FAQ

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You can reschedule your training at any time. Rescheduling is free of charge up to 14 working days before the training start date. If you reschedule within 14 days of the training, a rescheduling fee will apply. This is in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.

You cannot reschedule the training yourself. Please contact us and we will be happy to assist you.

Are you registered for an in-company training? Please contact the training coordinator within your organisation first. If they are unable to help, please get in touch with us.

We do not grant exemptions for our courses. You must participate in every part of the training, beause the trainer has to declare you competent in the teached lesson subjects.

The e-learning is ready for you in the 112BHV Academy (your personal account) under the heading E-learning.

Your username is your email address.

If you have been a customer of 112BHV for a longer time, your username may be a combination of your first name, last name, and date of birth (for example: JanJansen16051970).

If your personal details are not (or no longer) listed correctly, please contact us via info@112bhv.nl or 035 - 760 5112.

An e-learning course is completed entirely online. A blended course combines online learning with practical, in-person training.

This applies to courses such as Emergency Response (BHV), First Aid (EHBO), NEN 3140, and other similar training programmes.

Since 2018, 112BHV has been Cedeo-certified for both Customised Training Programmes and Open Training Courses, a recognised quality mark in the training industry.

A Cedeo certification is awarded following an extensive customer satisfaction survey conducted by Cedeo. To achieve certification, at least 80% of respondents must rate the provider as “satisfied” to “very satisfied” with the service, collaboration, and results achieved. In addition, there must be no respondents who are “very dissatisfied” with any aspect of the service provided.

Customers who participated in Cedeo’s customer satisfaction survey rated 112BHV with an average score of 4.2 out of 5.

A Prevention Officer and an Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) Coordinator both contribute to creating a safe and healthy working environment, but their roles are different.

The Prevention Officer is a legally required role and focuses on the practical implementation of health and safety tasks, such as preparing the Risk Inventory and Evaluation (RI&E) and identifying workplace risks.

The OHS Coordinator primarily has a coordinating role and oversees occupational health and safety policies at a strategic level. In larger organisations, these two roles often complement each other..

HSE stands for:

• H > Health
• S > Safety & Environment
• QHSE > Quality, Health, Safety & Environment.

In Dutch: Quality, Health, Safety and Environment.

You will encounter the terms HSE and QHSE in various forms. The abbreviations QESH, HSEQ, and HSQE also represent the same concepts and are used. They all relate to the health and safety of employees within an organization, as well as product quality and environmentally conscious working practices.

To read more about QHSE and the similarities and differences with Emergency Response and Occupational Health and Safety, click here.

ER (BHV) stands for Emergency Response (Company Emergency Response Organisation). It refers to the assistance provided during incidents within a company that may threaten the health and safety of employees, visitors, or other people on the premises.

Emergency Response Officers (BHV officers) help to prevent and limit injuries and damage as much as possible. Dutch health and safety legislation (the Working Conditions Act) requires employers to take appropriate measures regarding emergency response. Every employer must be prepared for emergencies such as accidents, fires, and evacuations and must be supported by trained BHV officers.

Read more about the legal requirements for BHV and the responsibilities of a BHV officer.

When determining how emergency response should be organised and how many BHV officers are needed, factors such as the size of the organisation and the risks present in the workplace must be taken into account.

There is no legal requirement for a specific number of ER / BHV officers. As an employer, you decide how many BHV officers your organisation needs based on your Risk Assessment and Evaluation (RI&E).

Important factors include the risks in your workplace, the number of employees and visitors, the size of the building, and the availability of BHV officers.

However, there must always be enough BHV officers available to respond effectively in an emergency.

Yes, ER / BHV (Emergency Response) is mandatory for almost every organisation with employees. Under Dutch health and safety legislation, employers must provide adequate emergency response measures to deal with accidents, fires, and evacuations.

Employers must also ensure that enough trained BHV officers are available at all times, including during periods of illness, leave, or holidays.

The exact number of BHV officers required depends on factors such as the risks within the organisation, the size of the company, and the working environment.

A BHV officer (Emergency Response Officer) is trained to respond quickly and effectively in workplace emergencies. Their main responsibilities are providing first aid, dealing with small fires, and helping to evacuate employees and visitors safely.

To carry out these tasks effectively, BHV officers should receive regular training, and organisations must ensure that enough BHV officers are available at all times.

