How can I become a teacher in the Netherlands with a foreign teaching qualification?
Who recognises my foreign teaching qualification?
DUO is the onlt organisation that can recognise foreign teaching qualifications in the Netherlands. During the assessment, DUO may request advice from Nuffic or SBB. These institutions assess foreign diplomas by comparing them to a Dutch equivalent.
It is important to distinguish between a diploma assessment and the recognition of a teaching qualification. A diploma assessment compares your foreign diploma with the Dutch education system. Recognition by DUO determines whether your teaching qualification allows you to work as a teacher in the Netherlands.
DUO implements educational laws and regulations as a service commissioned by the Dutch Minister of Education, Culture & Science (OCW – Onderwijs, Cultuur en Wetenschap) and the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education (MPVO – Minister voor Primair en Voortgezet Onderwijs).
When do I have to apply for certification from DUO?
In most cases, you need recognition from DUO before you can work as a teacher in the Netherlands.
This generally applies if you want to work as a:
teacher in primary education (po);
teacher in special needs education (so);
teacher in secondary education (vo);
teacher in post-secondary vocational education and training (mbo);
teacher in secondary general adult education (vavo);
instructor in mbo.
If you are unsure whether recognition is required in your situation, contact DUO before applying for teaching positions.
When do I not need recognition?
There are several situations in which recognition by DUO is not required.
Teacher in higher education
Teachers at research universities and universities of applied sciences do not need a statutory teaching qualification. Individual institutions determine their own hiring requirements. Many universities offer their own Basic Teaching Qualification (BKO) program after employment to elevate didactic and pedagogical skills.
Educational support staff
If you want to work as educational support staff, for example as a teaching assistant, classroom assistant, administrative assistant or janitor, recognition by DUO is generally not required. Some employers may ask for a diploma assessment to better understand your educational background. Depending on your diploma, you can request this through Nuffic.
International or foreign private schools
If you want to teach at an international or foreign private school (B4-school), your diploma or qualification does not have to be certified by DUO, according to Dutch legislation. The rules of the respective country apply, and the Dutch government is generally not involved in decision making procedures. However, an international school may still ask you to have your qualification certified. You can read more about international schools in Ga naar artikel.
Are there any additional requirements?
Besides recognition of your teaching qualification, additional requirements can apply. For example, you may need to demonstratenyout Dutch Ga naar artikel depending on the education sector and the country where you obtained your teaching qualification. You can read more about language requirements in Ga naar artikel.
In addition, employers will usually ask you to provide a Certificate of Conduct (VOG) before you can start working.
Are there costs associated with DUO's certification procedure?
The recognition procedure is free of charge. If you want to have other diplomas translated or assessed by Nuffic, there will be a fee charged for this.
How do I apply for recognition?
Your request can be submitted through this application form on the website of DUO. Please note that it can be an extensive process, as DUO often requests input from the respective educational institution from the country where the teaching qualification was obtained. For a precise time indication, it is best to inquire with DUO.
Who do I reach out to with questions?
Do you have questions about the recognition procedure or the status of your application? Please contact DUO directly. Would you like advice about your route into the Dutch education system or the teacher training program that may be suitable for you? Feel free to contact Onderwijsloket. We are happy to help.
