Paragraph 5 of the new version of the Code of Conduct 2024 provides for the introduction of the Standard for Language Tests in the language overview of the Code of Conduct for Higher Education. With the introduction of this standard, the table containing language tests is removed from the body of the text of the Code of Conduct and instead included in a Language Test Appendix to the Code of Conduct. All of this required an amendment to the Code of Conduct. All three umbrella organizations and the National Commission have agreed to the proposal Code of Conduct 2024. This means the new version of the Code of Conduct, including the new standard, process description and language table came into force by the first of January 2024. From now on, it is possible to process applications from language test providers according to the Language Tests Standard Code of Conduct HE 2024.
In the documents below you can find all the necessary information:
- Code of Conduct HE 2024
- Language Test Appendix to the Code of Conduct October 2024
- Language Tests Standard Code of Conduct HE 2024
- Process description assessment of language tests 2024
- Step-by-step application procedure inclusion Language Test appendix to the Code of Conduct HE
- Application form language test appendix to the CoC HE
Please read the documents carefully, especially the step-by-step application procedure gives a clear overview of the procedure.
In case of differences in interpretation between the English and Dutch versions of the above documents, the original Dutch version shall prevail.
February 2025 – new post
Adjustment procedure language table
A new version of the Code of Conduct International Student Higher Education came into force by the first of January 2024. As of that date, the language table has been removed from the text of the Code of Conduct and placed in an ‘Appendix Language Tests Code of Conduct’. In addition, the new version of the Code of Conduct provides for a procedure which makes it possible for language tests from different test providers to be added to the language table. Language test providers can apply each year during the period from October 1 to April 1.
Part of the procedure is a quality assessment based on the Language Test Standard by a validating authority. Hobéon has been appointed as preferred supplier. Also included in the standard is the possibility that a language test provider could propose another validating authority. This validating authority would then be submitted to the Language Test Assessment Committtee for review. This committee would assess whether the nominated authority meets the conditions as laid down in the standard and process description.
However, the committee does not feel adequately equipped to properly carry out the said task. Therefor the possibility of nominating another authority is for now precluded. It was decided to present the language test providers that would have liked to follow this route with two options: either choose Hobéon as validating authority after all, or wait until the outcome of the evaluation of the standard and process description to see what alternative routes are then available. In principle, the evaluation will take place five years from the time the standard came into force.
All concerned regret the situation. We apologize and ask for your understanding for the circumstances. Through our website, newsletter and e-mails, we will keep you informed of developments and timely updates to the language table. Should this message raise any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Code of Conduct office.