This helps your organisation stay prepared for emergencies and comply with Dutch health and safety legislation.

Under the Dutch Working Conditions Act (Arbowet), ER / BHV is mandatory for organisations with one or more employees. Temporary and seasonal workers are also included in this requirement.

If ER / BHV is not properly organised, your organisation may face a fine. The Netherlands Labour Authority (Nederlandse Arbeidsinspectie) checks whether employers comply with health and safety regulations and can take enforcement action when necessary.

Since changes to Dutch legislation in 2013, penalties for violating health and safety laws have become stricter. Possible measures include:

• Higher fines
• Increased penalties for repeated violations
• Temporary closure of business operations
• Penalty payments for non-compliance
• Enforcement without court involvement in certain cases

Having a well-organised ER / BHV structure helps protect employees and visitors and ensures compliance with legal requirements.

Yes, it is important to have BHV (Emergency Response) in place during extracurricular activities such as school trips, excursions, sports days, and school camps.

Employees are still covered by health and safety legislation during these activities, and schools also have a legal duty of care towards their students.

It is therefore advisable to assess potential risks in advance, clearly define responsibilities, and ensure that adequate BHV and/or first aid arrangements are available. This helps ensure that both staff and students can receive prompt assistance in the event of an incident or emergency.

A BHV certificate issued by 112BHV is valid for one year. We believe it is important to regularly practise emergency procedures and skills. After all, would you still remember exactly what to do during a resuscitation emergency after a year? Probably not. If you need to act as a BHV officer in a real emergency, you should be able to respond quickly and effectively.

Regular training helps keep your knowledge and skills up to date.

How often BHV training should be refreshed depends on factors such as the size of your organisation, your business activities, the building you work in, the surrounding environment, and the risks within your organisation. For some organisations, annual refresher training is most appropriate, while for others, every two years may be sufficient.

Training in accordance with NIBHV guidelines is available on request for in-company training programmes.

Yes, employers remain responsible for the safety of their employees during company outings and work-related activities. Because these events are work-related, the employer’s duty of care also applies outside the normal workplace.

It is therefore important to assess any risks in advance and ensure that appropriate BHV and/or first aid arrangements are in place. This may include appointing responsible persons, providing first aid resources, and agreeing on emergency procedures.

By taking these precautions, you help create a safer environment for all participants and fulfil your responsibilities as an employer.

A BHV plan (Emergency Response Plan) describes the tasks, responsibilities, and procedures that must be followed in the event of an incident or emergency.

A BHV plan typically includes:

• The remaining risks within the organisation
• The number of BHV officers required
• How BHV officers can be contacted and their availability
• Training and practice arrangements
• Cooperation with external emergency services

To demonstrate that BHV is organised in accordance with legal requirements, a BHV plan can also include:

• The purpose and justification of the BHV plan
• The BHV organisation structure
• BHV training programmes
• BHV equipment and resources
• Procedures for employees
• Procedures for BHV officers
• Emergency instructions and floor plans
• Training exercises and drills

Want to learn more about creating a BHV plan? Download our BHV Plan Template for practical guidance and examples.

If your building has a fire alarm control panel, you are required to have an evacuation plan in place. An evacuation plan is also mandatory for certain buildings that require an occupancy permit under local building regulations.

This requirement typically applies to:

• Buildings that provide overnight accommodation to more than 10 people, such as prisons, hospitals, nursing homes, care homes, hotels, and guesthouses.
• Buildings that provide daytime care for more than 10 children under the age of 12, or more than 10 people with physical or intellectual disabilities, such as childcare centres, primary schools, and day-care facilities for people with disabilities.

Want to learn more? Read our article on this topic for additional information and practical guidance.

There are several ways to organise BHV (Emergency Response) in a shared office building. Organisations can choose to work together under a joint BHV plan, where multiple companies share BHV officers, procedures, and emergency resources.

It is also possible for each organisation to maintain its own BHV structure and emergency procedures.

The best approach depends on factors such as the risks present, the number of employees, the layout of the building, and the agreements between the tenants.

The most important thing is that BHV arrangements are well coordinated and that, in an emergency, everyone knows their roles and responsibilities.

A Risk Inventory and Evaluation (RI&E) is a document that identifies the health and safety risks within your organisation. It also includes an action plan that describes how these risks can be reduced or controlled.

Under Dutch health and safety legislation, an RI&E is mandatory for almost every employer with staff.

