Check Your VCA Diploma: How to Verify Your CDR Status
You want to check your VCA diploma — for example, because an employer, temp agency, or client requests proof, or because you want to know if your diploma is still valid. In the Netherlands, the source of truth is not a photo of a card, but the Central Diploma Register (CDR) of SSVV.
Short answer:
- Check your diploma via the CDR with last name + date of birth
- Official: https://cdr.ssvv.nl (Central Diploma Register)
- Card/QR helps, but the CDR is leading for employers
- Diploma valid for 10 years; expired = retake exam at recognized center
- Practice exam or training ≠ CDR registration / official diploma
Source: SSVV exams and CDR (checked October 1, 2026).
What is the Central Diploma Register (CDR)?
The Central Diploma Register (often abbreviated as VCA CDR) is the register in which recognized exam centers record your passed VCA exam. If you search for central diploma register vca, cdr vca, or ssvv central diploma register: it refers to the same official check.
In it, you can see whether you have a valid diploma (for example, B-VCA, VOL-VCA, or VIL-VCU) and your end date. Each diploma has a unique diploma number.
Steps to Check Your VCA Diploma
1. Go to the Official CDR
Open cdr.ssvv.nl. Always use the official SSVV site — not some random "check" page without a source.
2. Search with Last Name and Date of Birth
According to SSVV, you search for your diploma information using last name and date of birth. Note what you see: type of diploma, status, and end date. If you search for look up vca diploma or look up vca vol diploma: the path is the same.
3. Check if the End Date is Still Valid
A VCA diploma is 10 years valid. Employers often want certainty before you start on-site. More about validity: How long is your VCA diploma valid?. Is the end date approaching? Read VCA extension.
4. Keep or Share the Proof Neatly
Provide your employer with the diploma number or let them check it themselves in the CDR. A screenshot can be handy, but the live CDR status remains leading.
Lost Your VCA Card or Need a Digital Version?
Many people search for vca card, digital vca card, or lost vca card. Important:
| Situation | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Card lost / damaged | Diploma remains in the CDR; new card possibly via the exam center (not mandatory) |
| Only digital proof | CDR check with name + date of birth is sufficient for most checks |
| QR / old photo | Handy, but not a replacement for a valid CDR registration |
| Change details (name) | Via a change request on the CDR site (SSVV) |
So without a card, you can still check your VCA diploma — precisely through the register.
When Will My Diploma Appear in the CDR?
After passing, the exam center records your result. SSVV indicates that it may take several days before a new diploma is visible. If it is still not in the CDR after 2 weeks, contact the exam center where you took the exam — they are responsible for the registration.
What If Your Diploma Cannot Be Found?
Possible causes: 1. Typo in last name or date of birth (including prefixes / spelling) 2. Checked too early after the exam (wait a few days) 3. Diploma expired — you will need to retake the exam if the location requires a valid diploma (VCA extension · VCA retake) 4. Wrong country/register — this article is about the Dutch SSVV-CDR, not Belgian registers
If you practiced but never took the official exam, then nothing will be in the CDR. Practicing helps you pass, but does not register a diploma — start via the free demo or VCA exam practice.
How to Prepare If You Need to Retake
If your check shows that your diploma is nearly or already expired:
- Choose the right level — Difference between VCA Basic and VOL
- Practice timed — VCA practice; Basic: 40 questions / 60 min; VOL: exam simulation
- Check costs — VCA exam costs (~100 euros separately, SSVV guideline)
- Register at a recognized exam center
- Check again in the CDR a few days after passing
| B-VCA | VOL-VCA | |
|---|---|---|
| Target group | Operational employee | Operational manager |
| Questions | 40 multiple choice | 60 multiple choice |
| Time | 60 minutes | 60 minutes |
| Language (SSVV) | A2 (1F) | B1 (2F) |
Common Misunderstandings When Checking VCA Diploma
- "My card is enough" — employers often still check the CDR
- "Practice exam = diploma" — practicing does not provide CDR registration
- "I can extend online without an exam" — retake the exam after 10 years (SSVV)
- "Screenshot from last year is current" — always check the live status
- "Belgian and Dutch registers are the same" — different systems; this is NL SSVV
Checklist: Check Your VCA Diploma Today
- [ ] Official CDR opened (cdr.ssvv.nl)
- [ ] Last name + date of birth entered correctly
- [ ] Diploma type and end date noted
- [ ] If nearly expired: practice plan + exam center booked
- [ ] Employer can verify in CDR themselves
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check my VCA diploma?
Via the Central Diploma Register at cdr.ssvv.nl with last name and date of birth (SSVV Netherlands).
What is the CDR for VCA?
The Central Diploma Register in which recognized exam centers register passed exams. Employers use this to verify diplomas.
Where can I find my VCA diploma number?
In the CDR after a search with name and date of birth. The diploma number makes each diploma unique.
I lost my VCA card — is my diploma gone?
No. Without the card, you can still view your information via the CDR. You can request a new card from the exam center that originally issued it.
When will my diploma appear in the CDR after the exam?
Often within a few days. If nothing appears after 2 weeks, contact your exam center.
Does Proefexamen VCA provide a CDR registration?
No. Only SSVV-recognized exam centers register in the CDR. We help you practice — start via demo or Start.
How to Get Started Today
- Check CDR — cdr.ssvv.nl
- Note the end date — plan in advance if it approaches
- Practice timed if necessary — VCA practice · demo
- Book an exam at a recognized center if you need to renew
- Check again after passing
Ready to practice before your next check or exam? Free demo · Start · VCA exam practice · Home
Related Guides
- How long is your VCA diploma valid? — 10 years
- VCA extension — retake after 10 years
- VCA retake — retake after failing
- VCA exam costs — SSVV guideline ~100 euros
- VCA practice — timed preparation
- Difference between VCA Basic and VOL — which diploma fits
- How many questions in VCA Basic? — 40/60
- VCA VOL exam simulation — 60/60
- VCA summary — organizing core material
- Overview: all blogs · Home
Source: SSVV — https://ssvv.nl/examens/ · CDR — https://cdr.ssvv.nl (consulted October 1, 2026). Exams and registration may change; always check the current SSVV documentation and the official CDR.