How to get dyslexia certificate in Netherlands

To obtain a dyslexia certificate (dyslexieverklaring) in the Netherlands, you need assessment by a certified psychologist or educational specialist (orthopedagoog). For severe dyslexia, Dutch health insurance often covers the costs. An official certificate is essential for adapted exams and extra support at school under Dutch law.

Let MijnRecht.AI analyse your situation for free

Analyse my situation

The short answer

You get a dyslexia certificate (dyslexieverklaring) through diagnostic assessment by a certified psychologist, educational specialist (orthopedagoog), or registered psychologist (GZ-psycholoog) in the Netherlands. The assessment involves various tests to identify reading and spelling difficulties. Costs range from €400 to €800, but Dutch health insurance often covers severe dyslexia cases. With an official certificate, your child is entitled to extra time during exams and adapted support. The certificate remains valid throughout their school career.

What does Dutch law say?

The Dutch Equal Treatment Act on grounds of disability and chronic illness (Wet gelijke behandeling op grond van handicap en chronische ziekte) ensures schools must provide appropriate education for children with dyslexia. Schools are legally obligated under Dutch law to make reasonable adjustments for students with a dyslexia certificate. This means extra time during tests, use of aids, and adapted support. The Dutch Youth Act (Jeugdwet) stipulates that municipalities must provide support for children with learning and development problems. Health insurers are required to cover diagnostics when there's a medical indication.

1Equal Treatment Act: schools must make reasonable adjustments

2Appropriate education: right to adapted support and aids

3Youth Act: municipal support for learning and development problems

What should you watch out for?

Ensure the diagnostician is certified and experienced with dyslexia in children in the Netherlands. A good certificate contains concrete recommendations for school and exams. Make sure all aspects are examined: technical reading, reading comprehension, and spelling. Check beforehand with your Dutch health insurer which costs are covered and what conditions apply.

1Choose a certified psychologist or educational specialist with dyslexia experience

2Request a comprehensive certificate with concrete school recommendations

3Check coverage with Dutch health insurer beforehand

4Ensure recent certificate (not older than 4 years for exams)

Practical example

Lisa (12 years old) has difficulty with reading and spelling at secondary school in the Netherlands. Her parents have her tested by a certified educational specialist. The assessment shows Lisa has severe dyslexia. With the official certificate, she receives 30% extra time during tests, may use a laptop, and gets special dyslexia support. The €650 costs are fully covered by Dutch health insurance because it's severe dyslexia.

What can you do?

Follow these steps to get a dyslexia certificate for your child in the Netherlands.

1Discuss the problems with school and ask for a referral

2Find a certified psychologist or educational specialist and check coverage

3Schedule the assessment and ensure your child is rested and relaxed

Conclusion

You obtain a dyslexia certificate through a certified professional in the Netherlands, which gives your child the right to adapted support and exam facilities. Costs are often covered by Dutch health insurance for severe dyslexia cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

From what age can my child be tested for dyslexia in the Netherlands?

How long does the dyslexia assessment take in the Netherlands?

What if the school doesn't accept the dyslexia certificate?

Does every Dutch health insurer cover dyslexia assessment costs?

How long is a dyslexia certificate valid in the Netherlands?

Free analysis

Have a legal question?

Let AI analyse your situation and discover your rights and options instantly.