The RI&E also forms the basis of your emergency response organisation (BHV). It helps determine which risks are present and how many BHV officers, training courses, and safety measures are needed to keep employees safe.

A sector-specific Risk Inventory and Evaluation (RI&E) is available for childcare organisations and primary schools. This RI&E was developed by FCB, the labour market organisation representing employers and employees in sectors including childcare.

Childcare organisations and primary schools face a variety of workplace risks. These may include aggression, physical strain, infectious diseases, and work-related stress.

A Risk Inventory and Evaluation helps identify whether these risks are present within your organisation.

Using the RI&E for childcare and primary schools, known as the Risk Monitor, you can easily assess health, safety, and working conditions at each location.

Would you like to learn more? Read our article on this topic for further information and practical guidance.

Yes. Dutch health and safety legislation (Arbowet) and EU Directive 89/391/EEC require employers to take measures for first aid, fire-fighting, and the evacuation of employees in situations involving serious and immediate danger.

Employers must ensure that these emergency situations can be managed effectively. Conducting an evacuation drill is one of the measures that helps prepare employees and BHV officers for a real emergency.

It is recommended to document your evacuation drill and related procedures in your Risk Inventory and Evaluation (RI&E).

Your certificate is available in your personal account within the 112BHV Academy.

Simply log in and go to the "Bewijsstukken" section to view and download your certificate.

When registering for a BHV training course, you can choose between a subscription plan or a one-time training course.

With the subscription plan, you will receive an invitation each year and have the opportunity to register for the practical training session.

Your subscription renews annually on the date of your original registration. Approximately one week after renewal, you will receive a digital invoice.

If you choose the one-time training option, you will need to register again yourself when it is time for your BHV refresher training.

The Operational Head of BHV is an active member of the emergency response team and takes charge during incidents and emergencies. This role focuses on the practical coordination of BHV activities and ensuring an effective response when an emergency occurs.

The Strategic Head of BHV is responsible for the organisation's safety and emergency response policy. This role focuses on developing, implementing, and maintaining the BHV strategy and ensuring that the organisation complies with relevant safety requirements.

Would you like to learn more? Read our article about the differences between the Strategic and Operational Head of BHV.

The First Aid (EHBO) courses provided by 112BHV are Red Cross certified. Upon successful completion, participants receive a certificate issued by the Red Cross.

For BHV, Team Leader BHV, and Head of BHV training courses, participants receive a 112BHV certificate as standard.

For in-company training programmes, it is also possible to request an alternative certification, depending on your organisation’s requirements.

BHV training courses are generally not reimbursed by health insurers.

However, First Aid (EHBO) and CPR courses may be eligible for reimbursement. In most cases, you will need to have supplementary health insurance to qualify for this benefit. Please check the terms and conditions with your insurance provider.

You will usually need to pay for the course yourself first and then submit a claim to your insurer. The amount reimbursed varies by provider and can range from €50 to €600.

The study time for a BHV training course is typically 2 to 4 hours.

The study time for a First Aid course for babies and children is usually 6 to 8 hours.

The exact duration may vary depending on the course format and training programme.

Adaptive e-learning adjusts to your existing knowledge and experience. At the start of the course, you complete an assessment to determine what you already know.

Based on the results, the learning programme adapts to your level. This means you spend less time on topics you already understand and more time on areas where you need additional learning

Yes, 4 hours of practical BHV training is sufficient. This is because you learn the theoretical knowledge beforehand through the e-learning course.

The practical session focuses on applying that knowledge in realistic situations, allowing you to practise important skills such as first aid, fire response, and evacuation procedures.

VCA stands for Safety, Health and Environment Checklist Contractors (SCC).

The VCA checklist is a structured assessment and screening system designed to help companies work safely and manage health, safety, and environmental risks.

The term "contractors" refers to companies that carry out work on behalf of other organisations, known as clients or principals.

A VOL-VCA certificate is intended for operational supervisors and self-employed professionals (ZZP'ers) working as subcontractors in high-risk environments, such as construction, engineering, industry, and petrochemicals.

A VOL-VCA certificate demonstrates that you can work safely and take responsibility for the safety of others.

