Is it possible to pass the VOL VCA in Polish?
In light of the frequent questions about the VOL VCA exam and the possibility of taking it in Polish, We would like to inform you that the VCA VOL exam is not available in Polish. It will probably never be possible to take the exam in Polish. That would only be possible if the Dutch started speaking Polish. In the Netherlands, the Basic VCA and VOL VCA diplomas are valid for occupational safety. The German SCC-017 and SCC-018 diplomas are not officially recognized in the Netherlands.
We will explain again who the VOL VCA and SCC-017 courses are intended for. The SCC-017 courses are the German equivalent of the Dutch VOL VCA. These courses are intended for personnel managers, supervisors, and foremen. If you hire employees, you must have a VOL-VCA diploma. Unfortunately, sole proprietorships (ZZP) often need VOL VCA certification because employers require it. This is due to the following interpretation: A sole proprietorship means that you are simultaneously an employee, driver, procurement agent, and manager. As a self-manager, you must have VOL VCA eligibility. However, not all employers require VOL VCA credentials from ZZP companies, as they understand that you are first and foremost an employee.
Why is VOL VCA only available in Dutch, English, and German?
Imagine you are an investor who hires contractors to build a beautiful estate or fancy office building. The investor wants the work to be completed safely, professionally, and on time. Construction is a hive of activity with a lot going on and changing constantly, often minute by minute. There is a lot of information to communicate to the crew throughout the process. Additionally, job safety training is often performed on the construction site. This training occurs, for example, when new machinery or materials are introduced to the site or as a reminder of safety regulations. In what language should this information be conveyed? In what language should these trainings be conducted? The investor wants to be able to communicate with managers in a language they know.
Unfortunately, we Poles often have a hard time communicating in a language other than Polish. Dutch investors want foremen with whom they can communicate. This is all about safety issues.
If I can’t pass the VOL VCA exam in Polish, then I’ll take the SCC exam!
We have seen on more than one occasion that owners of German SCC qualifications come to us for courses because they need Dutch qualifications. His employer did not recognize the SCC diploma. And rightly so! I am setting aside the question of whether these authorizations were obtained legally. That will be discussed further on.
So, we explain. Dutch employers should only recognize your SCC qualification in one of two cases.
- You are registered in Germany, have a registered business there, and are accredited to work in the Netherlands; or
- You work for a German company in the Netherlands that is accredited to provide services in the Netherlands.
If you do not meet either of these conditions, your SCC diploma can only be used in Germany. If you are registered and working in the Netherlands, your employer should not recognize your SCC diploma. Of course, employers sometimes turn a blind eye and allow you to work with an SCC diploma, but be aware that you are actually breaking the law. Ask yourself if it’s worth the risk.
Again, this is not discrimination. It’s protecting the labor market. It’s taking care of employees and obeying the law. The Dutch assume that if you are registered and working in the Netherlands, you should work according to Dutch law and have Dutch rights. There are many differences between Polish, German, and Dutch labor laws — too many to ignore. And no wonder—it’s their country; they dictate the terms.
What about this SCC?
Don’t believe that SCC credentials can be purchased online. I don’t want to point fingers, but there are many companies on the web, especially on Facebook, offering SCC diplomas with a supposed database entry, a plastic card, and a diploma. You can check any company selling such documents at DAKKS. If a company is not accredited by DAKKS, then it cannot organize training or exams and certainly cannot “trade” such documents. That’s illegal. These “companies” don’t care about your safety; they care about making as much money as possible from you. In fact, for nothing. You are the ones who will put your life and health at risk, and you are the ones who will suffer the consequences if the scam is exposed. Consequences could range from a bitter conversation with your employer to losing your job and unpleasant contact with the police.
Keep in mind that to earn a VCA or SCC diploma, you must demonstrate your knowledge. You must demonstrate that knowledge by passing an exam. Your knowledge can be verified on the first day before entering the workplace by asking a few questions. That’s what competency tests and the companies that administer them are for. I’ll mention two: TÜV Nord and Spectrum Benelux. This is not uncommon in the Netherlands. Almost every large workplace is connected to a system for checking competencies and authorizations. You must take a test before being allowed to work. Such a test takes less than an hour and, like a litmus test, shows whether you are knowledgeable or a fraud. They will also verify the legitimacy of your credentials.
Finally, some advice from the VCA Academy!
Come to the VCA course! It’s not hard! It’s affordable! Gain knowledge, pass the exam, and obtain legal documents. VCA credentials are valid for 10 years. They cost just 0.06 euros (six cents) per day. You can deduct the cost of the training from your taxes or bill your company for it. We issue a Dutch invoice to every trainee.
Don’t understand the language? Can’t pass the VOL VCA? Take the Basic VCA course — that’s something! You’ll show your employer that you’re willing to make an effort and that you care about the job. You can take the VOL VCA exam once you understand the language. The exam itself costs €0.02 (two cents) per day.
