Scaffolding without a VCA? Yes, it’s possible! New SVWOH rules are now in effect.

Changing careers? It’s now easier than ever to get your scaffolder certification!

New year, new rules – and there’s a lot happening in the scaffolding world. SVWOH has announced major changes to certification at all levels: from scaffolding assistants to scaffolding inspectors. What does this mean for trainees and companies? Here's a quick and clear summary just for you!

Let’s start with what probably surprised the industry the most

The VCA diploma is no longer required to take scaffolding exams at any level. No more entering certificate numbers, no more uploading scans, and no more stressing over whether the system will “accept” everything. SVWOH is making life easier for candidates – a big relief, especially for those just starting out in the industry.
And this is just the beginning of the changes.

Recertification without watching the clock

For years, the rule was simple: if your MSB or EMSB certificate had expired, the door to recertification was closed – and in the best case, you had to request special permission from SVWOH. Today, things have changed. As long as you’ve previously held a personal certificate registered in the CDR – even if it expired a long time ago – you’re eligible for recertification. There’s no more time limit. Whether your certificate expired yesterday or two years ago, you can now confidently sign up for recertification.

Language matters – and technology is keeping up

It’s also worth noting that starting May 1, 2025, the Scaffolding Inspector exam will be available in both Polish and Turkish.
What’s more – the exam can be taken digitally, with no paperwork and no delays. For the international job market and trainees from all over Europe, this is a major step forward.

Quality control – this time from the ground up

Behind the scenes of these changes, SVWOH has also announced regular inspections of exam locations. Until now, things often ran on goodwill and practical experience. But from now on, clearly defined location and organizational requirements will apply. After all, if we’re testing skills at the highest level, the environment should be just as professional.

PPE – a reminder of the basics

And finally – a simple but always relevant topic: personal protective equipment (PPE). SVWOH reminds us that it's the course provider's responsibility to inform participants about the required PPE. The good news? This information will soon be automatically included in the exam confirmation email. Even easier, even safer.

The changes introduced aren’t just a flashy revolution. They’re a natural step toward a more transparent and accessible system. Less bureaucracy, more trust in real skills, and greater openness to people.

At Bonapi, we stay up to date and support our participants every step of the way – from registration to certification.
Got questions? Get in touch with us – we’re happy to help!