In practice, you will often need a VOL-VCA certificate if you:

• Supervise employees at a VCA-certified work site
• Work as a site manager, foreman, team leader, or supervisor
• Carry out work as a self-employed contractor for a VCA-certified client or main contractor
• Are responsible for monitoring and maintaining safety in the workplace

A B-VCA certificate (Basic Safety VCA) is intended for employees who work in high-risk environments, such as construction, engineering, industry, or petrochemicals.

A B-VCA certificate demonstrates that you have the basic knowledge required to work safely, healthily, and in an environmentally responsible way.

In practice, you will often need a B-VCA certificate if you:

• Perform operational work at a VCA-certified work site
• Work in sectors with increased safety risks
• Work for a client that requires VCA certification
• Do not have a supervisory or management role

Yes, employers may require a VCA certificate for anyone working on their behalf. This requirement can apply not only to permanent employees and subcontractors, but also to self-employed workers (ZZP'ers), temporary staff, and trainees.

Whether a VCA certificate is required depends on the client's requirements and the risks associated with the work environment.

No, it is not possible to take an official VCA practice exam for free. However, there is no need to worry.

When you register for one of our B-VCA or VOL-VCA courses, you receive access to extensive practice questions and 10 full practice exams. This allows you to prepare thoroughly and become familiar with the exam format and question types.

By completing the practice questions and mock exams, you can improve your understanding of the course material and increase your chances of passing the VCA exam on your first attempt.

When you register for one of our B-VCA or VOL-VCA courses, you receive access to practice questions and mock exams to help you prepare for the official exam.

If you would like additional practice opportunities, please contact us. We will be happy to discuss the available options for extra practice exams or additional attempts.

Regularly practising with mock exams helps you become familiar with the exam format and increases your chances of passing your VCA exam on the first try.

You can reschedule your VCA exam free of charge up to 8 days before the exam date. If you request a reschedule within 8 days of the exam, the full exam fee will be charged.

Please contact us as soon as possible if you need to change your exam date.

To pass the official VCA exam, you must answer at least 65% of the questions correctly.

• B-VCA: at least 65% of 40 questions must be answered correctly.
• VOL-VCA: at least 65% of 60 questions must be answered correctly.

After successfully passing the exam, you will receive an official VCA certificate, which is valid for 10 years.

Your VCA exam result is usually available within 3 working days in the Central Diploma Register (CDR). If you pass the exam, you will also receive your digital certificate within approximately one week.

Would you like to check your result? Visit VCA-Uitslag.nl and search the Central Diploma Register.

If you have obtained a VCA certificate and it is still valid, your certificate details will be registered in the VCA Central Diploma Register (CDR).

If your details can be found in the CDR, this serves as the official proof that you have passed the VCA exam and that your certificate is valid. It is therefore not necessary to have a paper copy of your VCA certificate. The Central Diploma Register (CDR) is the official and leading source for verifying your VCA qualification.

Yes. For both B-VCA and VOL-VCA exams, you can choose to take a spoken exam. During this exam, the computer reads the questions and answer options aloud. You also receive an additional 15 minutes to complete the exam.

Please note that this option is not available for the VIL-VCU exam.

Candidates who have difficulty reading or who have dyslexia can take a spoken B-VCA exam. The exam is taken on a computer.

Before the exam starts, candidates receive a set of earphones. The computer then reads the questions and answer options aloud at a comfortable pace. Candidates enter their answers directly into the computer.

The spoken B-VCA exam contains the same 40 multiple-choice questions as the standard exam.

• Standard B-VCA exam: 60 minutes
• Spoken B-VCA exam: 75 minutes (including 15 extra minutes)

This option helps candidates who need additional support with reading while taking the exam.

Many countries use, or are developing, safety certification systems similar to VCA. Belgium is the only country with a fully equivalent system and matching certification structure.

The VCA systems in Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands already recognise each other. Austria and Switzerland also have systems that are comparable to VCA, although they are not fully equivalent.

The SSVV and CCVD-VCA are actively involved in promoting the development of a European VCA certification system, with the aim of increasing international recognition and harmonisation of safety standards.

The B-VCA, VOL-VCA, and VIL-VCU e-learning courses take approximately 6 to 8 hours to complete.

The actual study time depends on your existing knowledge of workplace safety. If you already have experience or prior knowledge, you may be able to complete the course more quickly. You can study at your own pace and choose when to learn. You can stop at any time and continue later from where you left off.

You can also decide how many practice tests and additional exercises you complete to prepare for the exam.

