How to prepare for the VCA exam: pass mark, topics and practice
Knowing what the exam asks makes preparing easier. According to SSVV's 2026 test matrices, you pass B-VCA (40 questions) and VOL-VCA (60 questions) with 64.5%, and both exams take 60 minutes. Most questions are about preparing and carrying out the work.
SSVV doesn't publish a pass rate in the sources we read, so we don't give one. Below: whether you need a course, what the questions are about, which words to learn and how to practise.
This page summarises SSVV's 2026 test matrices and what SSVV writes on ssvv.nl (in Dutch) about training and exams; the tips on practising are our own. SSVV develops and manages certification schemes for safe and healthy work; VCA is a trademark of SSVV registered in the Benelux. Examenzaal is not a training provider or exam centre and is not part of SSVV; our practice material is not SSVV's. You take your exam at an exam centre recognised by SSVV.
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Do you need a course?
According to SSVV, a training course is not required, but it is highly recommended. Any training provider may offer VCA courses. How long a course takes is not fixed; according to SSVV, many courses for VCA-Basis (B-VCA) take 2 days. With a course, the exam is usually included and your training provider arranges it.
What the questions are about
The test matrices spread the questions over four sections. In both exams, most questions are about preparing and carrying out the work (sections A and B together): 27 of the 40 for B-VCA and 42 of the 60 for VOL-VCA (our sum). Spend most of your study time there, without skipping the specific hazards in section C.
| Section | B-VCA | VOL-VCA |
|---|---|---|
| A Preparing, discussing and inspecting the work | 8 | 22 |
| B Carrying out work | 19 | 20 |
| C Control of specific hazards | 10 | 13 |
| D Controlling incidents and emergency situations | 3 | 5 |
| Total | 40 | 60 |
Four question forms
The 2026 test matrices name closed questions in four forms: multiple choice, multiple response, matrix and matching. On its general exam page, SSVV calls the questions multiple-choice questions. Read every question to the end: with multiple response, more than one answer can be right.
Learn the key words
SSVV has made a glossary (begrippenlijst) of important terms and technical words that can come up in an exam. It is available in several languages and can help you during your training or when you prepare. If you take the exam in English but work in Dutch, it is worth learning the Dutch terms next to the English ones (our tip).
Practise against the clock
You take the exam on a computer, laptop or tablet. SSVV says its own mock exams show what the real exam looks like. With 60 minutes, you have on average 1.5 minutes per question for B-VCA and 1 minute per question for VOL-VCA (our calculation).
Our English practice exams follow the 2026 test matrix: 40 or 60 questions, a 60-minute timer and the same 64.5% pass mark. For now they use multiple-choice questions only.
Frequently asked questions
How long should I study for VCA?
That isn't fixed. According to SSVV, many courses for VCA-Basis (B-VCA) take 2 days, but the length differs per training provider.
Can I pass VCA without a course?
You can take the exam without a course: according to SSVV a course is not required, but it is highly recommended.
What is the pass rate for VCA?
We don't give one: SSVV doesn't publish a pass rate in the sources we read. What is fixed is the pass mark of 64.5% in the 2026 test matrices.
Do I need to speak Dutch?
It depends on the language of your exam. SSVV named Dutch, English, German and French for the renewed exams, with other languages from 1 August 2026. Ask your exam centre which languages it offers.
This explanation was written by Examenzaal. We checked SSVV's information (in Dutch) on 22 October 2026. Examenzaal is an independent provider of practice material. Spotted a mistake? Let us know.
Get ready with a full practice exam
Take a full practice exam with 40 questions in the SSVV format, or look at how the exam is built first. You see your result (pass or fail, your score and the explanation per question) after handing in, with full access: €17.95 incl. VAT, one payment, no subscription.