Do you have a professional diploma from abroad and want to get it recognized in the Netherlands?
Here’s an overview of the steps you need to take to validate your professional diploma in the Netherlands.
First, you should know that there are official Dutch organizations such as SBB and Nuffic, which are responsible for evaluating international credentials. They carry out this service on behalf of the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, and the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment.
The SBB (Samenwerkingsorganisatie Beroepsonderwijs Bedrijfsleven), or the Foundation for Cooperation on Vocational Education, Training and the Labor Market, is responsible for evaluating foreign study programs that are comparable to the Dutch senior secondary vocational education (MBO) and pre-vocational secondary education (VMBO).
Nuffic, on the other hand, is responsible for evaluating study programs from other countries that are comparable to Dutch general secondary education (HAVO), pre-university education (VWO), and higher education (HBO and WO).
HOW CAN YOU REQUEST A CREDENTIAL EVALUATION?
REQUEST AN OFFICIAL CREDENTIAL EVALUATION FOR STUDY OR RECOGNITION:
Depending on your situation and plans, you can choose from the following options:
- Studying in the Netherlands with a foreign diploma
(In this case, the institution where you plan to study will handle the evaluation.) - Working in the Netherlands with a foreign diploma
(For regulated professions, you must be registered with the corresponding Dutch professional body.) - Credential evaluation for refugees
(Generally offered with guidance throughout the process.)
You can find detailed information about these options at www.nuffic.nl
REQUEST A CREDENTIAL EVALUATION FOR AN EMPLOYER OR FOR YOUR CV:
If you want to start working right away (and you already speak Dutch and/or English), a potential employer can request a credential evaluation, or you can do it yourself to add it to your CV and begin applying for jobs.
Keep in mind that this evaluation requires a fee.
It is only free for individuals required to take the Dutch civic integration exam (inburgering). In that case, you must include the letter you received from DUO with your application.
If you have already obtained your Inburgering Diploma and want an evaluation afterward, you will need to pay the fee.
The website of IDW (International Credential Evaluation) provides all the necessary information to request this service: 👉 www.idw.nl
🩺 And if your professional diploma is in the healthcare sector, you’ll need to meet additional requirements, which I explain in more detail here:
👉 Recognizing a Foreign Medical Degree in the Netherlands
📚 Want to learn Dutch for free?
Check out this article where I share 10 powerful resources to learn Dutch (books, audiobooks, websites, videos, and more):
👉 Free and Easy Ways to Learn Dutch
👩⚕️ If you want more support or wish to connect with other professionals in the Netherlands, join our Facebook group or visit our official page: Profesionales En Países Bajos.
How to Validate Your Diplomas in the Netherlands – All professions, what you need to know, steps, and requirements.
🎥 Watch this video: (activate English subtitles)
