How Long is Your VCA Diploma Valid? (10 Years)
How Long is Your VCA Diploma Valid?
You are looking for how long is VCA valid — a question that arises with a new assignment, mandatory access to the site, or if your diploma was obtained “some time ago.” The short, official answer for the Netherlands: a VCA diploma is valid for 10 years. After that, you must retake the exam at an SSVV recognized examination center. Source: SSVV exams (checked September 15, 2026).
Short answer:
- VCA validity: 10 years (Basis and VOL — the diploma, not “5 years”)
- After that: retake the exam at a recognized examination center
- Check VCA validity: via the Central Diploma Register (CDR) (name + date of birth)
- Soft note: rumors about “5 years” are not consistent with the SSVV FAQ — follow SSVV, not forums
Proefexamen VCA helps you practice under exam conditions. We do not issue an official diploma — only an SSVV recognized examination center does that.
How Long is Your VCA Diploma Valid?
According to the SSVV FAQ How long is my VCA diploma valid?, a VCA diploma is valid for 10 years. After that period, you must retake the exam at a recognized examination center to obtain a new diploma.
This applies to the standard safety diplomas in this system — so whether you want to know the validity of VCA Basis (B-VCA) or validity of VCA VOL (VOL-VCA). The duration is 10 years; the difference between Basis/VOL lies in the scope of the exam and target group, not in a different validity period according to the public SSVV text.
| Subject | Official (SSVV) |
|---|---|
| **VCA diploma valid** | **10 years** |
| After expiration | Retake the exam at a recognized examination center |
| Verification | Central Diploma Register (CDR) |
| Source | [ssvv.nl/examens](https://ssvv.nl/examens/) |
Is VCA Sometimes Only Valid for 5 Years?
Online, you sometimes see “5 years.” SSVV states 10 years. Do not invent a policy change and do not base your planning on rumors. If in doubt, check the current FAQ at ssvv.nl/examens and your own CDR data.
Check VCA Validity (CDR)
Check VCA validity via the Central Diploma Register (CDR). Employers and clients use this register to see if you actually hold a valid diploma. You can often find your data using last name and date of birth.
Practically:
- Look up your diploma via the CDR (data on diploma/card or via name + date of birth)
- Note the end date / validity — plan your retake well before that date
- If a new diploma is not yet in the CDR after a few days? SSVV points to the examination center responsible for registration (contact after ~2 weeks)
Do you have a safety passport? Diploma data can often also be recorded there — discuss this with your employer. A physical card is not mandatory; without a card, you can still demonstrate that your diploma is valid via the CDR.
What If Your VCA Diploma Has Expired?
SSVV is clear: if your diploma has expired and you need to work at locations where a valid VCA diploma is required, you must retake the exam for a valid diploma. There is no “automatic extension” via Proefexamen VCA or an online practice site.
Step-by-step plan:
- Confirm the status in the CDR (is it really expired or almost?)
- Choose the correct level again: Basis (operational) or VOL (management/supervision)
- Prepare — the material follows the current final and testing terms; practice timed
- Register at a recognized examination center (or via your trainer)
- After passing: diploma again in the CDR — allow for some processing time
Tips for a retake or starting over: VCA retake. Want to organize the core material first? Use the VCA summary.
Validity VCA Basis vs VCA VOL
The validity is 10 years for both. The difference lies in the exam itself:
| VCA Basis (B-VCA) | VCA VOL | |
|---|---|---|
| Target group | Operational employee | Manager / supervision |
| Exam (context) | **40** questions / **60** min | **60** questions / **60** min |
| Diploma valid | **10 years** | **10 years** |
More about the Basis structure: How many questions VCA Basis?. For managers who want to train 60/60: VCA VOL exam simulation.
Retaking the Exam: What to Expect
If your diploma is almost or already expired, you will train for the current exam — not on “what you memorized 9 years ago.”
- B-VCA: 40 multiple-choice questions in 60 minutes; results immediately after completion (SSVV)
- VOL-VCA: 60 multiple-choice questions in 60 minutes
- A standalone exam costs approximately 100 euros according to SSVV (often included in a training; ask your center for the exact price)
Official details and examination centers: https://ssvv.nl/examens/.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is VCA valid?
10 years. After that, retake the exam at a recognized examination center (SSVV).
How long is a VCA diploma valid?
The same: 10 years from the date of obtaining (SSVV FAQ). This applies to VCA diploma valid questions about both Basis and VOL.
How do I check if my VCA is still valid?
Via the Central Diploma Register (CDR) — often with name and date of birth. Employers also verify there.
What if my VCA has expired?
Retake the exam at a recognized examination center if a valid diploma is required at the work location. See also VCA retake.
Is the validity of VCA Basis different from VCA VOL?
No, according to the public SSVV text on diploma validity: both are 10 years. However, they differ in the number of questions and target group.
Where do I practice for my retake?
Start with the free demo on Proefexamen VCA, or go to Start / practice VCA exam. We do not issue an official diploma.
How to Prepare for a New Diploma
A blog about how long is VCA diploma valid only helps if you then train purposefully — especially if you haven’t practiced in years.
- Set a deadline: note the CDR end date; plan the exam well before it
- Choose a level: Basis or VOL — train at the right pace
- Diagnosis: one timed set; note weak themes
- Repeat purposefully: material + timed sets (not just “reading”)
- Exam conditions: timer on, no aids, results only after completion
Ready to start? Try the free demo first, or go to Start or practice VCA exam. Soft CTA: practice at your own pace; register at a recognized center when you are ready.
Related Guides
- How many questions VCA Basis? — 40 questions / 60 minutes
- VCA retake — retake after failing or expired diploma
- VCA summary — organize core material
- VCA VOL exam simulation — 60/60 for managers
- Overview: all blogs · Home
Source: official exam and diploma info SSVV — https://ssvv.nl/examens/ (consulted September 15, 2026). Final terms and FAQs may change; always check the current SSVV documentation.