The Cito Exam: Understanding the Dutch Primary School Assessment

The Cito exam is a standardized assessment taken by roughly 167,000 Dutch children annually in their final primary school year. Despite its significance, the exam exists for over three decades as an independent assessment informing, but not dictating, secondary school placement, with teacher recommendations remaining the decisive factor.

Understanding the Dutch education system is essential for expat families. Find educational services and support in the Netherlands to help your child succeed.

What Does the Cito Exam Test?

The exam tests four main areas: Dutch language comprehension, mathematics, world orientation (geography, history, biology), and study skills. Most students answer approximately 290 multiple-choice questions over three days in February. Schools that don't assess world orientation administer around 200 questions instead. Daily sessions are manageable and designed to minimize stress.

Who Takes the Exam: Not every child sits the Cito exam. Schools can exempt children in the Netherlands less than four years and those identified for special or practical secondary school pathways. Students with specific educational needs may receive alternative assessments.

How Are Results Scored and Used?

The Cito exam is deliberately low-pressure, pupils cannot fail. Scores range between 500 and 550 points, with national average typically around 535 points. This provides objective data without psychological burden of pass/fail results.

The Teacher's Role: Exam results inform but don't dictate secondary school placement. The teacher's recommendation is the decisive factor. Teachers base recommendations on test scores from earlier years, student intelligence, attitude toward learning, motivation, and interests. If Cito scores are higher than teacher recommendations, recommendations may be upgraded. If scores are lower, teacher recommendations typically prevail.

Research shows only about 5 percent of parents cite Cito scores as primary influence on secondary school choice, teacher recommendations carry far greater weight for most families.

Should Children Study for the Cito Exam?

Educational authorities advise parents against having children study specifically for the Cito exam. The testing organization explicitly discourages cramming or test preparation, arguing intensive practice distorts results by measuring test-taking ability rather than genuine comprehension. Schools don't organize formal Cito preparation courses. Instead, teachers embed assessment of these skill areas throughout final primary school years.

What Do Students Think About the Cito Exam?

Students recognize the exam's importance while generally finding it manageable. Most pupils surveyed reported finding the three-day assessment period challenging but fair. Many appreciated the focused testing environment providing concentration time free from classroom distractions. Students emphasized the exam's significance lies in its influence on educational future, determining whether they'll pursue VMBO (vocational), HAVO (senior general secondary), or VWO (pre-university) tracks.

Practical Information for Expat Families

Remember the Cito exam is one moment in time within a much broader assessment process. Your child's teacher has observed them for years and understands their capabilities more thoroughly than any single exam reveals. Don't let the exam create unnecessary stress. The Dutch approach, treating it as informational assessment rather than high-stakes evaluation, reflects genuine confidence in their educational system's ability to place students appropriately.