What is the Doorstroomtoets (transfer test) 2026, and what does it mean for your child?

The Doortroomtoets 2026 is a compulsory national test for all Grade 8 students in Dutch primary schools. For international and expat families, this test often raises many questions. What exactly is being assessed? How important is the result? And what can parents realistically do to support their child?

The throughstroomtoets measures your child’s achieved reference levels in the Dutch language and mathematics. Together with the school’s assessment, it forms the final secondary school advice (schooladvies) in the Netherlands. The throughstroomtoets is not an exam (children cannot pass or fail), but it does play an important role in their educational pathway.

At Dutch for Children, we support international children within the Dutch education system on a daily basis. In this article, we share 5 realistic and practical tips to help your child approach the doorstroomtoets 2026 with confidence, calm and clarity.

Has your child already received the Doorstroomtoets 2026 results? Read our complete explanation of the scores and final school advice here.

Doorstroomtoets (transfer test) 2026: 5 tips to support your child

1. Set realistic expectations as a parent

First of all, it is important to understand that the doorstroomtoets is not a test you can “study for”. It measures what your child knows and can do at this moment, after seven or eight years of primary education.

For expat parents, this can be confusing. Understanding the purpose and limitations of the doorstroomtoets helps you set realistic expectations and reduces pressure on your child. Children often sense parental stress, which can lead to unnecessary anxiety.

The final school advice is based on:

• results from classroom assessments

• teacher observations over several years

• the result of the doorstroomtoets

It is also important to know that the school advice is not a final destination. The Dutch education system offers multiple pathways, and students can move between levels later on; something international parents are not always aware of.

Would you like to better understand how school advice and secondary school pathways work in the Netherlands?
Follow our website and social channels for our upcoming free webinar on school advice and educational pathways for international families.

2. Build confidence before and during the period of the Doorstroomtoets (transfer test) 2026

Confidence plays a crucial role in how children perform under pressure. You can support your child by:

• expressing trust in their abilities

• acknowledging their efforts

• showing interest in how they feel about the test

Small gestures can make a big difference. In the weeks leading up to the doorstroomtoets, consider giving your child a little extra attention. Let them choose a meal, a snack for the test days, or take a short break from household chores.

Be mindful of sugary snacks: they may give a short energy boost, but often lead to a dip in concentration later.

3. Help your child feel secure by understanding the test format of the Doorstroomtoets (transfer test) 2026

Familiarity reduces stress. Practising the type of questions and the language used in the test can help your child feel more confident, especially if Dutch is their second or third language.

There are several practice platforms available, such as Junior Einstein, Cito, and IEP, which offer insight into question formats and vocabulary used in the doorstroomtoets.

For children learning Dutch as an additional language (NT2), temporary extra support from a qualified teacher with experience in Dutch primary education and national tests can be very helpful. Not to “train” the test, but to strengthen language confidence.

Is Dutch not your child’s first language, and are you unsure whether extra support is needed?
We are happy to look along with you in a free and honest intake.

4. Acknowledge weaker areas without increasing pressure

If you are aware of specific challenges, for example, fractions in maths or reading comprehension in Dutch, you can decide whether there is enough time and space to address them calmly.

Short, targeted support can be helpful. However, intensive last-minute drilling often leads to stress and does not improve results. If time is limited, professional guidance can help determine what is realistic and worthwhile.

5. Prioritise rest and relaxation around the Doorstroomtoets (transfer test) 2026

In periods of tension, rest, structure, and relaxation are essential. Physical activity, outdoor time and moments without expectations help children reset.

Pay attention to:

• regular bedtimes

• limited screen use before sleep

• calming routines such as reading, a warm shower or quiet time together

Many children benefit from the classic “three R’s”: rest, routine and reassurance.

After the Doorstroomtoets (transfer test) 2026: what happens next?

Once the doorstroomtoets is completed, there is a waiting period before results are shared. Below is a brief explanation of how the scores work and how the final school advice is determined. A follow-up article will explore this in more detail.

Understanding the scores (Cito and IEP)

Cito doorstroomtoets

The Cito transfer test uses a skills score ranging from 151 to 200. A higher score indicates that more questions were answered correctly. Each score corresponds to a recommended level for secondary education.

IEP doorstroomtoets

The IEP transfer test assesses reference levels for language and mathematics. Scores range from 50 to 100 and are based on nationally standardised benchmarks set by the Dutch Education Inspectorate.

The final school advice in the Netherlands

Primary schools base their final advice on:

• academic results

• social and emotional development

• motivation, work attitude and behaviour

After the preliminary advice in January, students take the doorstroomtoets in February. The school then determines the final school advice, which is legally binding for placement in secondary education.

Are you facing the 2026 transfer test and want to ensure that your child receives what they need now?

Are you preparing for the Doortstroomtoets 2026 and would you like personalised, realistic guidance for your child?
Book a free intake with Dutch for Children. We offer honest advice tailored to your child’s language background and the Dutch education system.

After the Test: Understanding the Results

Once the Doorstroomtoets 2026 results are published, many parents have new questions. We explain how to interpret Cito and IEP scores and what they mean for secondary school placement in our detailed guide. Follow this link.

The Doorstroomtoets 2026: useful links

1. Ministerie van onderwijs
2. Doorstroomtoets practise
3. Toetsen in the Netherlands explained