Exam Format
- Duration: 45-60 minutes
- Format: Computer-based
- Components: Multiple sections about work and employment
- Pass score: 6 out of 10 points (60%)
- Note: This is a separate exam from the main 5 language exams + KNM
What is ONA?
ONA (Oriëntatie op de Nederlandse Arbeidsmarkt) = Orientation on the Dutch Labour Market
Purpose: To prepare you for finding and keeping work in the Netherlands. It focuses on:
- Understanding the Dutch job market
- Job search strategies
- Your rights and responsibilities as an employee
- Workplace culture and expectations
- How to develop your career
Exam Structure
The ONA exam typically includes:
- Job search knowledge – How to find jobs, write CVs, prepare for interviews
- Workplace rights – Employment contracts, rights, obligations
- Workplace culture – Dutch work norms and communication
- Career development – Training, education, advancement
- Video scenarios – Workplace situations and appropriate responses
Topic 1: Finding a Job (Werk zoeken)
Job Search Methods
1. Online Job Boards
- Werk.nl – Official government job site (register here!)
- Indeed.nl
- Monsterboard.nl
- Nationale Vacaturebank
- Company websites (directly)
2. UWV Services
- Job matching
- Career advice
- Training opportunities
- Workshops (CV writing, interview skills)
3. Recruitment Agencies (Uitzendbureaus)
- Temporary work placement
- Can lead to permanent positions
- Examples: Tempo-Team, Randstad, Unique
4. Networking (Netwerken)
- Very important in Netherlands!
- Ask friends, family, neighbors
- Join professional groups
- Attend meetups and events
Job Application Documents
1. CV (Curriculum Vitae) Dutch CV format:
- Persoonlijke gegevens = Personal information (name, contact, date of birth)
- Opleiding = Education (most recent first)
- Werkervaring = Work experience (most recent first)
- Vaardigheden = Skills (languages, computer skills)
- Hobby’s/Interesses = Hobbies/interests
Tips:
- Keep it to 2 pages maximum
- Use clear, professional format
- No photo necessary (optional)
- Include language skills (important!)
- Tailor to each job
2. Motivatiebrief (Cover Letter)
- Explain why you want the job
- Highlight relevant experience
- Show you know about the company
- Maximum 1 page
- Address to specific person if possible
3. References (Referenties)
- From previous employers
- Contact details provided
- Ask permission first
The Job Interview (Sollicitatiegesprek)
Preparation:
- Research the company
- Prepare questions
- Know your CV well
- Dress professionally
- Arrive 5-10 minutes early
Common Questions:
- “Vertel iets over jezelf” (Tell us about yourself)
- “Waarom wil je bij ons werken?” (Why do you want to work here?)
- “Wat zijn je sterke en zwakke punten?” (What are your strengths and weaknesses?)
- “Waar zie je jezelf over 5 jaar?” (Where do you see yourself in 5 years?)
- “Waarom moeten wij jou aannemen?” (Why should we hire you?)
Dutch Interview Culture:
- Be honest and direct
- Make eye contact
- Firm handshake
- It’s okay to ask about salary
- Ask questions too!
