HKZ

What HKZ does

HKZ (Harmonisatie Kwaliteitsbeoordeling in de Zorgsector), legally Stichting HKZ, is a Dutch foundation founded in 1995 and headquartered in Delft, the Netherlands. Since 2012, HKZ has operated as part of NEN (Royal Dutch Normalization Institute), the Dutch national standards body. HKZ develops and maintains a portfolio of approximately 40 sector-specific quality management standards (normen) for the Dutch healthcare and welfare sector, including the flagship HKZ 165 (Zorg & Welzijn), HKZ 143 (Kleine Organisaties, for organizations up to 10 FTE), HKZ 166 (ZZP'ers — independent healthcare professionals), and specialized standards covering nursing homes, mental health, youth care, pharmacies, dialysis, and ambulance care. HKZ does not perform audits itself; instead, it authorizes independent certification bodies — currently eight including CIIO, DNV, DEKRA, Keurmerkinstituut, KIWA, LRQA, NormIQ, and TÜV NORD — to conduct assessments and issue HKZ certificates. A separate network of 12 HKZ-kennispartners (knowledge partners) provides implementation advisory services to organizations preparing for certification.

HKZ's revenue model is licensing-based: each authorized certification body adds an 'afdracht HKZ' (HKZ levy) to its audit invoices, and this levy funds HKZ's scheme management, norm maintenance, the public certificate register, and the CCvD-Z&W oversight body. Pricing is differentiated by segment — ZZP certification is priced at €566 per 3-year cycle, while organization certifications vary by FTE count and certification body. The standards are developed in collaboration with sector bodies (e.g., KNMP for pharmacies, Ambulancezorg Nederland for ambulance care, NBPO for professional organizers) and approved under the Raad voor Accreditatie (RvA). As of September 2025, HKZ reported more than 2,500 active certificates covering over 7,000 care locations, with nearly 10,000 organizations working with HKZ norms. Training is delivered through NEN, and a free e-learning module supports adoption of HKZ 165. HKZ's value proposition centers on regulator- and commissioner-recognized quality assurance for healthcare purchasers (municipalities, health insurers) and on demonstrable quality compliance for providers and self-employed professionals operating under the Wkkgz regime.

Name

HKZ

Legal name

Stichting HKZ

Website

https://hkz.nl

Company type

Private

Founded year

1995

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

HKZ (Stichting HKZ) is a Dutch foundation, part of NEN since 2012, that develops and licenses quality certification standards for healthcare and welfare organizations. It authorizes eight independent certification bodies to audit providers across the Netherlands, with over 2,500 active certificates covering 7,000+ care locations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Healthcare Quality Certification

NAICS

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (541)

akta.pro primary industry

Standards, Metrology & Accreditation Bodies (BPAIAOAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

International Standards Development & Standardization Bodies (BPADANAA), Standards Development & Publishing (SDOs, Technical Standards) (MPAJACAB), Accreditation & Metrology Cooperation (Calibration, Measurement Standards) (BPADANAE)

Keywords

• Healthcare quality certification
• Quality management standards
• Welfare sector norms
• Certification audit services
• ISO-aligned quality frameworks

Headquarters

HQ city

Delft

HQ country

Netherlands

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Certification licensing and HKZ levy: Organizations pay certification fees to independent certification bodies (CI's). Each CI includes an 'afdracht HKZ' (HKZ contribution/levy) on their invoices. This levy funds HKZ activities including maintaining the public certificate register, keeping norms and schemes up to date, coordinating with certification bodies, and facilitating the Centraal College van Deskundigen voor Zorg & Welzijn (CCvD-Z&W).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

HKZ develops and manages sector-specific quality management standards (HKZ norms) and certification schemes for the Dutch healthcare and welfare sector. HKZ does not perform certifications itself; it authorizes independent certification bodies to audit organizations and self-employed professionals against HKZ norms (such as HKZ 165 for care and welfare, HKZ 143 for small organizations, and HKZ 166/167 for independent professionals) and issue HKZ certificates. The portfolio is supported by a public certificate registry, training programs through NEN, free e-learning, and a network of HKZ knowledge partners that help organizations implement quality systems.

