The postgraduate programmes are mainly aimed at (further) specialization in (financial) auditing and (external) reporting. The basis for these programmes is shaped by Bachelor- and Master-programmes leading to Bsc and MSc degrees in Accountancy or Business Economics. Programme content is determined by the Directive 2006/43/EC (as translated in national legislation), the learning outcomes determined by the CEA (Commissie Eindtermen Accountantsopleiding) and the broader (general) objectives of the Bachelor and or Master programme.

The current theoretical RA syllabus

The full syllabus is provided by seven (academic) universities in the Netherlands. The Bachelor part of the syllabus is also provided by professional universities. Bachelors from these universities have to complete a so called pre-Master (deficiency) programme before being admitted to the academic Master programme which, together with the postgraduate programme, leads to the completion of the theoretical RA syllabus.

Prerequisite 

From then on, the universities have set the MSc degree as a prerequisite for admission to the postgraduate RA programme. The full syllabus is provided by seven (academic) universities in the Netherlands.

The Bachelor part of the syllabus is also provided by universities of applied sciences (HBO). Bachelors from these universities have to complete a so called pre-Master (deficiency) programme before being admitted to the Master programme which - together with the postgraduate programme- leads to the completion of the theoretical RA syllabus.

The postgraduate programmes are mainly aimed at (further) specialization in (financial) auditing and (external) reporting. The basis for these programmes is shaped by Bachelor and Master programmes leading to Bsc and MSc degrees in Accountancy or in Business Economics.

Programme content is determined by the Directive 2006/43/EC (as translated in national legislation) and by the broader (general) objectives of the Bachelor and or Master programme concerned.

Each university may design and assess its programmes according to its own (educational) philosophy - as long as the examination requirements / learning outcomes for the theoretical RA syllabus are met. Therefore also the postgraduate RA programmes vary in content and duration, depending on the previous / connected Bachelor and Masterprogrammes that have been completed. 

Practical experience training and assessment

In 1996, due to the requirements formulated in the Directive 2006/43/EC for statutory audits of annual accounts, also a three-year practical experience training programme, including a final practical examination, became an obligatory requirement for all RA students.

For RA students, practical experience can be gained after obtaining a university degree (Bachelor or Master) in accountancy/accounting or Business Economics. In the final phase of the theoretical syllabus (starting with the Master or with the postgraduate programme) all students combine their study with working for accounting firms and internal audit departments.  From then on, they are also allowed to start the practical training programme. The final examination can only take place after the certificate for the full theoretical programme has been obtained.

Practical training is almost full-time: four days a week, and one day available for classes. The internship spans three years. At least 1000 qualifying hours must be completed in each year. The practical training programme is based on a personal development plan and annual reports. From the second up until the fifth semester an essay has to be written on a relevant case. The three year programme is finalised in a final practical examination.

The main objective of the (work-based) training programme is the application of knowledge at the appropriate level. Every trainee is assigned a mentor (an accountant RA/AA) and works in an environment where the activities are aligned to the theoretical level attained that far. During the practical training, special attention is given to the development of professional skills, ethics and behaviour. Trainees also have to demonstrate their knowledge of the theoretical syllabus, especially in the areas of Auditing and Assurance, Accounting Information Systems (administrative organization and internal control) and Financial Accounting and Reporting.

Governance and quality assurance of the practical training programme

The NBA Internship Council is charged with the organisation and implementation of the practical training programme and related examinations. In cooperation with internship offices, the Internship Council is responsible for the overall supervision and quality control of practical experience training. Internship offices are evaluated and visited every two/three years. The practical experience programme is also supervised by the CEA (Commissie Eindtermen Accountantsopleiding).