Secondary vocational education (mbo) distinguishes between five types of training at four levels:
Assistant training level 1 has no entry requirements.
Basic vocational training (bbl) level 2: a vmbo certificate is required or a completed training at mbo level 1.
For vocational training at level 3 and middle management training (level 4) a vmbo certificate is required.
The specialist training at level 4 is only open to mbo level 3 graduates.
From the first three levels pupils can enter other forms of training within the mbo sector. Students who pass the level 4 middle management training are admitted to higher vocational education (hbo).
Graduates who have attained at least level 2 have a so-called basic qualification for the labour market.
This article does not intend to pronounce on the absolute number of school drop-outs in the Netherlands, but to give an insight into the background characteristics of drop-outs on the basis of various registrations. Only pupils and students registered in the municipal population registers are included.