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.

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
 
 

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.

 
 

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.

Push your boundaries

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

Achieve measurable results

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

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.

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