Product overview

HKZ (Harmonisatie Kwaliteitsbeoordeling in de Zorgsector) is a Dutch certification body that develops and manages quality standards for healthcare and welfare organizations. The portfolio consists of approximately 40+ certification standards including the core HKZ 165 (Zorg & Welzijn), HKZ 143 (Kleine Organisaties), and HKZ 166/167 (ZZP'ers/self-employed professionals), plus specialized sector-specific standards (nursing homes, mental health, youth care, pharmacies, ambulance care, etc.). The offering is complemented by a public certificate registry for verifying certified organizations, training programs through NEN, e-learning modules, and a network of HKZ Knowledge Partners (certified advisory firms). HKZ itself does not perform certifications; audits are conducted by independent certification bodies under contract with HKZ, including CIIO, DNV, DEKRA, Keurmerkinstituut, Kiwa, LRQA, NormIQ, and TüV Nord.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• HKZ 165 - Zorg & Welzijn

Quantifiable outcome

• More than 2,500 active HKZ certificates covering over 7,000 care locations
• +2 more outcomes

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

25 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• NEN (Stichting Koninklijk Nederlands Normalisatie Instituut)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2012HKZ has been part of NEN since 2012. NEN connects stakeholders in healthcare and welfare and ensures that agreements are properly recorded in standards and guidelines. NEN manages licensing agreements with certification bodies, publishes HKZ norms, and delivers training programs.
• CIIOcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCIIO is an authorized certification body contracted by HKZ/NEN to audit organizations and issue HKZ certificates. Address: Reeweg 146, 3343 AP Hendrik Ido Ambacht. Tel: 088-4446333.
• DNV – Business AssurancecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDNV is an authorized certification body contracted by HKZ/NEN to audit organizations and issue HKZ certificates. Address: Postbus 9599, 3007 AN Rotterdam. Tel: 010-2922700.
• DEKRA Certification B.V.coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDEKRA is an authorized certification body contracted by HKZ/NEN to audit organizations and issue HKZ certificates. Address: Postbus 5185, 6802 ED Arnhem. Tel: 088-9683016.
• KeurmerkinstituutcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorKeurmerkinstituut is an authorized certification body contracted by HKZ/NEN to audit organizations and issue HKZ certificates. Address: Postbus 45, 2700 AA Zoetermeer. Tel: 079-3637000.
• KIWA N.V.coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorKIWA is an authorized certification body contracted by HKZ/NEN to audit organizations and issue HKZ certificates. Address: Postbus 70, 2280 AB Rijswijk. Tel: 088-9984900.
• LRQA Nederland B.V.coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLRQA is an authorized certification body contracted by HKZ/NEN to audit organizations and issue HKZ certificates. Address: George Hintzenweg 77, 3068 AX Rotterdam. Tel: 010-8997300.
• NormIQcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNormIQ is an authorized certification body contracted by HKZ/NEN to audit organizations and issue HKZ certificates. Address: De Bruyn Kopstraat 15, 2288 EC Rijswijk. Tel: 085-0600635.
• TüV NORD NederlandcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTüV NORD is an authorized certification body contracted by HKZ/NEN to audit organizations and issue HKZ certificates. Address: Ekkersrijt 4401, 5692 DL Son en Breugel. Tel: 0499-339500.
• Raad voor Accreditatie (RvA)coreOthersThe Raad voor Accreditatie (RvA) oversees certification bodies that issue HKZ certificates, testing them against national and international standards. This provides independent assurance of the quality and reliability of HKZ certifications.
• AdcaseminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerHKZ-kennispartner (knowledge partner). Organizational advisory firm helping healthcare organizations implement quality management systems and prepare for HKZ certification. Headquarters: Enschedesestraat 2K, 7575 AB Oldenzaal. Also has office in Hilversum.
• AdcurasminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerHKZ-kennispartner. Small organizational advisory firm near Breda, active in healthcare and welfare quality and policy. Helps organizations achieve quality certification and develop quality management systems. Address: Postbus 1144, 4801 BC Breda.
• Buro KlixminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerHKZ-kennispartner. Advisory firm helping start-ups, ZZP'ers, and care organizations implement quality management systems, prepare for certification, and with procurement. Address: Dokter van Deenweg 108, 8025 BK Zwolle.
• CKMZ B.V.minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerHKZ-kennispartner. Centre for quality and management in the healthcare sector. Provides training and consulting for quality management systems and HRM systems. ISO 9001:2000 certified, CEDEO recognized. Address: Reeweg 146, 3343 AP Hendrik Ido Ambacht.
• De ZorgstrategenminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerHKZ-kennispartner. Guides healthcare organizations in quality management, information security, and organizational development. Specialists with healthcare backgrounds. Address: Bruggertstraat 350, 7545 PJ Enschede.
• FacitminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerHKZ-kennispartner. Supports and advises healthcare providers, welfare organizations, and local governments. Combines research bureau experience with quality systems expertise. Address: Parlevinkerstraat 25, 1951 AR Velsen-Noord.
• Kleemans certificeringsadviseursminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerHKZ-kennispartner. Advisory firm specializing in quality management with over 30 years of experience. Helps organizations set up quality systems and certification trajectories. Uses Pro-aQt quality application. Address: Bolbergseweg 12A, 4854 NG Bavel.
• De KwaliteitsstrateegminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerHKZ-kennispartner. With over 20 years of experience in quality policy, governance, and strategy, supports healthcare organizations in achieving and maintaining HKZ certification. Address: Chalonhof 18, 3762 CS Soest.
• NormIQminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerHKZ-kennispartner (also authorized certification body). Organizational advisory firm active in healthcare quality management.
• ONSKMSminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerHKZ-kennispartner. Organizational advisory firm helping healthcare organizations implement quality management systems.
• Schleiffert Advies & OndersteuningminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerHKZ-kennispartner. Advisory firm providing advice and support for healthcare organizations seeking HKZ certification.
• Van Houten & Partners B.V.minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerHKZ-kennispartner. Advisory firm for healthcare organizations. Website: vanhouten.nl/hkz-keurmerk.
• Nederlandse Beroepsvereniging van Professional Organizers (NBPO)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated with HKZ to develop a tailored HKZ 167 certificate specifically for Professional Organizers active in healthcare and welfare, funded through WMO/PGB.
• Ambulancezorg NederlandminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHKZ is conducting research on behalf of Ambulancezorg Nederland to review the HKZ norm for ambulance care, examining sector developments and their impact on HKZ certification.
• KNMP (Koninklijke Nederlandse Maatschappij ter bevordering der Pharmacie)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHKZ collaborates with KNMP to review the HKZ norm for Openbare Apotheken (HKZ 136), including joint workshops to identify bottlenecks and inform future revision.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• NEN (Royal Dutch Normalization Institute): HKZ's parent organization and the Dutch member of ISO/IEC. Comparable as the broader national standards body that publishes HKZ norms, runs training, and could be seen as an integrated parent rather than a pure peer.
• Bureau Veritas: Global testing, inspection and certification (TIC) incumbent operating broadly across healthcare and social-services quality assurance. Comparable as a larger, more diversified TIC player with healthcare quality offerings that compete for the same Dutch buyers.
• Joint Commission International (JCI): Global healthcare accreditation body serving hospitals and care organizations worldwide. Comparable as a healthcare-specific accreditation/quality scheme that competes for cross-border Dutch providers seeking internationally recognized certifications.

