Every year, there are many offers on the internet, such as “VCA without passing,” “VOL exam in Polish,” and others like them. We warn you against these pseudo companies and training centers. They are simply extracting — or, if you prefer, stealing — your money. This phenomenon intensifies in the spring and fall when many of our compatriots come to the Netherlands looking for work. This phenomenon is called “phishing” and is simply one of the most common forms of theft, not only of your money, but also of your data.
We know that when you first arrive in the Netherlands, you are often overwhelmed by the amount of paperwork you have to deal with. Registration, a BSN number, a bank account, and to top it off, a VCA certificate are required just to start working. You start searching on social media and come across various ads:
- “VCA without an exam.”
- “VCA without leaving home.”
- “100% legal right away.”
- “VOL in Polish.”
- “VCA without passing.”
- “VCA exam online.”
- “VOL exam in Polish.”
- “Dutch certificates online.”
- “All certificates — fast.”
With so many options, you are faced with a dilemma: What should you choose?
The VCA is not “just a piece of paper” that allows you to work. Although it is similar to the Polish Occupational Safety and Health Administration, there are significant differences that you will learn about during the course. In addition to learning how to work safely, you will learn about the Labor Code, the Working Hours Act, and related laws. It’s not just platitudes like “wear a helmet,” but rather a collection of your rights and responsibilities, as well as how to handle various situations in the workplace in the Netherlands. When an accident happens, the first thing an inspector will ask about is the VCA. This certificate proves that you have the right knowledge about safe work and understand labor law and your and your employer’s responsibilities. This knowledge is supported by the certificate.
Don’t underestimate its importance because the Dutch place a high value on the legality of VCA documents. A good employer wants informed, safe workers so that, in the event of an accident, it can clearly determine who is at fault. Without VCA knowledge and only a “paper,” you can expose yourself to serious consequences if something happens to you.
Of course, we don’t assume that any of you want to “get” a “VCA without passing an exam.” Many of you want to legally obtain the license. Before deciding whether to buy a “left VCA,” learn some simple ways to distinguish a legitimate center from swindlers. Learn how scammers extract money from you.
The VCA system is a private system owned by the SSVV.
The Stichting Samenwerken Voor Veiligheid (SSVV) sets the rules, conditions, and training program that trainees must follow before taking the exam. This means that diplomas and cards certifying your credentials must be issued in accordance with these rules. The SSVV authorizes training centers to conduct training and issue diplomas.
How do scammers work? They tell potential victims that joining the SSVV is optional and that anyone can issue a VCA diploma. They can’t. It’s simply forgery. Would you want someone using a forged ID to take credit in your name? Just because using your proof is “voluntary and optional” in someone else’s opinion?
The VCA system is a Dutch system.
Belgium has a similar system called VCA as well. Under reciprocal agreements, employers can accept other diplomas, such as the Belgian VCA, the French MASE, or the German or Austrian SCC, but only under certain conditions. We discuss these conditions in a separate article on our website. To be clear: We do not intend to discredit the SCC system. If you have completed SCC-017 or SCC-018 training and passed the normal exam at an authorized center, that is absolutely fine. However, we want to point out that fake SCC diplomas are most often offered online.
How do the scammers work? They claim that the SCC is the same as the VCA. It’s like telling people that the Netherlands and Poland are the same country. Of course, safety is paramount, but each country has its own labor code and local regulations. Therefore, you can’t say “Polish VCA” or “German VCA.” Similarly, you can’t say “Dutch Occupational Health and Safety.” Remember, the SCC is a German system. It is not a VCA.
VCA exams cannot be taken remotely.
The VCA system’s rules clearly state, “The exam must be taken in the presence of an examiner.” Furthermore, “a training center cannot be an examination center at the same time.” According to the system, the school provides the training, and the examiner conducts the exam. In other words, If you have the necessary knowledge for the training, regardless of which exam you want to take, you don’t have to be present. However, you must take the VCA exam in the presence of an examiner.
How do scammers work? They say, “Ladies, how can you not?” and then tell you that they will send a link where you can take the exam. Of course, they claim that it is legal and that your name will be entered into the database. As a result, you get neither the link nor the money. Ask which center conducts exams at this school. You can find a list of authorized testing centers at this link.
The VOL VCA exam cannot be taken in Polish.
