Final exams 2023 started: these are the rules.

Final exams 2023 started: these are the rules.

The first digital exams at vmbo already started on 3 april. Today the central exams begin for many other students. Which rules apply? Are there still adjustments because of corona? Does the thumb rule still apply? And when is your child passed or failed?

Thumb rule and exam adjustments 2023

In past years the final exam requirements were adjusted due to corona with a special thumb rule. For the final exam 2023 the rules mostly return to normal. That means the thumb rule does not apply this year.

There is also no extra retake option anymore. However, some other adjustments still apply this year:

• There is more time for exam retakes in the second period. The exam period increases from 4 to 10 days.
• Vmbo exams can be taken over a longer period: between 3 april and 21 july 2023. This applies to digital central exams and the central written and practical exams (cspe).

Thumb rule and extra retake for state exam 2023

For students who take the state exam, there are still adjustments this year due to corona. Sometimes they can use the thumb rule. These changes apply for 2023 for the state exam:

• Instead of one retake, two subjects may be retaken. The condition for the extra retake is that this lets your child still pass.
• If your child took state exams in 2020, 2021 and/or 2022 that count for the diploma, your child may also erase the grade for one of those subjects this year. That grade does not count for the diploma. It must not be a core subject.

New exam theme page

The exam period is an exciting time for you and your child. First of all, we wish all students good luck with their preparations and exams. We also want to reduce stress for all parents and hard-working teenagers.

Do you still need extra preparation? Need exam period tips for parents? Or have specific questions? On our theme page you can read everything you want to know about the exam. You can also always contact our advice point.