beroepsdiploma

A beroepsdiploma is a diploma awarded after completing a vocational education program in Dutch-speaking education systems. It certifies that the holder has developed the practical and theoretical competences required to work in a specific trade or profession. In the Netherlands, these diplomas are mainly issued through Middelbaar Beroepsonderwijs (MBO) programs and form part of the national qualification structure for vocational education.

MBO programs are organized in four levels, 1 through 4, with increasing complexity and responsibility. Training combines classroom learning with substantial practical experience, often including an internship or apprenticeship in a company. The duration of programs varies by level and field, typically ranging from about one to four years.

Beroepsdiplomas cover a wide range of sectors, such as technology, health care, construction, hospitality, retail, agriculture, and arts and craft. The diploma signals that the graduate has achieved job-ready skills for the corresponding profession. In many cases, an MBO diploma provides direct access to the labor market as a skilled worker. It can also serve as a stepping stone to higher professional education (HBO) or other further vocational training, sometimes via bridging or admission requirements set by the receiving institution.

Recognition and usage: The beroepsdiploma is a widely recognized credential within the Dutch qualification system and is valued by employers for its demonstrated practical competence. While primarily linked to the MBO framework in the Netherlands, it often aligns with broader European vocational education standards, supporting mobility and further study across borders.