Overview of the required knowledge level per subject
Testing for the various subjects takes place at pre-university level. For mathematics and history there are two levels. In the case of mathematics, the level for business administration/bedrijfskunde, international business administration and economics is higher than that of the other faculties; and for history, the level is higher for law studies, history and general cultural studies.
Dutch
Summarising an article from the NRC-Handelsblad or comparable daily, weekly or monthly newspaper and writing a brief response to the article.
It is not allowed to use a bilingual dictionary.
English
Write a summary of a text in acceptable English and write an essay , commenting on the text. It is not allowed to use a dictionary.
German
Translating into Dutch a simple prose text from the Süddeutsche Zeitung or comparable daily, weekly or monthly newspaper – as well as summarising a prose text in good Dutch.
It is not allowed to use a bilingual dictionary.
French
Translating into Dutch a simple prose text from Le Monde or comparable daily, weekly or monthly newspaper – as well as summarising a prose text in good Dutch.
It is not allowed to use a bilingual dictionary.
Mathematics, level 1
For a description of the examination topics click here.
For a reference to literature click here.
Graphic or programmable calculators are not allowed. Also note the other remarks on the list of examination topics.
Mathematics, level 2 (IBA)
For a description of the examination topics click here.
For a reference to literature click here.
The use of a so called “graphing calculator” or “programmable calculator” is permitted.
“Simple” scientific calculators are also allowed. List of permitted calculator.
Mathematics, level 2 (IBEB)
For a description of the examination topics click here.
For a reference to literature click here.
The use of a so called “graphing calculator” or “programmable calculator” is not permitted.
“Simple” scientific calculators are allowed.
Mathematics, level 3
Prospective students for Econometrics & Operational research with the Dutch VWO diploma and maths A1 + 2 but without maths B1 in their final examination, are obliged to pass an additional test B1 organised by Erasmus University Rotterdam.
Relevant study information is to be found in the following books:
Getal & Ruimte NT/NG 4, chapter 1 thru 5 and Getal & Ruimte NT/NG 5, chapter 1.
Graphic or programmable calculators are not allowed. Also note the other remarks on the list of examination topics.
History, level 1
Knowledge of general history of the 20th century and of actual events. Required reading: M. Kropman e.a., MeMo (3nd print) geschiedenis voor de tweede fase. Handboek VWO published by Malmberg, den Bosch, 2007-2008, ISBN: 978-90-345-3337-1. You can order the book in the bookshop. Chapters 9-13 must be studied (page 232 upto and including 390).
Exam: multiple-choice test.
History, level 2
for law programmes, general cultural studies and history.
Answering questions about general history of the 19th and 20th centuries and about actual events. Required reading: M. Kropman e.a. MeMo (3nd print) geschiedenis voor de tweede fase. Handboek VWO published by Malmberg, den Bosch, 2007-2008, ISBN: 978-90-345-3337-1. You can order the book in the bookshop. Chapters 8-13 must be studied (page 204 upto and including 390).
Exam: essay-questions.
Economics
Knowledge of Economics, as required for the subject Economics 1,2 final
examination of VWO.
