Boswell‑Bèta

Aansluitprogramma's voor het hoger onderwijs

James Boswell Access Exams

We organise English access exams for the following subjects:

The exams will cover the complete Dutch VWO high-school programme of the subject. A translation of the programme can be found on the exam registration page.

Many universities require the passing of these exams in Dutch. Always check with the admissions office whether you are allowed to take the English exams. This is often the case for internationally oriented bachelor programmes. Also check your deadline for passing the exam in order to be admitted before September

It is possible to prepare for these exams by participating in one of our intensive courses in the Spring, Summer or Fall. Alternatively, if you've already passed those subjects at a higher level and you are only deficient in one or two topics, you could opt for distance-learning. Distance-learning is not offered for complete courses and not possible during the summer period: a full-time course in Utrecht is more effective to pass the exams.

  • Register on time, there are no exceptions!
  • After the exam dates are finalized the registration will open on the website.
  • Only register for an exam after you are certain about the requirement and date. It is not possible to change the exam date or cancel enrollment after your registration is processed.
  • When you are enrolled in a course you are automatically registered for the exam following the course. In that case do not register for the exam seperately.
  • If you need extra time due to medical reasons and have a doctor's certificate, please apply as soon as possible. Requests need to be with us before the enrolment for the exam closes (see below). Please be on time, there are no exceptions!
  • Registration closes 5 work days before the examdate.
    Explanatory note: This means your registration and payment should be processed by the website at the end (23:59h CET) of the 6th work day before the exam date. Bear in mind the official Dutch Public Holidays.
  • The registration for the August exams will be closed several days after the publication of the results of the July exams.
  • The results of the August exams will be published in the last week of August.
  • If your payment fails during registration you will not be registered for the exam.
VWO Exams in English
Physics
23.07.2024
06.08.2024
03.12.2024
16.04.2025
21.05.2025
Chemistry
16.07.2024
02.08.2024
04.12.2024
08.04.2025
Biology
17.07.2024
01.08.2024
10.12.2024
09.04.2025
Mathematics A
18.07.2024
07.08.2024
12.12.2024
15.04.2025
14.05.2025
Mathematics B
22.07.2024
12.08.2024
19.12.2024
23.04.2025
22.05.2025

Information about Dutch access exams can be found here. You can register for the Dutch James Boswell exams here.

Permitted calculators

During an exam a candidate is allowed to use only one calculator.

Mathematics:

At the James Boswell exams Mathematics A and B the following graphing calculators are allowed:

  • Texas Instruments
    • 84 Plus CE-T: OS 5.6 or higher
    • 84 Plus CE-T Python Edition: OS 5.6 or higher
    • Nspire CX (only the version without CAS): OS 4.5.4 or higher
    • Nspire CX II-T (version with CAS and version without CAS): OS 5.4 or higher
  • Casio
    • fx-9860GII (SD): OS 2.11 or higher
    • fx-CG50: OS 3.50 or higher
  • Hewlett-Packard
    • HP Prime: firmware 2.1.14603 (2021-12-02) or higher
  • NumWorks
    • The graphing calculator made by NumWorks: version 19 or higher

Older models, including those that were previously accepted, are not allowed anymore. An example is the TI 84 Plus without the addition CE-T.

We emphasise that simple calculators are not allowed during Mathematics exams.

Physics, biology and chemistry:

During the exams vwo Physics, Biology and Chemistry only simple scientific calculators which can perform basic operations may be used.

Which operations are considered to be basic operations?

  • Operations + - × ∶
  • x2 and √
  • 1/x or x-1 and xy
  • sin/cos/tan and their inverses
  • π
  • log10 (and 10x) and ln (and ex)

Four examples of calculators that can perform all these basic operations and are therefore allowed on the exam are:

  • Casio fx-82MS or fx-85MS
  • Casio fx-82NL
  • Casio fx-82ES or fx-85ES
  • TI30XB(S)

Which operations are not considered to be basic operations?

  • Displaying graphs
  • Solving (systems of) equations
  • Numerical integration and differentiation of functions
  • Programming
  • Built-in formulas

If a calculator has any of these latter options, it is not allowed on the exam. Some examples of calculators that are not allowed are:

  • Casio fx-92B
  • Casio fx-570ES Plus
  • Casio fx-570 SPX
  • Casio fx-991ES Plus
  • Casio fx-991EX
  • TI-30XPro

Exam Programmes

Example Exams

Exam Locations

The James Boswell Exams are held in Utrecht, the Netherlands. There are several locations. The specific location can be found on the registration page of the exam.

  • Boswell‑Bèta - Daltonlaan
    Address: Daltonlaan 400, 3584 BK Utrecht
  • Educatorium alfa/bèta/gamma - Utrecht Science Park / Uithof
    Address: Leuvenlaan 19, 3584 CE Utrecht
  • Jaarbeurs / Beatrixgebouw or Juliana Conference Hall
    Address: Jaarbeursplein, 3521 AL Utrecht
  • David Lloyd (Vechtsebanen)
    Address: Mississippidreef 161, 3565 CE Utrecht
  • Sportcentrum Olympos
    Address: Uppsalalaan 3, 3584 CT Utrecht

Exam Regulations

The Examination Regulations can be found here.

For a few medicine tracks, you are required to pass the CCVX science exams (in Dutch). If you have to pass the CCVX exams, we strongly recommend you study for these exams in Dutch, either by studying yourself using Dutch VWO study-books, or by participating in one of our Dutch access courses.

Please contact us if you have any questions about the exams, the acceptance of the exams and the exam requirements.

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