What is the VCA course and how do you obtain a VCA certificate?

What is VCA and why do you actually need it?

It goes without saying that, as employees or subcontractors, we must be able to carry out our work safely and in a way that poses the least possible risk to our health. To meet the needs of both employers and employees, a health and safety management system has been established, which forms part of the overall business management system. The VCA certificate gives clients the assurance that the contractor works in accordance with safety standards and operates in the most reliable manner.

Which group of workers is the VCA ultimately aimed at?

Everyone! Regardless of which group of workers you belong to, you should hold a valid VCA certificate. We often do not realise the risks associated with the work we do. By skilfully identifying these risks, appropriate measures can be taken in good time to ensure we can work in a safe and healthy manner, as well as minimise the risk of dangerous situations arising.

So how can you obtain the certificate?

One way is to take part in a one-day training course, during which you will acquire a solid foundation of knowledge. The 7-hour training course concludes with a computer-based exam administered by a Certified Examination Centre. The documents confirming successful completion of the exam are a certificate and a card bearing the licence number, as well as an entry in the Central VCA Diploma Register.

If you work in an operational role or are planning to start working in the Netherlands, VCA Basic will usually be the right choice. Check the VCA Basic course⁠ to see how the training, exam, and preparation for obtaining the certificate work.

Is the VCA certificate also recognised by other European countries?

The VCA certificate is valid in all Benelux countries, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, and even in the Nordic countries, even though it is only issued in the Netherlands. Holding a VCA certificate gives you the same privileges in the countries mentioned above as when working in the Netherlands. It is the equivalent of local safety management systems.

Does having a valid VCA certificate improve my chances of finding a job?

It is clear that holding a valid VCA certificate increases your chances of finding work in technical sectors, such as assembly, welding, electrical, petrochemical, etc. These are jobs defined by law as ‘high-risk work’, which you cannot undertake without a valid VCA certificate. So investing in the course is a long-term investment in ourselves. Certificates are valid for 10 years, so the cost is 6 cents a day.

However, not everyone working in the Netherlands needs the same type of certificate. Operational employees usually choose VCA Basic, while people who supervise or manage a team may need VOL VCA. The VCA system also includes VIL VCU, intended for people involved in supplying temporary workers to VCA-certified companies. The differences between these certificates mainly concern the type of work performed and the level of responsibility. If you are unsure which option applies to your position, read: VCA Basic, VOL VCA or VIL VCU – what are the differences and when do you need these certificates?

How difficult is it to obtain the certification?

Given our approach to candidates, it is not difficult at our Training Centre! During our courses, the interaction between the instructor and the trainees plays the most important role, as this has the greatest impact on knowledge retention. Our training methods and individual approach to trainees will enable you to easily acquire the necessary knowledge to master workplace safety principles. Furthermore, the atmosphere at our centre will allow you to approach the exam without stress.

Before taking the actual exam, it is a good idea to check how well you can answer questions about workplace safety. Take the VCA Basic practice test to familiarize yourself with the types of questions you may encounter and identify which topics you still need to review.