The BKO is a mark of quality used by all Dutch universities. It functions as a reliable frame of reference with respect to your didactic skills. The BKO track consists of a series of modules, allowing lecturers to assess and develop all facets of teaching. At the end of the track, you are awarded a BKO certificate. Once you have completed the BKO certification, you are qualified for all Dutch universities. 

Do I need a BKO?

If you have an appointment for 0.5 FTE or more as lecturer, university lecturer (UD), senior university lecturer (UHD) or professor for one year or longer, you are required to be in possession of a BKO. If you were recently appointed and are not yet in possession of a BKO, you have two years to complete the BKO track. Without BKO you cannot be appointed on a permanent contract or promoted to a higher position. 

Where can I complete the BKO track?

You can obtain the Basic Qualification in Education at Leiden University. If you have already obtained a BKO certificate from another Dutch university, this will be accepted and you will not need to repeat the BKO track.

Can I teach without a BKO?

If you do not need a BKO and are still required to teach, you are expected to improve your didactic skills. You may begin for instance by following the Starter’s Course in Basic Didactic Skills offered by LLInC. Some faculties have also developed their own courses. For more information, please contact your institute manager. 

What does the BKO track look like? 

The BKO track begins with a meeting with your faculty’s BKO contact person. This person will conduct an intake interview with you on behalf of the faculty assessment committee and explain the steps you need to take to obtain your BKO. As a rule, this involves taking a number of compulsory BKO courses and compiling a portfolio, including relevant appendices.

You have two years to compile your portfolio and obtain your BKO. Once your portfolio is complete, the committee will assess it. If you meet the requirements, you will receive your BKO certificate, signed by the dean of your faculty and the rector magnificus.

BKO portfolio

To obtain a BKO certificate, you have to create a portfolio of evidence that you meet the BKO learning outcomes. This portfolio should give the assessment committee a clear idea of your qualities.

Your portfolio consists of your Teaching CV and reflection reports on the five competences against which you are assessed (Teaching in practice, Testing and Assessment, Educational Design, Organisation of Education and Management, and Reflection). The portfolio also includes a declaration of original work, in which you confirm that your portfolio consists of your own, unique work. To support your reflection reports, you must include supporting documents in your portfolio, such as student evaluations and observation reports. You must also include, where applicable, the Basic English Language Proficiency Certificate (BKE) from the Academic Language Centre.

You must compile your portfolio using the ‘BKO portfolio format’ document. Always use the document ‘Guidelines for writing your portfolio’ when writing your portfolio. This includes instructions on the topics to be covered and an overview of the compulsory and optional attachments you must submit with your portfolio.

Please note: your faculty may have different requirements for the portfolio. Your BKO contact person will be happy to provide you with further information.

What if I teach in English?

If you teach in English you are also required to complete an English Language Proficiency Qualification (Basiskwalificatie Taalvaardigheid Engels, BKE). The required level of English proficiency is C-1. The track consists of a test. If applicable, you will be awarded a separate BKE certificate, which you can include in your BKO portfolio. You can complete the BKE at the Academic Language Centre. 

Support from Leiden University 

Do you have any questions? Your faculty’s BKO contact person can tell you more about the programme during the intake interview and put you in touch with a personal mentor. You can also find plenty of information in the Frequently Asked Questions about the BKO.