Direct peers

• NIAZ (Nederlands Instituut voor Accreditatie in de Zorg): Dutch accreditation institute specifically for healthcare organizations, operating a competing accreditation scheme (NIAZ-Qmentum) alongside HKZ. Directly comparable as a national healthcare quality accreditation/standard-setter serving the same Dutch care provider base.
• KIWA N.V. Major Dutch certification body and one of HKZ's authorized certification bodies. Comparable as a certification scheme operator offering healthcare-adjacent certifications (e.g., €109/year for some schemes) in direct competition with HKZ's pricing.
• TÜV NORD: International certification body authorized to issue HKZ certificates in the Netherlands. Comparable as a multi-sector certification provider serving the same Dutch healthcare and welfare buyer base.
• LRQA: International certification body authorized to issue HKZ certificates in the Netherlands. Comparable as a multi-sector certification provider with overlapping healthcare and welfare offerings.
• DNV – Business Assurance: Global certification body and one of HKZ's authorized CIs in the Netherlands. Comparable as a healthcare quality certification provider operating in the same Dutch channel and offering adjacent ISO-based certifications.
• Perspekt (Stichting Perspekt): Dutch accreditation body for welfare and social-work organizations. Comparable as a sector-specific accreditation scheme in the Dutch zorg & welzijn space that competes with HKZ norms in the welfare segment.
• DEKRA Certification: International certification body authorized to issue HKZ certificates in the Netherlands. Comparable as a multi-sector certification provider with overlapping healthcare and welfare offerings.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/stichting-hkz

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about HKZ