{"id":29885,"date":"2023-11-03T10:55:42","date_gmt":"2023-11-03T09:55:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.babel.nl\/faq-taalcertificaat\/"},"modified":"2026-03-11T16:48:56","modified_gmt":"2026-03-11T15:48:56","slug":"faq-language-certificates","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.babel.nl\/en\/faq-language-certificates\/","title":{"rendered":"Frequently asked questions language certificates"},"content":{"rendered":"

Here you will find the frequently asked questions on obtaining language certificates. Please read these carefully. If your question is not answered here, you can contact the service desk.<\/p>\n

General<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/span>Do I need to obtain a Dutch language certificate?<\/strong><\/div>
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. To obtain the language certificate, the language level<\/strong><\/a> for MBO nurses must be at B1 level, for HBO nurses at B2 level and for academics at B2+ level. <\/div><\/div>\n
<\/span>Is Babel\u2019s language test officially recognized?<\/strong><\/div>
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.<\/div><\/div>\n
<\/span>What is the difference between the language certificates and the state exam of Dutch?<\/strong><\/div>
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For academic professions (medics), we offer the\u00a0Exam B2+ for Medical professions<\/a>. Healthcare professionals at higher professional education level (such as physiotherapists, physician assistants, midwives and registered dental hygienists) can take the\u00a0NT2 Programme II state exam<\/a>. Healthcare professionals at secondary vocational education level (such as nurses) can take the\u00a0NT2 Programme I state exam<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n

<\/span>How much do the different test sections cost?<\/strong><\/div>
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The prices of the different components are stated below. You have passed the full exam when you pass all components. You only have to retake the components that you did not pass.<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Part<\/b><\/td>\nPrijs (incl. btw)<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Full exam<\/td>\n\u20ac 438<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Reading and writing<\/td>\n\u20ac 189<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Listening and speaking<\/td>\n\u20ac 249<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
English reading exam*<\/td>\n\u20ac 125<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

*Please note: this part is only necessary for candidates from outside of the EER.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n

Content of tests<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/span>Where can I find more information about the exam?<\/strong><\/div>
You can find more information about the exam here: Inhoud van de toets Nederlands voor medici (B2+)<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n
<\/span>Are there sample tests?<\/b><\/div>
You can find the sample test here:\u00a0Sample questions Exam Dutch for medics B2+<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n
<\/span>What should I expect from the reading and writing skills section?<\/strong><\/div>
\n

The reading and writing component of the B2+ exam for medical professionals is as follows: You will read a text related to healthcare and welfare and write an essay of 300\u2013350 words based on that text. This part of the exam lasts a maximum of 1.5 hours..<\/p>\n

.<\/div><\/div>\n

<\/span>What should I expect in the listening and speaking skills component?<\/strong><\/div>
\n

The listening and speaking component of the B2+ exam for medical professionals is as follows: You prepare a 5-minute presentation at home on a topic related to your field of study. Two assessors evaluate your presentation, ask in-depth questions and discuss a statement or dilemma related to the field of care and welfare with you. The exam is taken individually and lasts approximately 20 minutes.<\/div><\/div>\n

Exam days<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/span>Can I take the exam online?<\/strong><\/div>
The exam is held at Babel in Utrecht. It is not possible to take it online.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n

<\/span>How are the tests administered?<\/strong><\/div>
\n

The tests are mostly administered on a laptop. Therefore, you do not need to bring any materials of your own.<\/p>\n