One of the questions we often get at Dutch for Kids is:

“Will my child receive a report or certificate?”

It’s a very logical question. Especially if you are living abroad as an expat family and might return to the Netherlands one day, or if you want to properly prepare your child for a Dutch primary school, secondary school, or even studying in the Netherlands later on.

In this blog, I will explain exactly how this works at Dutch for Kids and what your child will receive.

Does my child receive a diploma at Dutch for Kids?

All children who follow lessons with us receive an official Dutch for Kids report and diploma twice a year.

This report is extremely valuable because it gives a clear overview of your child’s progress and can also be used as supporting documentation when applying to schools in the Netherlands.

Two testing moments per year: January and June

At Dutch for Kids, we believe it’s important that children don’t just “follow lessons,” but that they can also clearly see how much they are improving.

It is also motivating for children to have goals to work towards.

That’s why we work with two fixed testing moments each year:

• January
•  June

During these periods, children are invited to participate in a test. This gives us a clear picture of:

• your child’s language development
• their level in spelling, grammar, and reading comprehension
• their progress compared to earlier periods

And just as important: it helps children feel proud and motivated.

What kind of test do you use?

We use tests that are based on the learning goals of older Cito tests.

The newest Cito tests are not allowed to be distributed outside Dutch schools. That is why we work with the learning objectives and structure of test material from previous years.

These tests fit very well with the Dutch education system and give a reliable indication of your child’s level.

So it is not “just a random test,”
but a test that closely resembles what children in the Netherlands would take as well.

How do you know if your child is at the right level?

Because our tests are based on the Dutch school system, we can compare your child’s results with children of the same age in the Netherlands.

For many parents, this gives a lot of peace of mind.

Because when your child grows up abroad, it can sometimes be difficult to know:

• Is my child falling behind?
• Is my child ahead?
• Is my child’s level good enough for a return to the Netherlands?

These testing moments help answer those questions in a clear and structured way.

What if my child is older but works at a lower level?

This is a question I hear very often from parents:

“My child is already 14, but their Dutch level is closer to Grade 5. Wouldn’t it hurt their confidence to test them at Grade 8?”

And I completely agree.

At Dutch for Kids, we always test children at the level they are currently working on in their lessons.

So:

If your child is working with Grade 5 materials, we test them at Grade 5 level.
Even if your child is older.

Why?

Because what matters most is that your child:

• experiences success
• sees progress
• builds confidence

Instead of taking a test that is simply too difficult.

The best part: You see growth clearly on paper

What parents often find most special is that the progress becomes visible in a very concrete way.

Children achieve good results, see themselves improving, and can think:

“Wow… I can actually do this!”

And that is exactly what you want when it comes to language development.

What does your child receive exactly?

All children who participate in the test receive a Dutch for Kids report afterwards.

This happens twice a year.

The report clearly includes:

• the level (for example Grade 5 or Grade 7)
• test results combined with how your child performs during lessons
• an overview of skills
• a clear evaluation of progress

This gives you, as a parent, a professional document that shows what your child has achieved and mastered.

Helpful when returning to the Netherlands

One of the biggest advantages of these reports is that you can save them and use them if you ever move back to the Netherlands.

📌 You can simply send these reports to a Dutch school.

For example when:

• your child enters a primary school in the Netherlands
• your child starts secondary school
• your child later applies for a Dutch education program

For many parents, this feels reassuring because you have something tangible that supports your child’s Dutch language development.

From what age do children take tests?

Not all children are tested right away.

We start offering testing moments from Grade 3 onwards.

In Grades 1 and 2, the focus is mainly on playful learning, speaking, listening, and vocabulary building.

From Grade 3, reading and writing become more important, and testing becomes much more relevant.

So even if your child is still young, it is good to know that this system is ready for them later on.

Up to what level can children receive reports?

Children at Dutch for Kids can progress all the way up to:

Pre-university level (6 VWO)

As long as they continue following lessons with us, they can keep participating in the testing moments and build up a complete record of their progress.

This means you can eventually have a full folder containing:

• progress reports over the years
• proof of consistent Dutch education
• results you can show to schools or official institutions

Why is this so important to us?

At Dutch for Kids, it’s not just about “keeping up a little bit of Dutch.”

We want children to:

• truly keep developing their Dutch language skills (each at their own level)
• maintain their identity and connection with the Netherlands
• return to the Dutch school system without stress
• feel proud of their own achievements

And a report helps enormously with that.

Because it makes progress visible. For you and for your child.

Does every child automatically participate in the test?

No, definitely not.

At Dutch for Kids, we believe tests should never become stressful moments. They should build confidence, not pressure.

That is why participating in the test is always discussed together.

Some children may have just started Dutch lessons and first need time to get used to:

• the lesson routine
• the Dutch language
• the level and type of assignments

In that case, it may simply be too soon to take a test.

There are also children who prefer to follow lessons for a longer period first before participating. And that is completely fine.

We always look together at what is best for your child. Once a child feels ready and confident, they can join the testing moment in January or June.

Conclusion: a valuable diploma and report

So, to answer the question clearly:

✅ Your child receives a Dutch for Kids diploma and report twice a year
✅ based on reliable learning goals from older Cito tests
✅ adapted to the level your child is currently working on
✅ extremely valuable to send to schools in the Netherlands

For most parents, this is exactly what they are looking for: clarity, proof of progress, and a child who feels proud of their development.

Would you like your child to seriously develop their Dutch?

At Dutch for Kids, we offer personal online lessons that connect with your child’s world and interests, so learning Dutch stays fun while also delivering real results.

Would you like to know which level fits your child best?
Feel free to book a trial lesson.