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VCA Exam Costs: What Do You Really Pay in the Netherlands?

VCA Exam Costs: What Do You Pay in the Netherlands?

You are looking for vca exam costs — what do you pay for a standalone exam, what is included in a training or course, and what does a VCA diploma cost in the Netherlands? The short, official answer from SSVV: a standalone exam costs about 100 euros. If you are taking a training course, the exam fees are usually included. Source: SSVV exams (checked September 17, 2026).

Short answer:

  • Standalone exam: about 100 euros (SSVV)
  • In training/course: exam fees usually included — ask your trainer for the total
  • Reading assistance or other language: about 20–50 euros more expensive
  • Soft note: prices for training vary by provider — we only mention SSVV’s guideline for the exam itself

Proefexamen VCA helps you practice under exam conditions. We provide no official diploma — that is only issued by an SSVV-recognized exam center.

VCA Exam Costs: Overview (SSVV)

This overview keeps track of what SSVV publicly states about vca exam costs. No invented rates for courses or “package prices”.

SubjectOfficial / guideline (SSVV)
Standalone examAbout 100 euros
In trainingExam fees usually included
Reading assistance / other languageAbout 20–50 euros more expensive
RetakeSometimes free with standalone exam — ask your center
Sourcessvv.nl/examens

For exact amounts, always ask your trainer or recognized exam center. SSVV refers to “about” — centers may deviate slightly.

Standalone Exam or Through a Training?

Standalone Exam

If you only want the exam (for example, because you already have theoretical knowledge or need to retake after an expired diploma)? Then you register at a recognized exam center. The vca exam costs are around 100 euros according to SSVV. Sometimes a free retake is included in that amount — handy to check before you book.

Through Training or Course

In a VCA training or VCA course, the trainer often arranges the exam as well. You usually see one total price: lessons + exam. The vca training costs and vca course costs vary by provider (duration, location, online or classroom). We do not list training prices here — only the SSVV guideline for the exam: in training usually included.

Practically:

  1. 1. Ask if the exam is included in the price
  2. 2. Check if a retake is included
  3. 3. Inquire about surcharges for reading assistance or other language
  4. 4. Register at an SSVV-recognized exam center (through trainer or yourself)

VCA Basic vs VOL Exam Costs

The SSVV guideline price for a standalone exam (~100 euros) applies in the public text as general exam costs — not as a separate “Basic price” versus “VOL price”. The difference between Basic/VOL mainly lies in scope and target audience, not in a second official SSVV rate table on the exams page.

VCA Basic (B-VCA)VCA VOL / VIL-VCU
Target audienceOperational employeeManagement / supervision (VOL); VIL-VCU for temporary agency/secondment
Exam40 multiple choice / 60 min60 multiple choice / 60 min
Standalone exam (SSVV)About 100 eurosAbout 100 euros (same guideline)
Diploma valid10 years10 years

More about the Basic structure: How many questions in VCA Basic?. For managers training 60/60: VCA VOL exam simulation.

Are you specifically looking for vca basic costs or vca vol exam costs? Expect to pay around that SSVV guideline of ~100 euros (standalone) for the exam itself, unless your trainer packages everything together.

Extra Costs: Reading Assistance Exam and Other Language

Do you have difficulty reading? For B-VCA, there is a reading assistance exam (the computer reads the questions aloud). An exam in a different language is also possible. SSVV states: that is about 20 to 50 euros more expensive than the standard screen exam. Ask your center for the exact surcharge.

What Do “VCA Diploma Costs” Mean?

VCA diploma costs practically means: you pay for the exam (and possibly the training). You receive the official diploma after passing; the exam center registers it in the Central Diploma Register (CDR). The diploma is valid for 10 years — after that, you need to retake the exam. See: How long is your VCA diploma valid?.

Important:

  • Only an SSVV-recognized exam center may issue the official diploma
  • A practice exam (also on Proefexamen VCA) does not provide an official diploma
  • Offline “certificates” or practice sites are not a substitute for the SSVV system

Smart Saving: Avoid an Expensive Retake

The biggest “extra costs” are often not the surcharge of 20–50 euros, but having to retake the exam because you just weren't ready. Tips:

  1. 1. Choose the right level — Basic or VOL; train on the correct number of questions
  2. 2. Timed practice — 40/60 or 60/60 under time
  3. 3. First review weak topics (see VCA summary)
  4. 4. Review the exam regulations via trainer/center
  5. 5. If you fail: VCA retake — plan your second attempt strategically

Ready to start? First try the free demo, or go to Start or VCA exam practice. Soft CTA: practice at your own pace; register at a recognized center when you are ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do VCA exams cost in the Netherlands?

A standalone exam costs about 100 euros according to SSVV. In a training, exam fees are usually included (SSVV).

What are the costs of a VCA diploma?

You pay for the exam (and possibly training). After passing, the official diploma is issued through a recognized exam center; validity is 10 years.

What do VCA training or course costs?

These prices vary by provider. SSVV does not mention a fixed training price — only that the exam is usually included in a training. Always ask what is included.

Are VCA Basic costs different from VOL?

SSVV mentions one guideline price for a standalone exam (~100 euros). Basic and VOL do differ in the number of questions (40 vs 60) and target audience.

What does a reading assistance exam or exam in another language cost?

About 20–50 euros more expensive than the standard exam (SSVV). Exact surcharge: ask your exam center.

Does Proefexamen VCA provide an official diploma?

No. Official diplomas are only issued through SSVV-recognized exam centers. We help you practice — see demo or VCA exam practice.

What if I fail the exam?

You may retake the exam through the exam center. Sometimes a retake is included with a standalone exam — check that in advance. Tips: VCA retake.

How to Plan Your Exam and Budget

  1. 1. Decide: standalone or through training — what fits your prior knowledge?
  2. 2. Ask for the total price — exam, retake, surcharges
  3. 3. Check recognition — only SSVV-recognized centers
  4. 4. Practice timed — avoid unnecessary retake costs
  5. 5. Plan the validity — diploma is valid for 10 years; note the end date later in the CDR

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Related Guides

Source: official exam info SSVV — https://ssvv.nl/examens/ (consulted September 17, 2026). Exam fees and FAQs may change; always check the current SSVV documentation and your own center.