The VCA standard explained: scheme, versions and structure
The VCA standard is the official checklist that sets out what a company must meet to become VCA-certified. The standard is managed by the SSVV (Stichting Samenwerken Voor Veiligheid, Dutch Foundation for Working Together on Safety) and is publicly available. The current version is VCA 2026/6.1 , which came into force on 1 July 2026 and replaces the previous version, VCA 2017/6.0.
On this page you will find how the VCA scheme is built, which versions exist, what must-have questions are, and why that structure matters for your audit. If you want to know what the requirements mean in substance, read that on a separate page.
What is the VCA standard?
The VCA standard is not a law. It is an agreed standard between clients and contractors. The SSVV sets the standard in consultation with industry bodies and large clients. Certification bodies such as Kiwa , DNV and TÜV then check whether your company meets the standard.
The standard consists of a checklist of questions. For each question, it describes what you must demonstrate. An auditor goes through these questions with you and assesses, point by point, whether you comply. If the outcome is positive, you receive a certificate that is valid for three years.
The official VCA checklist 2026/6.1 can be downloaded free of charge from the SSVV website . This article explains the structure. Always refer to the original document for the exact wording.
Versions: from 2017/6.0 to 2026/6.1
The VCA checklist has existed since 1994. Over that time, the standard has been revised several times. The two versions that are relevant now are:
| Version | Valid | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| VCA 2017/6.0 | Until 1 July 2026 | Simplified structure, focus on operational requirements |
| VCA 2026/6.1 | From 1 July 2026 | Emphasis on behaviour, culture and demonstrable compliance |
From 1 July 2026, every certification body carries out audits based on VCA 2026/6.1. This applies to new and existing certifications. There is no extended transition period.
The major change in 2026/6.1 is the shift from “arranged on paper” to “demonstrably in practice”. It is no longer enough to have procedures. You must be able to show that people also act on them. This fits the wider trend in safety management: culture and behaviour matter at least as much as documentation.
Structure of the VCA checklist
The checklist is built from seven chapters. Each chapter covers one aspect of safety management. The chapters are numbered, and so are the questions within them. Question 2.3 is therefore chapter 2, question 3.
| Chapter | Topic |
|---|---|
| 1 | VGM (veiligheid, gezondheid en milieu, safety, health and environment) policy and organisation |
| 2 | VGM risk management |
| 3 | Training, information and instruction |
| 4 | VGM awareness |
| 5 | VGM project plan |
| 6 | Environmental care |
| 7 | Procurement and inspection of materials |
Not all chapters carry the same weight. Chapter 3 (diplomas and instruction) and chapter 4 (toolbox meetings, inspections, incident reporting) are the most labour-intensive parts for most companies. Chapter 5 (project plan) only applies to VCA**.
Must-have questions, additional questions and the threshold
The checklist distinguishes three types of questions:
Must-have questions (M) are hard requirements. You must answer all must-have questions positively. One insufficient must-have question means no certificate, regardless of how well you score on the rest.
Should questions (S) are questions you should in principle meet. In exceptional cases, you can deviate with a justified reason, but that requires a good basis.
Additional questions (A) are extra requirements that contribute to a higher level of safety. For VCA**, you must answer at least 4 of the 8 additional questions positively.
How many must-have questions are there in VCA 2026/6.1?
In the new version, one must-have question has been added compared with 2017/6.0 (question 1.7 on identifying relevant VGM legislation):
| Level | Must-have questions | Additional questions |
|---|---|---|
| VCA* | 24 | not applicable |
| VCA** | 28 | at least 4 of 8 |
| VCA Petrochemie | 28 + petrochemical-specific | at least 4 of 8 |
In VCA 2017/6.0 there were still 23 must-have questions for VCA* and 27 for VCA**. If you set up your system based on the old version, check question 1.7 (inventory of legislation). It is new and a must-have.
Which questions apply to VCA* and which to VCA**?
Each question in the checklist carries a marking that shows which level it applies to. Questions marked with * apply to all levels. Questions marked with ** apply only to VCA** and higher.
VCA* focuses on the operational side: are the diplomas in order, are toolbox meetings held, are PBM’s available, and are incidents reported? VCA** adds the management layer on top: policy, risk management, management involvement and systematic improvement.
Note that some questions often seen as VCA** topics apply to all levels. Both the LMRA (Laatste Minuut Risico Analyse, last minute risk analysis, question 2.3) and the task risk analysis (TRA, question 2.2) are must-have questions for VCA*, VCA** and VCA Petrochemie. Read more about the LMRA and the toolbox meeting on the separate pages about them.
Management and revision
The SSVV revises the standard periodically. The revision cycle is not fixed to a set period, but in practice a substantial revision takes place every five to ten years. In between, additions may be published, such as the 2025 addition on leadership skills (VCA-LEI), which was later integrated into 2026/6.1.
Major changes are announced with a transition period, so that companies and certification bodies can prepare. The transition period for 2026/6.1 ran until 1 July 2026.
Changes to the standard are always published on the SSVV website . If you are VCA-certified, it is sensible to keep track of these updates. Read more about the latest changes in VCA 2026/6.1.
More information
- VCA requirements (checklist explained): what does each requirement concretely ask for?
- VCA levels: VCA*, VCA** or Petrochemie?
- Latest changes: what changes from 1 July 2026?
- The audit process: how does the auditor assess the standard?
- SSVV, official VCA documents