Types of training programmes and levels in mbo

Secondary vocational education has five types of education programmes on four different levels:

• level 1: assistant training programme with a duration of six to twelve months. This is the lowest level giving access to the basic vocational training programme in mbo;
• level 2: basic vocational training programme with a duration of two to three years. This level gives access to the vocational training programme in mbo;
• level 3: vocational training programme with a duration of two to four years. This level gives access to the middle management and specialist training programmes in mbo;
• level 4a: middle management training programme with a duration of three to four years. This highest level gives access to higher vocational education (hbo);
• level 4b: specialist training programmes with a duration of one to two years. This highest level occasionally gives access to hbo.