VCA Exam 2026: What Changes and How to Prepare?
Are you taking the B-VCA, VOL-VCA, or VIL-VCU in 2026? Then you will be taking the updated VCA exam. SSVV has adjusted the exams in 2026: new final and assessment terms, fewer questions for VOL and VIL, and some topics have been removed from the exam. In this article, you will learn exactly what changes, what remains the same, and how to prepare smartly.
Short answer — VCA exam 2026 in 6 points:
- SSVV started the updated exams in Dutch on January 1, 2026 (SSVV)
- VOL-VCA and VIL-VCU: reduced from 70 to 60 questions, standard exam time 60 minutes
- B-VCA remains 40 questions in 60 minutes (SSVV exams)
- New material based on ETT 3.0; from September 2026, the ETT 3.1 changes will also be implemented in the exams
- The pass mark (cut-off score) in the 2026 assessment matrices is 64.5% for all three diplomas
- A VCA diploma remains valid for 10 years according to SSVV
This article only discusses the Dutch SSVV exam (SSVV NL). Sources are listed at the bottom, verified on October 20, 2026.
Why is SSVV Updating the VCA Exam?
SSVV manages the VCA exams and the Final and Assessment Terms (ETT): the official description of what can be asked in the exam. The Central Examination Committee VCA makes annual changes, usually minor. In 2026, the renewal is more significant: the exams for B-VCA, VOL-VCA, and VIL-VCU have all been revised.
According to SSVV, these are the main reasons and changes:
- Language that better fits all sectors. For example: “making agreements about safe work” now applies to everyone. Previously, this was under Work Permits, as in the (petro)chemical industry, safe work is often documented with a work permit. On a construction site, you report to the supervisor and make agreements there.
- Some topics belong to an additional training. A separate training is now required for lifting loads. Therefore, knowledge about the spread angle of a lifting chain is no longer included in the updated VCA exams.
- Shorter VOL and VIL exams. The old VOL-VCA and VIL-VCU exams had 70 questions; the new ones have 60.
Old vs New: The VCA Exam 2026 in One Table
| Diploma | Questions (new) | Exam Time | Cut-off 2026 | Language Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B-VCA | 40 | 60 min | 64.5% (2580 points) | A2 (1F) |
| VOL-VCA | 60 (was 70) | 60 min | 64.5% (3870 points) | B1 (2F) |
| VIL-VCU | 60 (was 70) | 60 min | 64.5% (3870 points) | B1 (2F) |
Source: SSVV news article about the updated exams, the SSVV exam page, and the VCA ETT Assessment Matrices – 2026.
Note: the cut-off score is expressed in points, not in a fixed number of correct answers. So do not blindly calculate back to “so many questions correct.” Rather, practice until you score well above the threshold. More about the number of questions in Basic can be found in How many questions does VCA Basic have?.
New Question Formats: More Than Just Multiple Choice
In the 2026 assessment matrices, all three exams have the same test format: closed questions with the following question formats:
- Multiple choice — choose one correct answer
- Multiple response — check multiple correct answers
- Matrix — make the correct choice for each statement or situation
- Matching — pair concepts or situations
This is important for your preparation. Those who only practice classic “A, B, C, or D” questions may be surprised by a question where more than one answer is correct. So read each question carefully: does it say “choose one” or “choose all that apply”?
The exam itself remains, according to SSVV, mostly a screen exam on a computer, laptop, or tablet. A reading exam is only available for B-VCA; there is no oral exam. You will see the result immediately after completion.
How is the Material Distributed? (Assessment Matrix 2026)
The assessment matrix shows how many questions come from each chapter. This way, you know where the most points can be earned.
| Chapter | B-VCA | VOL-VCA | VIL-VCU |
|---|---|---|---|
| A — Preparing, discussing, and inspecting the work | 8 | 22 | 24 |
| B — Performing work | 19 | 20 | 19 |
| C — Managing specific hazards | 10 | 13 | 12 |
| D — Managing incidents and emergencies | 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Total | 40 | 60 | 60 |
What stands out?
- In B-VCA, almost half of the questions come from chapter B: workplace, PPE, work equipment, and specific tasks such as working at heights and in confined spaces.
- In VOL-VCA and VIL-VCU, the focus is on chapter A: legislation, duties and responsibilities, consultations, inspections, and prevention. This makes sense, as these diplomas are for managers and intermediaries.
Are you unsure which diploma suits you? Read VCA Basic or VOL: what is the difference?.
ETT 3.1: What Has Been Added as of September 2026?
In addition to the major renewal in January, SSVV has updated the ETT to version 3.1. According to the SSVV change overview, these changes will apply from April 2026 and will be implemented in the exams from September 2026. Here are some of the changes:
- Client included (VOL/VIL). You now also need to know the VGM tasks and obligations of the client, in addition to those of the employer and the operational manager. Think of the verification obligation: the client must ensure that contractors and subcontractors work safely and healthily.
- “Specific safety agreements” alongside the work permit. It is now stated in several places that you cannot start risky work without specific safety agreements or a work permit.
- LMRA in question form. The Last Minute Risk Analysis has been rewritten into concrete questions: What do I need to do? What could go wrong? What is the escape route? Do I have the right PPE and are they in good condition?
- Pregnancy and lactation. Restrictions for manual lifting now explicitly apply to women during lactation as well.
- “Targeted” adjusted training. For chain saws and hot work watch, the ETT now refers to a targeted adjusted training with assessment.
- Temporary workers (VIL). The file of the temporary worker now includes the work permit (NL: TWV, GVVA).