Topic 2: Employment Contracts & Rights (Arbeidscontracten en Rechten)
Types of Employment Contracts
1. Vast Contract (Permanent Contract)
- Indefinite duration
- More job security
- Notice period required for termination
- Usually after 2-3 temporary contracts
2. Tijdelijk Contract (Temporary/Fixed-term Contract)
- Set end date
- Can be renewed max 3 times
- Maximum total duration 3 years
- After that: must offer permanent or end employment
3. Nul-urencontract (Zero-hours Contract)
- No guaranteed hours
- Called when needed
- Flexible but less security
- Still have certain rights
4. Oproepcontract (On-call Contract)
- Similar to zero-hours
- Work when called
- Usually short-term
5. Uitzendcontract (Temporary Agency Contract)
- Employed by agency (uitzendbureau)
- Work at different companies
- Agency pays your salary
- Can become permanent
Contract Contents (Arbeidsovereenkomst)
Must Include:
- Names of employer and employee
- Job title and description
- Start date
- Salary (bruto – gross)
- Working hours per week
- Holiday entitlement
- Notice period (opzegtermijn)
- Probation period if applicable
Always:
- Read carefully before signing
- Ask questions if unclear
- Keep a copy
- Check if matches the job offer
Salary & Payment
1. Salary Terms
- Brutoloon = Gross salary (before taxes)
- Nettoloon = Net salary (after taxes – what you receive)
- Uurloon = Hourly wage
- Maandloon = Monthly salary
2. Minimum Wage (Minimumloon)
- Legal minimum (changes each January and July)
- Age-dependent:
- 21+ years: full minimum wage (~€2,200 gross/month in 2026)
- 20 years: 80% of minimum
- 19 years: 60%
- 18 years: 50%
- 17 years: 42.5%
- 16 years: 36.25%
- 15 years: 30%
3. Loonstrook (Payslip) Shows:
- Gross salary
- Tax deductions (loonheffing)
- Social security contributions
- Net salary
- Holiday allowance
- Pension contributions
4. Vakantiegeld (Holiday Allowance)
- 8% of annual gross salary
- Paid in May (sometimes June)
- Extra money for summer holidays
- Legal requirement
Working Hours & Breaks
1. Maximum Working Hours
- 12 hours per day maximum
- 60 hours per week maximum
- Average 48 hours per week over 4 months
2. Minimum Rest Periods
- 11 hours between shifts
- 36 hours continuous rest per week (usually weekend)
3. Breaks (Pauzes)
- 30 minutes break required after 5.5 hours work
- 45 minutes break required after 10 hours work
- Breaks usually unpaid
Annual Leave (Vakantie)
Legal Minimum:
- 4 times your weekly working hours per year
- Full-time (40 hours/week) = minimum 20 days (4 weeks)
- Part-time (20 hours/week) = minimum 10 days
Building Up Days:
- Usually build up vacation days each month
- Can sometimes carry over to next year
- Check company policy
Taking Vacation:
- Request in advance
- Employer must approve
- Plan around busy periods
- Cannot be forced to take all at once
Sick Leave (Ziekteverlof)
Your Rights:
- Report illness to employer immediately (same day, morning)
- Cannot be fired for being sick (first 2 years)
- Employer must pay minimum 70% of salary (many pay 100%)
- Company doctor (bedrijfsarts) may check you
- Can be called for health assessment
Your Obligations:
- Follow recovery plan
- Available for company doctor visits
- Inform employer about recovery progress
- Cannot travel abroad without permission when sick
Long-term Illness:
- After 2 years sick: WIA evaluation (disability benefit)
- Employer must help you return to work
- May offer adjusted duties
Dismissal (Ontslag)
Ways Employment Can End:
- By mutual agreement (both agree)
- End of temporary contract (automatic)
- Employee resignation (ontslag nemen)
- Employer dismissal (ontslag geven)
Employer Dismissal Requirements:
- Usually needs UWV permission OR
- Court approval OR
- Mutual agreement with severance pay
Notice Period (Opzegtermijn):
- Depends on length of employment:
- 0-5 years: 1 month
- 5-10 years: 2 months
- 10-15 years: 3 months
- 15+ years: 4 months
- Employee notice: usually 1 month
Immediate Dismissal (Ontslag op staande voet):
- Only for serious misconduct
- Examples: theft, violence, fraud, serious insubordination
- No notice period, no severance pay
- Employee can challenge in court
Unemployment Benefits (WW-uitkering)
When You Lose Your Job:
- Register immediately with UWV
- Apply for WW benefit within 1 week
- Register as job seeker on Werk.nl
WW Conditions:
- Lost job through no fault of own
- Worked minimum 26 weeks in last 36 weeks
- Available for work
- Actively job searching
WW Duration:
- Based on work history
- Maximum 24 months
- Amount: 75% of last salary (first 2 months), then 70%
Topic 3: Workplace Culture & Behavior (Werkcultuur en Gedrag)
