beroepsopdrachten

Beroepsopdrachten are practical assignments used in Dutch vocational education and training to develop and demonstrate professional competencies. They are typically integrated into programs such as mbo (secondary vocational education) and can also appear in other vocational curricula. A beroepsopdracht consists of a concrete task or set of tasks that mirrors a real professional activity within a specific sector, such as preparing a menu plan in hospitality, diagnosing a fault in electrical equipment, or organizing patient intake in a healthcare setting.

Students receive an assignment brief with learning objectives, criteria, and deadlines. They plan the work, execute tasks, collect evidence, and reflect on outcomes. The work is often performed in a real or simulated professional environment, sometimes under supervision of a mentor at a company or a school workshop.

Assessment is based on predefined criteria aligned to competency standards. Evidence can include reports, portfolios, product outputs, and observations by supervisors. Feedback is given, and the student may need to revise tasks to meet the required standards.

Within the Dutch system, beroepsopdrachten are a core element of beroepspraktijkvorming (BPV), the on-the-job training component; the employer supervises the execution while the school ensures alignment to curriculum.

The aim is to bridge theory and practice and certify that students can perform professional activities safely and effectively. Content is adapted to sector and can be standalone or part of an assessment plan.