VCA certification
A valid VCA certificate demonstrates that your organisation has effective controls in place for health, safety and the environment, both on the work floor and within the organisational structure.
Bureau Veritas Certification independently assesses whether your HSE management system meets the requirements of the standard and makes the certification process clear and straightforward. You benefit from a dedicated point of contact, experienced auditors and clear agreements on planning, audits and certificate issuance.
VCA 2026/6.1: latest version of the VCA scheme
VCA 2026/6.1 will be in force from 1 July 2026. This new version is the successor to VCA 2017/6.0 and applies to all new and current VCA company certifications. From this date, initial audits, recertification audits and periodic audits will be carried out in accordance with VCA 2026/6.1.
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What will change with VCA 2026/6.1?
VCA 2026/6.1 is not a completely new VCA scheme. The basis and foundation of VCA will be retained. The new version bundles, among other things, the decisions and interpretations that have been adopted since the introduction of VCA 2017/6.0. In addition, various components have been clarified and updated, so that the scheme is more in line with the current practice of safe and healthy working.
A number of important points of attention are:
- further clarification of various VCA requirements;
- the system for identifying and complying with relevant HSE legislation has been included more explicitly;
- leadership skills are integrally anchored in the VCA scheme;
- requirements for internal audits and independence have been clarified;
- attention to instruction of new employees and employees who change jobs;
- clarification of requirements regarding education and experience;
- up-to-date EHS project plans must be available in the workplace;
- The terminology is more in line with the current labour market, including working with flexible workers.
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What does the transition from VCA 2017/6.0 to VCA 2026/6.1 mean?
For existing depository receipt holders, the transition is clear. VCA 2017/6.0 certificates remain valid. Because, according to the SSVV, there are no substantive changes that necessitate a formal transition period, no separate transition period has been established. VCA 2017/6.0 and VCA 2026/6.1 are considered equivalent.
However, from 1 July 2026, every audit will be carried out against VCA 2026/6.1. Your organisation does not need to be recertified before 1 July 2026. At the next audit, the certification will be assessed according to the new version.
The existing certificate cycle will be maintained. The transition to VCA 2026/6.1 therefore does not result in a shortening of the original period of validity of the certificate. -
VCA-MAX at VCA 2026/6.1
In addition to updating VCA, VCA-MAX has also been further developed. VCA-MAX is the safety culture combination of SSVV and is in line with the VCA scheme. The new VCA-MAX 2026/6.1 is aligned with VCA 2026/6.1.
Whereas VCA mainly lays a foundation for managing safety, health and environmental risks, VCA-MAX also focuses on strengthening the safety culture and safe behaviour within organisations.
Benefits of VCA certification
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Access to contracts
Many clients in construction, industry and the (petro)chemical sector make VCA certification a contractual requirement. A valid certificate gives your organisation access to these contracts and tenders.
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Demonstrable HSE control
A VCA certificate demonstrates to clients, supply chain partners and regulators that your organisation manages health, safety and environmental risks systematically.
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Greater control over risks and safety structures
VCA requires your organisation to identify risks, define responsibilities and provide demonstrable training for employees. This strengthens the safety culture on the work floor.
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A structured approach to continuous improvement
Through periodic internal audits, incident registration and management involvement, your organisation works systematically to improve HSE performance.
Why choose Bureau Veritas Certification?
A dedicated point of contact: You have a dedicated contact for planning, coordination, certificate issuance and changes, even when the audit covers multiple locations or projects.
Local availability: From our local offices in Belgium and the Netherlands, we work with qualified auditors who understand your sector. Audits can be conducted in Dutch, English or French.
Assurance through recognised accreditation: We provide certification under recognised accreditation: RvA accreditation in the Netherlands and BELAC accreditation in Belgium. This gives your certificate demonstrable value with clients and supply chain partners.
All three VCA levels from one certification body: Bureau Veritas Certification offers certification for VCA*, VCA** and VCA Petrochemie. This makes it possible to manage multiple levels within one process and through one dedicated contact.
Easy to combine with other certifications: Combining VCA with ISO 9001, ISO 14001 or ISO 45001? As we offer all of these certifications, we can coordinate the audit processes efficiently.
Transferring to Bureau Veritas Certification: Considering a transfer from another certification body? We review your current certificate, audit reports, outstanding findings, scope and planning so that, where possible, the transfer fits within your current certification cycle.
Standard requirements: the three VCA levels
VCA has three certification levels. The client determines which level is required. Each level sets specific requirements for the management of health, safety and the environment.
VCA*: VCA* focuses on direct HSE control on the work floor, without the use of subcontractors. The standard contains 23 mandatory questions and no supplementary questions.
VCA**: In addition to HSE requirements on the work floor, VCA** also sets requirements for the organisation's HSE structure: policy, organisation and improvement management. The standard contains 27 mandatory questions and 8 supplementary questions, at least 2 of which must be assessed positively.
VCA Petrochemie (VCA-P): The most stringent VCA level, specifically for main contractors and subcontractors working in the petrochemical sector. It includes all VCA** requirements plus additional requirements specific to petrochemicals. The standard contains 33 mandatory questions and 2 supplementary questions, at least 1 of which must be assessed positively.
Across all levels, the questions cover HSE policy and organisation, HSE risk management, training and information, HSE awareness, occupational health services, procurement and inspection of work equipment, procurement of services, and the reporting, registration and investigation of incidents.
Training for VCA and safety management
Bureau Veritas offers training in VCA, internal audits and safety management across the Benelux. This helps employees prepare for internal and external audits and strengthen their knowledge of the standard.