eindexamen

An eindexamen is the final examination of secondary education in the Netherlands. It marks the completion of the main phase of VMBO, HAVO, or VWO and is required to obtain the corresponding diploma. The eindexamen combines central national exams in certain core subjects with school-based assessments in other subjects. The structure and requirements vary by track: VMBO includes central exams and school assessments for the diploma, while HAVO and VWO rely on central exams in key subjects complemented by school assessments for the remaining subjects. The final diploma is awarded only if all required components are passed.

The central exams are designed and coordinated by the national College voor Toetsen en Examens (CvTE) in cooperation with the Ministry of Education. The content of the national exams aligns with the national curricula, and the results of both central exams and school assessments contribute to the final eindexamen grade. The exact weighting and combination of components differ by track and subject.

Exams are typically held at the end of the final school year, when students are around 17 or 18 years old. If a student does not pass all required components, there are retake opportunities in subsequent exam sessions. A successful eindexamen diploma is a prerequisite for admission to most Dutch higher education programs and can affect eligibility for certain careers.

Outside the Netherlands, the term eindexamen is used in Dutch-speaking contexts with similar meaning, though the specific rules and structures may vary by country or region. The concept remains the culmination of secondary education, signaling readiness for further study or entry into the workforce.