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.
| Physics | |||||
| Chemistry | |||||
| Biology | |||||
| Mathematics A | |||||
| Mathematics B | |||||
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
Example Exams
VWO Biology
VWO Mathematics A
VWO Chemistry
VWO Mathematics B
VWO Physics
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.