Changes in VCA from 2026 The program will be fully "sector-neutral"

New VCA rules from 2026 – goodbye petrochemicals, time for practice!

Starting January 1, 2026, the final and test terms (ETT) of the VCA exams will change. This is not a minor update – it’s a real revolution that every training center should take seriously. At Bonapi Training Center, we’re already prepared for these changes. And you can be too.

Why are these changes necessary?

Until now, many elements of the B-VCA, VOL-VCA, and VIL-VCU exams were strongly rooted in the realities of working in the petrochemical industry. This made candidates from other sectors – such as construction, scaffolding, or logistics – feel excluded. The exam did not reflect their daily work.

SSVV decided to change that. Starting in 2026, the VCA exam will be fully sector-neutral, meaning universal for every industry. No unnecessary definitions, no niche terminology. Only what really matters in everyday work.

What exactly is changing?

• The B-VCA Groen exam will be discontinued.
• VOL-VCA and VIL-VCU will be shortened to 60 questions (instead of 70).
• B-VCA remains unchanged – still 40 questions.
• Instead of theory: practical scenarios and applying knowledge on the job.
• Theoretical concepts are just “introductory knowledge” – they will no longer be tested directly.
• Examples of changes:
  “Werkvergunning” → “Agreements on safe work execution”
  “Definition of LMRA” → “What do you check before starting work?”

What about the textbooks?

SSVV does not require changing the materials, but one thing is clear: if your content is based on outdated examples – it’s time for an update. This applies especially to VOL-VCA courses.

Publishers such as Pontifex Certificatie are already working on new editions of textbooks and sample exam sets. Bonapi, as a training partner, will keep you informed about the availability of these materials.

What about the course participants?

For participants, this is good news. The exam will become more logical, practical, and accessible. Instead of definitions and laws – real-life work situations. Instead of theory about colomboormachines – actual hazards you might encounter on a construction site or in a warehouse.

What about schools?

For educational institutions, SSVV is considering postponing the enforcement of the new rules to01-07-2026 or 01-09-2026 to align with the textbook purchasing cycle. A decision on this matter will be made soon.

What are we doing at Bonapi?

🔹We are already analyzing all official SSVV documents (including test matrices and the full presentation from May 22).

🔹 We are updating our training materials – especially for the VOL-VCA and VIL-VCU courses.

🔹 We are training our instructors to deliver knowledge in line with the new requirements.

And what can you do?

🔹Check the materials you received from us
Do you already have our sample tests, presentations, and exercises? It’s worth reviewing them – make sure everything is clear and up to date for you. The materials are continuously adjusted to reflect real work situations and the upcoming exam changes.

🔹Go through the sample tests again
See if you can answer the questions without hesitation. It’s a great way to check your preparation and catch any gaps before they show up on the actual exam.

🔹Follow our channels – we’ll keep you updated on new publications and implementation dates.

Summary

From 2026, VCA will be more practical, understandable, and accessible to all industries. It's a big step toward modern safety training. We’re ready. Are you?

Need support or materials? Get in touch with us. We’ll help you prepare for VCA-ETT 3.0.