be informed about this? Subscribe to the mailing list.
Are you currently preparing for the AKV test or Language test and were planning to take it before Jan. 1? You can still do this; until January 1 there is a transition period. We offer the tests in the old form until December 31. Here you will find a detailed overview of the changes.
Webinar transition AKV/language certificates
Is all the information dizzying you a bit? Then don’t miss our upcoming webinar in collaboration with CIBG! We will talk about the AKV transition and about obtaining language certificates at Babel from 1 January 2024. You will get information, advice and the opportuniy to ask questions.
Preparation program for obtaining a healthcare language certificate
Babel offers a professional language program to help you prepare for the assessment. By following the steps below, you can reach the required language level. On average, it takes one and a half years to prepare and reach the correct language level (from A0). However, 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? Then take our free and non-binding level test and get a good indication of your current language level.
MBO-professions (e.g., nurse)
Step 1: Beginners Dutch course (A0-A2).
Step 2: Intermediate Dutch course (A2-B1).
Step 3: Exam training Language Certificate (optional, and still under development).
Step 4: Assessment (We administer these on a monthly basis).
HBO-professions (e.g., physiotherapists, physician assistants, midwives and registered dental hygienist)
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 (as of January 1, 2024, Babel will not administer any tests for medical professionals at the HBO level).
WO-professions (e.g., doctors, dentists, pharmacists, psychotherapists, health care psychologists and clinical technologists)
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: Exam training Language Certificate (optional, and still under development).
Step 6: Assessment (we administer these on a monthly basis).
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.