Search by subject?
Type your subject here
Types and levels of mbo courses.
The secondary vocational education offers a wide range of courses at different levels. How do you know which type and level of course suits your child? Below is an overview to make the choice easier.
What level?
First, it is important that your child knows at what level they start. The previous education decides that. There are four different levels in secondary vocational education with the following entry requirements:
- Level 1 entry course: one-year course for anyone from 16 years without a diploma.
- Level 2 basic vocational course: one to two-year course for students with at least a vmbo basic diploma or secondary vocational level 1, or a transfer certificate from year three to four havo or vwo.
- Level 3 professional course: two to three-year course for students with at least a vmbo kader diploma or secondary vocational level 2, or a transfer certificate from year three to four havo or vwo.
- Level 4 middle management course: for students with at least a vmbo kader diploma or secondary vocational level 2, or a transfer certificate from year three to four havo or vwo.
- Level 4 specialist course: one-year course for students who want to continue after finishing secondary vocational level 3 in the same profession.
Students without a diploma can also choose to take an entrance exam for a secondary vocational course at level 2, 3 or 4.
Bol and Bbl
Within mbo there are different levels and types of courses: bol and bbl. In a vocational training route (bol), your child goes to school most hours. They also gain practice experience through internships. In the vocational guidance route (bbl), students work four days a week and go to school one day a week. It is important to check if your child likes studying at school or prefers practical work as much as possible.
Recognized mbo programs
Does your child have an mbo program in mind? Always check if it is recognized. You can do this in the Crebo register. Go to the DUO website. There you will also find the official name of the course. This helps you compare the mbo program with the same program at other mbo schools.
Related Subjects
Mbo level 1: entry course
The entry level is level 1, also called the entry course. What does this mean?
Read moreInternship during the mbo education
During the internship your child learns what it is like to work in the future. But what about agreements?
Read moreRules around working hours and internship
If your child is going to do an internship, there are some rules about working hours that everyone must follow.
Read moreStage discrimination
It is not allowed, but sadly it happens: internship discrimination.
Read more