Dutch Workplace Values
1. Directness (Directheid)
- Direct communication valued
- Saying “no” is normal
- Give honest opinions
- Criticism is constructive, not personal
- Ask questions if unclear
2. Equality (Gelijkwaardigheid)
- Flat hierarchy
- Everyone’s opinion matters
- Bosses often called by first name
- Open-door policy common
3. Planning & Structure (Planning en Structuur)
- Work with agendas and schedules
- Plan meetings in advance
- Be on time for meetings
- Deadlines are important
4. Work-Life Balance (Werk-privé balans)
- Working overtime not always expected
- Part-time work very common (even for men)
- Leave work at reasonable time
- Family time valued
5. Efficiency (Efficiëntie)
- Meetings have clear agenda
- Get to the point
- Value productivity
- Meetings should have results
Communication at Work
1. Meetings (Vergaderingen)
- Start and end on time
- Everyone can share opinion
- Agenda followed
- Minutes taken (notulen)
- Action points assigned
2. Email Etiquette
- Professional tone
- Clear subject line
- CC relevant people
- Respond within reasonable time (1-2 days)
- Use proper greeting and closing
3. Phone Calls
- Answer with name and greeting: “Goedemorgen, met [name]”
- Be clear and concise
- Follow up with email if needed
4. Giving Feedback
- Direct but respectful
- Focus on behavior, not person
- Offer solutions
- Regular performance reviews (functioneringsgesprekken)
Professional Behavior
Do’s: ✓ Be punctual
✓ Keep commitments
✓ Ask questions when unsure
✓ Participate in team activities
✓ Take initiative
✓ Dress appropriately (depends on workplace)
✓ Respect personal space
✓ Clean up after yourself (kitchen, desk)
Don’ts: ✗ Come late without notice
✗ Use phone excessively for personal calls
✗ Gossip about colleagues
✗ Take credit for others’ work
✗ Ignore safety rules
✗ Discriminate or harass
✗ Misuse sick leave
Diversity & Discrimination
Protected by Law:
- Cannot discriminate based on:
- Race, ethnicity
- Religion or beliefs
- Gender, sexual orientation
- Age
- Disability
- Political views
Sexual Harassment:
- Strictly forbidden
- Includes unwanted comments, touching, jokes
- Report to supervisor or HR
- Company must act on complaints
Workplace Diversity:
- Many nationalities and backgrounds
- Respect all colleagues
- Learn about Dutch workplace culture
- Share your perspective respectfully
Topic 4: Career Development (Loopbaanontwikkeling)
Continuing Education & Training
1. On-the-Job Training
- Company training programs
- Skill development courses
- Mandatory safety training
2. Professional Courses
- Evening classes
- Online courses
- Certification programs
- Language courses (often employer-supported)
3. Government Support
- STAP-budget – Government learning budget for individuals (€1,000/year)
- Use for courses, training, education
- Apply online through DUO
4. Education While Working
- BBL (work-study combination)
- Part-time study options
- Many employers support further education
Recognition of Foreign Qualifications
Diploma Recognition (Diplomawaardering):
- Through IDW (Internationaal Diploma Waardering)
- Get statement of your diploma level in Netherlands
- Costs around €75-125
- Apply at: www.idw.nl
- Takes 2-3 months
Professional Registration:
- Some professions require Dutch registration
- Examples: doctors, teachers, lawyers
- Check with professional organizations
Career Advancement
1. Performance Reviews (Functioneringsgesprekken)
- Usually annual or bi-annual
- Discuss performance
- Set goals
- Discuss salary, promotion
- Be prepared to advocate for yourself
2. Promotion Opportunities
- Often need to ask/apply
- Show initiative
- Take on extra responsibilities
- Network within company
- Keep learning new skills
3. Changing Jobs
- Common to change employers for advancement
- Average person changes jobs every 3-5 years
- Update CV regularly
- Keep professional network active
Topic 5: Important Work Institutions & Resources
UWV (Uitvoeringsinstituut Werknemersverzekeringen)
Services:
- Job matching and placement
- Career guidance
- Unemployment benefits (WW)
- Disability benefits (WIA)
- Job search workshops
- CV and interview training
When to Contact:
- Lost your job
- Looking for work
- Need career advice
- Cannot work due to disability
- Questions about benefits
Website: www.uwv.nl
Werk.nl
Official Government Job Site
- Search vacancies
- Register as job seeker
- Upload CV
- Get job alerts
- Access labor market information
Website: www.werk.nl
Bedrijfsarts (Occupational Health Physician)
Role:
- Assesses work ability when sick
- Advises employer and employee