Don’t be fooled into thinking that you can take the VOL exam in Polish. This issue is raised periodically, especially against sole proprietors. Employers are “pushing” to create a VOL. These authorizations are intended for directors and experienced individuals working without supervision. The exam can only be taken in Dutch, English, German, or French. The reason it is only offered in these languages is very simple. These are the languages that Dutch people speak most often, and they want to communicate with supervisors (foremen, supervisors, managers) in the languages they know.
The question for self-employed people (ZZP) is, why do employers “push” to make a VOL if it cannot be taken in Polish? Because employers always have the right to tighten occupational safety requirements. At our center, the VOL VCA course is a two-day course on Saturday and Sunday. If a group wants to take the exam in one language, we teach the course in that language. If there is a mixed group that wants to take the exams in different languages, the lecture is conducted in Polish, but we translate the glossary and sample tests into the language of your choice for the exam.
How do scammers work? They tell potential clients that they can pass the VOL-VCA exam in Polish. You can’t. You can pass the German SCC exam in Polish, but that is not the VCA VOL exam.
There is only one database for Dutch VCA diplomas.
Enter your diploma number in the Central Diploma Database at this link: https://cdr.ssvv.nl/. If your data is not there, then you have likely been scammed.
How do scammers work? They tell people that they will receive an entry in the database and their card right away — all they have to do is pay. They don’t specify which database, nor do they mention the timeframe. After passing the exam, an entry in the CDR SSVV database usually appears on the first business day after the exam date.
Currently, there is one valid model VCA Diploma.
The VCA Diploma is issued by the center conducting the exam on behalf of the SSVV. In our case, Examenbureau Rotterdam BV, it looks like the posted picture and must contain the described elements. The diploma is bilingual. This diploma design has been valid since 2020. The diploma template from before 2020 is also attached for reference. If the diploma you received does not resemble the current model, it is not a VCA diploma.
How do scammers work? They issue diplomas in various forms without bothering to make them look like real diplomas. Often, it is a worthless piece of paper. Ask them to send you a sample diploma. If it differs significantly from the attached example, it is not VCA.
The card is not a diploma.
In accordance with the recommendations for the Protection of Personal Data (GPRD/RODO), only data that does not allow you to be identified may be included on the card, which is an addition to the diploma. This includes the first letters of your first and last names, your date of birth, your diploma number, the name of the center that conducted the exam, and the expiration date of the document. While each training center may issue its own cards, it must do so in accordance with the principle of one card per entitlement. One card cannot have the following notation: SCC-017/SCC-018/VCA-Basic/VCA-VOL, etc.
How do scammers work? They sell customers diplomas and cards with their picture on them. Theoretically, this lends credibility to the credentials. However, this is against Dutch data protection regulations. Ask for a sample card, and find out if you will receive a card with a photo. If so, it’s not a VCA card. Also, the card lists all the authorizations, including SCC and VCA, among others.
Entry in the database is mandatory.
By taking the VCA exam, you agree to have your data placed in the VCA diploma database. If you do not agree to this, then you cannot take the VCA exam. These are the rules set by the owner of the VCA system, and these are the rules that apply.
How do scammers work? They tell customers that their data won’t be in the database because of GPRD or RODO — as if you have a choice. You don’t have a choice. If you don’t agree to have your data in the database, then you can’t take the VCA exam. In other words, if your data isn’t in the database, you don’t have a VCA. Ask the bidder, “Will my diploma be in the Cedeer?” Any legitimate center knows the answer.
The magic of a 100% pass rate!
No training center can guarantee that you will pass. Your success depends mainly on your ability to assimilate knowledge, though the training center plays a role as well. We will do our best to present as much knowledge as possible in the most digestible way. This will help you remember as much as possible. Our lecturers are highly knowledgeable and experienced individuals who can pass their knowledge on to students. Proof? If you don’t pass the first time, you can take the entire course again for free. You only cover the exam cost. This continues until you pass! At our center, the Basic VCA course is intensive and usually lasts seven to eight hours. Of course, there are days when everyone passes, but the truth is that the average pass rate on the first attempt is 92%. For comparison, the Dutch average is 77%.
How do the scammers work? They tell customers that everyone always passes, but that’s not possible; someone could slip up.
Now you know how to tell if you’re being scammed. Remember, Dutch employers can quickly verify the legitimacy of a VCA document. All they need is a scan of the QR code with your phone or completion of a competency test before starting work. Therefore, don’t throw your money away. It’s cheaper to enroll in a Basic VCA or VOL VCA course at a certified center, receive training, and obtain a credential valid for 10 years. It’s really not difficult.
