Examinations

A B-SCC, SOS-SCC or SIS-SCT diploma is not something that is easy to obtain. You must first show that you have the required basic knowledge during an examination. Then it is up to you to prove in practice that you can really work safely and healthily.

Types of examinations and examination languages

There are different types of examinations. The screen exam, which you take on a computer, laptop or tablet, is the standard. For candidates who have difficulty reading there is a reading examination (only for B-SCC). The computer then literally reads the examination questions to you. There are no oral exams.

You can also take the examination in a language other than Dutch. This can be done for both screen and reading exams. On the website of VCA Infra you will find an up-to-date overview of the options. Of course, you can also contact your examination centre about this.

Roadmap

If you take a training course, the examination is usually included. Your trainer will arrange this for you. Sometimes you will receive a voucher, which you can use to arrange your own examination at an affiliated examination centre. If you are not following a training course, but are acquiring the necessary knowledge and experience in a different way, you can arrange the examination yourself at a recognised examination centre in the neighbourhood. Examinations take place daily and throughout the country. You can choose between a screen examination, a reading examination or an examination in another language.

It is up to you how you prepare for the examination. On the website of VCA Infra you can take a mock examination (only available in Dutch). In addition to the examination material, you should also read the examination regulations carefully. It will tell you what is and is not allowed during the examination and what your rights and obligations are. You can request the examination regulations from your trainer or the examination centre.

Report to the examination centre in time for the exam. If you are following a training course, the examination centre will sometimes come to you at the end of the last training day. You must be able to identify yourself, so make sure you have a valid ID with you. The examination lasts 60 (B-SCC) to 75 (SOS-SCC and SIS-SCT) minutes and consists of 40 (B-SCC) to 70 (SOS-SCC and SIS-SCT) multiple choice questions. You will hear whether you have passed immediately after the test.

Did you pass? Congratulations! The examination centre will record this in the Central Diploma Register (website in Dutch). Employers and clients can check this register to see whether you have a diploma. Do you have a personal safety logbook? Please also record your new diploma in the logbook. Discuss with your employer how to do this. Did you fail? Unfortunately, you will have to take the examination again.

VCA Infra: our examination partner

On behalf of the SSVV, VCA Infra manages the contacts with the recognised examination centres, monitors the quality of these centres and distributes the examinations for B-SCC, SOS-SCC, SIS-SCT and the petrochemical part of the SSVV Training Guide (STG).

A separate division of VCA Infra (VCA Examenbank) manages the final and test periods for B-SCC, SOS-SCC and SIS-SCT and prepares the examinations for them. VCA Examenbank also prepares the examinations for the petrochemical part of the STG.

Visit the website of VCA Infra

Costs

Are you taking a training course? In that case, the cost of the examination is usually included in the cost of the training. A separate examination costs about 100 euros. This may include a free resit examination. A reading examination or an examination in another language is about 20 to 50 Euros more expensive. Ask your trainer or examination centre about the exact costs.

Tips if you are unable to pass the examination

  1. Improve your reading and language skills

    Good reading and language skills are important for success in examinations. But also to be able to work safely and healthily. Because of course you need to be able to read directions and instructions carefully. You should not be ashamed if you cannot read properly. Try to be open about this, no matter how hard it is. Because if others do not know that you have trouble reading, dangerous situations can arise in your work.

    Ask the Reading & Writing Foundation to help you improve your reading and language skills. For example, with tailor-made teaching materials or a language coach.
  2. Take a mock examination
    Ask your instructor or examination centre if you can take a mock examination, so you can practice with the computer and the way the examination is taken. A mock examination is not intended to practice with the content of the lesson material. Your trainer will have to arrange the training material for this.
  3. Ensure good examination conditions
    Discuss with the examination centre the circumstances under which you will take the examination:
    • Ask if you can take the examination using the same type of computer and controls as during your training.
    • Ask if you can take the examination on a regular computer with a mouse, instead of on a tablet. A lot of people think this is quieter.
    • Ask if you can get a larger screen.
    • Consult on the number of candidates taking examinations in the same room.
    • Check that it is quiet in and around the examination room.
    • Find an examination centre where you feel at home. Pay attention to the people, the atmosphere and the interior.
    • Choose a reading exam. You will get more time with this examination variant. The examination centre can build in extra peace and quiet by lowering the volume of reading aloud.
  4. Take a training course
    A B-SCC, SOS-SCC or SIS-SCT training course is a good preparation for the corresponding examination.

See also