- Helps with return to work
- Independent (not company’s direct employee)
When You See Them:
- Long-term sick leave
- Work-related health issues
- Disability assessment
- Workplace adjustments needed
Arbeidsinspectie (Labor Inspectorate)
Role:
- Enforces labor laws
- Inspects workplaces
- Investigates complaints
- Ensures safety standards
When to Contact:
- Unsafe working conditions
- Employer breaking labor laws
- Discrimination not resolved
- Unpaid wages
Website: www.arbeidsinspectie.nl
Trade Unions (Vakbonden)
What They Do:
- Protect workers’ rights
- Negotiate collective labor agreements (CAO)
- Provide legal support
- Offer advice on labor issues
Main Unions:
- FNV (largest)
- CNV
- VCP
Membership:
- Voluntary
- Costs €10-20/month
- Provides legal support and advice
CAO (Collectieve Arbeidsovereenkomst)
Collective Labor Agreement:
- Negotiated between employers and unions
- Sets standards for specific sectors
- Covers: salary scales, working hours, holidays, bonuses
- Many industries have specific CAO
- Check which CAO applies to your job
Topic 6: Work Safety (Arbeidsveiligheid)
Safety Regulations
Employer Obligations:
- Provide safe workplace
- Safety training
- Protective equipment (if needed)
- Risk assessment
- Emergency procedures
Employee Obligations:
- Follow safety rules
- Use protective equipment
- Report hazards
- Participate in safety training
Workplace Accidents
If Accident Happens:
- Get medical help if needed
- Report to supervisor immediately
- Fill out accident report
- Company must register serious accidents
- May need to report to Arbeidsinspectie
Rights:
- Employer liable for work accidents
- Medical costs covered
- Continue salary payment if can’t work
- No dismissal due to work accident
Exam Preparation Tips
1. Know Key Institutions
- UWV – unemployment, disability, job matching
- Werk.nl – job search, registration
- Arbeidsinspectie – labor law enforcement
- Bedrijfsarts – work ability assessment
- Vakbond – union, worker rights
2. Understand Contract Types
- Permanent vs temporary
- Rights with each type
- How to transition to permanent
3. Know Your Rights
- Minimum wage
- Maximum working hours
- Holiday entitlement
- Sick leave rights
- Dismissal protections
4. Workplace Culture
- Directness in communication
- Punctuality and planning
- Equality and flat hierarchy
- Work-life balance
5. Job Search Process
- How to write Dutch CV
- Where to find jobs
- Interview preparation
- Networking importance
Common Exam Scenarios
Scenario 1: “You haven’t been paid this month. What do you do?”
Answer: First discuss with employer. If not resolved, contact Arbeidsinspectie.
Scenario 2: “Your employer wants to fire you after 6 months. What are your rights?”
Answer: If probation period is over, employer needs UWV permission or court approval. You have right to notice period.
Scenario 3: “You’re sick and can’t work. What must you do?”
Answer: Call employer same morning before work starts. Follow company sick leave procedure.
Scenario 4: “You want to find a new job. Where do you start?”
Answer: Register on Werk.nl, update CV, check job boards, network, consider UWV services.
Scenario 5: “A colleague discriminates against you. What do you do?”
Answer: Report to supervisor or HR. If not resolved, contact Arbeidsinspectie or union.
Study Schedule
Week 1-2: Job search methods, CV writing, interview skills
Week 3-4: Employment contracts, rights, and obligations
Week 5-6: Workplace culture, safety, and institutions
Week 7-8: Practice scenarios and review
Key Vocabulary
Job Search
- solliciteren = to apply
- vacature = vacancy
- werkgever = employer
- werknemer = employee
- sollicitatiegesprek = job interview
- CV = resume
- motivatiebrief = cover letter
Employment
- arbeidscontract = employment contract
- proeftijd = probation period
- opzegtermijn = notice period
- brutoloon = gross salary
- nettoloon = net salary
- parttime = part-time
- fulltime = full-time
Rights & Benefits
- vakantiedagen = vacation days
- vakantiegeld = holiday allowance
- ziekteverlof = sick leave
- WW-uitkering = unemployment benefit
- pensioen = pension
Workplace
- collega = colleague
- baas/leidinggevende = boss/supervisor
- vergadering = meeting
- pauze = break
- overwerk = overtime
Practice Resources
Official: www.inburgeren.nl/examen-doen/oefenen.jsp
UWV: www.uwv.nl (labor market information)
Werk.nl: www.werk.nl (job search)
Remember: ONA tests your practical knowledge about working in the Netherlands. Focus on understanding your rights, knowing which institution to contact, and being familiar with Dutch workplace culture!