Since 2022, VCA certificates and wallet cards have been issued digitally as standard. You can view and download your certificate at any time via VCA-Uitslag.nl.

If you still need a printed certificate or wallet card, you can request one from PBNA for an additional fee.

Always bring a valid original form of identification to your VCA exam. Accepted forms of ID include:

• A passport
• A Dutch identity card
• A Dutch driving licence
• A valid foreign travel document

Your identification document must be valid on the day of the exam. Foreign driving licences are not accepted.

Please also note the following exam rules:

• You must be able to identify yourself with a valid ID document.
• Mobile phones, smartwatches, and other communication devices are not allowed in the exam room.
• Your phone must be completely switched off and handed to the exam supervisor before the exam starts.
• If you are found to have a phone or other communication device during the exam, your exam will be declared invalid and you will not receive a result or certificate.
• Make sure you arrive on time and bring a valid ID to avoid any issues on the day of your exam.

ATEX is the abbreviation of the French term ATmosphères EXplosibles and is synonymous with two European directives regarding the risk of explosion under atmospheric conditions.

Since July 1, 2003, organizations in the EU where there is a risk of explosion must comply with the ATEX 153 Directive (Directive 1999/92/EC). The ATEX Company Directive 1999/92/EC, also known as ‘ATEX 153’, describes the minimum safety requirements for employers to create a healthy and safe working environment for employees who may be at risk from explosive atmospheres. In the Netherlands, these directives are incorporated into the Working Conditions Act and regulations.

ATEX is the abbreviation of the French term ATmosphères EXplosibles and is synonymous with two European directives regarding the risk of explosion under atmospheric conditions.

Since July 1, 2003, organizations in the EU where there is a risk of explosion must comply with the ATEX 153 Directive (Directive 1999/92/EC). The ATEX Company Directive 1999/92/EC, also known as ‘ATEX 153’, describes the minimum safety requirements for employers to create a healthy and safe working environment for employees who may be at risk from explosive atmospheres. In the Netherlands, these directives are incorporated into the Working Conditions Act and regulations.

Upon completing one of our training courses, you will receive a certificate of participation. The ATEX Basic Principles Ex 001 e-learning provides a solid foundation for further specialization. After the online training, you can also take the official IECEx 05 exam; the e-learning prepares you well for this. If you pass the IECEx 05 exam, you will receive an “Attestation”.

To obtain the personal certificate, taking the ATEX exam is a requirement. This is an independent exam administered by the Royal PBNA. By taking an ATEX training course, you prepare well for this exam.

If you pass the exam, you will receive an Attestation. The Attestation is valid for five years. If you wish to obtain an IECEx 05 personal certificate, in addition to the Attestation, you must also submit a so-called evidence file. In this file, you list, among other things, your relevant work experience in the field.

Yes, that is possible. Not by the government, but by clients.

According to Dutch legislation (including the Working Conditions Act and the ATEX 153 Directive), an employer must be able to demonstrate that employees working in an explosive environment are sufficiently instructed and authorized to do so safely. The law does not explicitly prescribe that a formal ATEX certificate must be obtained for this purpose.

In practice, the best way to demonstrate this is through an ATEX training course that concludes with an assessment. If you pass this, you will receive an attestation of competence (certificate of professional competence). This document serves as proof that you possess the required knowledge.

More and more large (international) clients are making possession of such an attestation mandatory before you are allowed to perform work in ATEX zones. They have often included this requirement in their own safety policy. It is therefore not a statutory obligation from the government, but in practice, it is a strict condition for gaining access to certain locations. If you also wish to have your practical experience assessed and demonstrated internationally, you can choose to obtain an IECEx Certificate of Personal Competence (CoPC); this is an additional international personal certification.

Yes, the ATEX directives require you to have sufficient knowledge. You can acquire this by taking our ATEX training courses. You must repeat these courses regularly, because legislation, regulations, and international standards (in this case, the IEC 60079 series) are regularly updated based on new methods, techniques, and insights.

For employees who perform electrical work in or around electrical installations. NEN 3140 is the standard for the operation, maintenance, inspection, and management of electrical work equipment. Depending on the level at which you perform your work, you must obtain a VOP, VP, IV, or WV certificate via e-learning or a blended format.

Upon completion of the NEN training, you will receive a certificate of participation. This certificate is valid for three years and demonstrates that you possess the knowledge and skills required to work safely with electrical installations.