From a foreign diploma to the BIG register.
Five stages, one route, for doctors and dentists with a diploma from outside the EEA who already live in the Netherlands. Two of the stages we build ourselves: medical Dutch up to B2+ and the preparation for the BI-toets. The others we name, with who decides them, so you always know where you stand and what comes next.
Why one route
The medical knowledge of these doctors and dentists is rarely the problem. The route is: a language school stops at the language, an exam training starts at the exam, and everything in between the candidate puts together alone. Here the candidate practises every day at their own pace, from the first lesson of Dutch up to the exam, in one environment.
The route in five stages
Dark: what we build. Light: what the CIBG, the CBGV and the employer do.
- 01 · Medical Dutch, A0 to B2+first, because the certificate goes in with the application →Mentora Taal
- 02 · Diploma recognitionapplication at the CIBG; the CBGV assesses equivalenceCIBG & CBGV
- 03 · BI-toets preparationknowledge test and consultation practice →BigMentor
- 04 · BIG registrationwith diploma, language and BI-toets completeCIBG
- 05 · At work as a doctor or dentistthe application is between you and the employer; we do not act as intermediaryemployer
What makes it different
From the first word to B2+
One course from A0. From B1 on, the language is the profession: the lessons are medical cases built on how the Dutch GP and dentist work, with audio for every sentence.
The language course →Every answer with its source
The knowledge test is built on the Dutch guideline and the law. After every question the candidate sees why, and on what source the answer rests.
See a real question →The consultation in Dutch
Practice consultations with a virtual patient who only tells what is asked, as in the DKV. Afterwards the candidate sees what was missed.
BigMentor →Holding an EU/EEA diploma? The BI-toets does not apply to you; your qualification is recognised under Directive 2005/36/EC. Go to mentoramedic.eu →
What does it cost? Our prices and the fees you pay to third parties are on a page of their own. Costs and fees →
Questions doctors actually ask
What is the BI-toets and who needs it?
The BI-toets (beroepsinhoudelijke toets) is the Dutch professional exam for doctors and dentists whose diploma comes from outside the EU/EEA. For doctors it consists of the iVTG knowledge test and the DKV clinical skills test.
How long does the route take?
It differs per person. The pace is set by the B2+ language certificate and the waiting time for the BI-toets, which according to the UAF has risen to about two years for doctors.
Can I work while I wait?
Yes, in roles that do not require BIG registration, for example as a medical assistant or under supervision of a BIG-registered colleague. Daily Dutch at work speeds up the language part considerably.