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State exam.
If your child no longer goes to a regular secondary school but wants to get a diploma, the state exam is an option. This exam is equal to the exam of a regular school and has two required parts: the central exam and the college exam.
Who is the state exam for?
Some children cannot take the regular exam for different reasons. For example, because your child goes to special education and the school does not give exams, or because your child failed and cannot go to a secondary school anymore.
The state exam can help in these cases. It can be smart to take the state exam in these situations:
- Your child only wants certificates for separate subjects
- Your child goes to practical education track
- Your child goes to a private school
- Your child does not go to school but gets education, for example by homeschooling or IVIO
- Your child wants to take an exam in a subject not offered by the school, like Turkish or Frisian
What is the state exam?
The state exam lets you take exams for separate subjects. You can take the state exam in one or more subjects. This way your child can get certificates or spread the exam over several years. The grades are valid for ten years.
It is also possible to get a full diploma for vmbo, havo, or vwo with all subjects of the state exam. You can apply for that after finishing all required subjects. The state exam has two parts: the central exam and the college exam.
College exam
The college exam replaces the school exams in regular education. It is usually an oral exam, sometimes with a written or practical part.
Written tests take place in May and June. Oral and practical exams are in July. For practical education track, the oral college exams are in June.
College exams can be taken at several locations in the Netherlands. You cannot take them at your own regular school. Literature lists or papers must be submitted before April 1. More information about exam rules and parts per subject and level is on the website of the Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs (DUO).
Central exam
The central exam is a written exam. It is the same as the central exam at regular schools. It takes place at the same time: in May and June. You can take the central exam at several locations in the Netherlands. Not at your own regular school.
Who is responsible for registration?
Your child is responsible for registering for the state exams they want to take. The school can help, but your child must register themselves. Your child is also responsible for a declaration from the school that they cannot take the final exam at the regular school. This form can be requested at DUO.
This does not apply to practical education track. Then the school registers the pupil.
Registering for the state exam
Your child can register with you for the state exam on the DUO website. This can be done from October 15 to December 31. The registration is for the next calendar year in which the exam will be taken. Remember, you must pay for the state exams yourself.
State exam conditions vmbo
There are conditions to take the state exam for vmbo-bb, vmbo-kb, and vmbo-gl. These are:
- Your child is registered at an mbo school.
- Your child has failed the vmbo final exam before.
- Your child has a final grade of 6 or higher for the vocational subject.
These conditions do not apply to pupils in special education. These pupils are registered by the school.
Tools and adjustments for the state exam
Does your child need extra time for the exam? The personal situation of your child is taken into account during the state exam.
Besides extra time, this can include spoken exam questions, braille, or use of their own laptop. Often, a statement from an expert is needed. This can be a letter from a psychologist, orthopedagogue, neurologist, or psychiatrist.
More information and practice materials
Do you want to get an impression of the oral or written college exam? The College for Tests and Exams has posted an informative video online.
On the DUO website, you can find exam questions and correction guidelines from past years. These are sorted by level and subject. This is ideal practice material if your child will take a state exam soon.
Questions or personal advice?
Do you have questions about this topic, would you like advice regarding your situation, or just a listening ear? Then please contact us via 088-6050101, email vraag@oudersenonderwijs.nl or WhatsApp ons.
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