How Many Questions Are on the VCA Basic Exam? Exam Structure Explained
How Many Questions Are on the VCA Basic Exam?
You are looking for how many questions VCA Basic has — and rightly so: knowing how many questions there are, how much time you have, and how the results work allows you to practice more effectively. Below is the official structure for the Netherlands, based on SSVV exams (checked September 14, 2026).
Short answer:
- B-VCA (VCA Basic): 40 multiple-choice questions in 60 minutes
- VOL-VCA (and VIL-VCU): 60 multiple-choice questions in 60 minutes
- You will hear immediately after completion whether you have passed or failed
- A VCA diploma is valid for 10 years (SSVV FAQ)
Proefexamen VCA helps you practice under exam conditions. We do not issue an official diploma — only an SSVV recognized examination center does that.
Short answer (Basic vs VOL)
| Exam | Number of questions | Time | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| B-VCA (VCA Basic) | 40 multiple-choice questions | 60 minutes | SSVV exams |
| VOL-VCA | 60 multiple-choice questions | 60 minutes | same |
| VIL-VCU | 60 multiple-choice questions | 60 minutes | same |
For VCA Basic, you have an average of one and a half minutes per question. That sounds ample, but scenarios and tricky formulations eat up time. Those who only practice by “cramming” and never work under timed conditions often fall short on test day.
The most common exam is the screen exam (computer, laptop, or tablet). For B-VCA, there is also a reading exam if you have difficulty reading. An oral exam is not possible according to SSVV.
How Many Questions Can You Get Wrong / How Many Do You Need to Get Right?
This is the question that almost everyone asks: how many questions can you get wrong VCA Basic? Or: how many questions correct VCA Basic?
On the public SSVV page exams, there is no simple number like “you need X out of 40 correct.” What is officially stated:
- The test matrix describes how many questions on which topics come and how many points you need to pass
- Examination centers and trainers often communicate a rule of thumb around approximately 65%
Rule of thumb (not an official SSVV number): if each question counts equally, ~65% of 40 questions is about 26 correct — so roughly 14 wrong. Use this only as orientation to read your practice score. Always check the current test matrix and what your examination center communicates, as point weights and final and test terms (ETT) may change.
Practical tip: practice until you score well above that orientation (think 70%+ in timed sessions). This way, you have a margin for exam pressure, reading errors, and a difficult set of questions.
How is the VCA Basic Exam Structured?
The B-VCA exam tests whether you can participate safely and healthily. According to SSVV:
- 40 multiple-choice questions on screen (or reading exam where applicable)
- 60 minutes total time
- Immediate result after completion — you see whether you have passed or failed; questions you got wrong can be reviewed
- If you pass, the examination center registers the diploma in the Central Diploma Register (CDR)
The material follows the VCA Final and Test Terms (ETT). The Central Examination Committee VCA (CEV) manages these; changes are made annually. Soft note for 2026: final terms may update (including ETT 3.0 context). Always check the current documents on ssvv.nl before your exam.
Language level: B-VCA is aimed at level A2 (1F). If you doubt your reading skills, SSVV points to the Basic Meter and language support.
Do you want to organize the material first? Use our VCA summary as a study card, and then practice with timed sets via VCA exam practice or Start.
Difference with VCA VOL
| Feature | VCA Basic (B-VCA) | VCA VOL |
|---|---|---|
| Target group | Operational employee | Manager / supervision |
| Questions | 40 | 60 |
| Time | 60 minutes | 60 minutes |
| Tempo | ~1.5 min/question | ~1 min/question |
| Language level (SSVV) | A2 | B1 |
If you choose the wrong level, you practice under the wrong time pressure. For managers, a real 60/60 simulation is crucial — see VCA VOL exam simulation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions are on the VCA Basic exam?
40 multiple-choice questions in 60 minutes, according to SSVV.
How many questions can you get wrong on VCA Basic?
SSVV does not publish a simple “X wrong allowed” on the exams page. The passing threshold follows the test matrix (points). Examination centers often mention ~65%; as a rule of thumb, that is about 26 correct out of 40 — always check the current source.
How many questions does VCA VOL have?
60 multiple-choice questions in 60 minutes (same time as Basic, more questions).
Do you get the result immediately?
Yes. According to SSVV, you hear immediately after completion whether you have passed. If you fail, you can retake the exam through a recognized center. Tips for a retake: VCA retake.
How long is the VCA diploma valid?
10 years. After that, you must retake the exam at a recognized examination center (SSVV FAQ).
Where can I practice for free?
Start with the free demo on Proefexamen VCA — without us issuing an official diploma. Official rules and examination centers: ssvv.nl/exams.
How to Practice Effectively
A blog about how many questions the VCA Basic exam has only helps if you then train at the right pace.
- Diagnosis: make one timed set of 40 questions in 60 minutes — note score and weak themes
- Targeted repetition: practice only the themes with the most errors (not cramming everything again)
- Exam conditions: timer on, no resources, results only after completion
- Build in margin: aim in practice higher than the ~65% rule of thumb
- Question forms: also train on scenarios and (where applicable) more complex forms — see also VCA exam questions and answers
Ready to start? Try the free demo first, or go directly to Start or VCA exam practice. Soft CTA: no subscription pressure — practice at your own pace, register at a recognized center when you are ready.
Related Guides
- VCA summary — organize core material before you practice timed
- VCA retake — what if you fail or need to retake
- VCA VOL exam simulation — 60 questions / 60 minutes for managers
- Overview: all blogs · Home
Source: official exam info SSVV — https://ssvv.nl/examens/ (consulted September 14, 2026). Final terms and test matrix may change; always check the current SSVV documentation.