You do not need to memorize this list. However, it is useful to practice with material that is already based on ETT 3.0/3.1, not with old PDFs from before 2026.
What Remains the Same?
Not everything is changing. According to SSVV, the following still applies:
- Registration through your training (exam often included) or directly at an accredited exam center. Exams are held daily throughout the country. Steps: Register for the VCA exam.
- Costs: a standalone exam costs approximately 100 euros according to SSVV; a reading exam or exam in another language is about 20 to 50 euros more expensive. See Costs of the VCA exam.
- Exam day: arrive on time and bring a valid ID.
- After passing: the exam center registers your diploma in the Central Diploma Register (CDR). You can check it via Check VCA diploma.
- Failed? Then you retake the exam through the exam center: VCA resit.
- Validity: a VCA diploma is valid for 10 years. SSVV does not mention that existing diplomas expire due to the renewal. Is your diploma expiring? Read VCA renewal and How long is VCA valid?.
In Which Languages Can You Take the New Exam?
According to the SSVV planning, the updated exams were initially available in Dutch, English, German, and French. The other languages followed on August 1, 2026. Ask your exam center which language you can choose and what it costs.
Two exceptions in the planning:
- For candidates from regular education, the existing exams remained available until September 1, 2026.
- The B-VCA exam in 4 modules (mainly used in education) was updated on September 1, 2026.
Have the SSVV Practice Exams Been Updated Yet?
SSVV states that the practice exams on their website will be updated “in due time.” More importantly, these practice exams are intended to show what the exam system looks like (the “look and feel”), not to practice the material. You will not see answers there.
For real practice, you need something else: study material from your trainer and practice questions with explanations. On proefexamenvca.nl, you can do that timed. Start with the free demo or go directly to VCA exam practice.
How to Prepare for the VCA Exam 2026
- Choose the right diploma. B-VCA for operational work, VOL-VCA for operational managers, VIL-VCU for intermediaries.
- Use up-to-date study material. Check if your book or course is based on ETT 3.0 or 3.1. You can skip old material about the spread angle of a lifting chain.
- Practice all question formats. Not just multiple choice, but also questions with multiple correct answers, matrix, and matching questions.
- Practice under real conditions and time. 40 questions in 60 minutes for Basic; 60 questions in 60 minutes for VOL and VIL. For VOL, a VOL exam simulation helps.
- Focus on the heavy chapters. Basic: chapter B. VOL/VIL: chapter A, including the role of the client.
- Review with a summary. Use the VCA summary in the last days.
- Check your language level. A2 (1F) for B-VCA, B1 (2F) for VOL-VCA and VIL-VCU. SSVV refers to a free Basic Meter and a glossary of VCA-Dutch.
More practical advice can be found in VCA exam tips. Are you feeling nervous? Read Is the VCA exam difficult?.
Checklist: Ready for the VCA Exam 2026?
- Correct diploma chosen (B-VCA, VOL-VCA, or VIL-VCU)
- Study material based on ETT 3.0/3.1
- All question formats practiced (multiple choice, multiple response, matrix, matching)
- At least one timed practice exam of real size
- Weak chapters reviewed
- Exam booked at an accredited exam center
- Valid ID and travel time arranged
Frequently Asked Questions
What changes are coming to the VCA exam in 2026?
SSVV has updated the exams for B-VCA, VOL-VCA, and VIL-VCU based on ETT 3.0. VOL and VIL are reduced from 70 to 60 questions in 60 minutes. Some topics, such as the spread angle of a lifting chain, are no longer included in the exam.
How many questions does the VCA VOL exam have in 2026?
The updated VOL-VCA exam has 60 questions and lasts 60 minutes. This also applies to VIL-VCU. B-VCA has 40 questions in 60 minutes.
What is the pass mark for the VCA exam 2026?
In the SSVV assessment matrices 2026, the cut-off score is 64.5%: 2580 points for B-VCA and 3870 points for VOL-VCA and VIL-VCU. The score is in points, not in a fixed number of correct questions.
Will my old VCA diploma remain valid?
A VCA diploma is valid for 10 years according to SSVV. SSVV does not state that existing diplomas will expire due to the renewal. After ten years, you will need to retake the exam.
Can I take the new VCA exam in English?
Yes. According to SSVV, the updated exams were available in Dutch, English, German, and French; other languages followed on August 1, 2026. An exam in another language is approximately 20 to 50 euros more expensive.
Can I still practice with old practice exams?
The basic rules for safe working have not changed, but old practice material may contain questions that are no longer in the exam. Preferably practice with material based on ETT 3.0/3.1 and with all new question formats.
How to Start Today
- Determine your level — Basic or VOL
- Practice timed — Free demo → VCA exam practice → Start
- Schedule your exam — Register for the VCA exam
- Afterwards — Check diploma or resit
Ready for the VCA exam 2026? Practice with questions in the new exam format: Free demo · Start · VCA exam practice · Home
Related Guides
- VCA practice — how to prepare timed
- VCA exam tips — practical tips for exam day
- How many questions VCA Basic? — 40 questions in 60 minutes
- VCA VOL exam simulation — VOL under time pressure
- Costs of the VCA exam — SSVV guideline approximately 100 euros
- Overview: all blogs · Home
Sources: SSVV — Exams, What changes to the VCA exams in 2026 (updated on 29-4-2026), VCA ETT Assessment Matrices – 2026 and VCA ETT 3.1 as of 1-9-2026 – Changes (downloads on the SSVV exam page). Consulted on October 20, 2026. Exams, prices, and procedures may change; always check the current SSVV information and your own exam center.