What Expertisecentrum Nederlands does

Expertisecentrum Nederlands B.V. (EN) is a Dutch knowledge institute specializing in language education research and the practical translation of that research into classroom-ready tools. Founded in 1996 and headquartered at St. Annastraat 198 in Nijmegen, EN operates as part of the KBA Groep alongside KBA Nijmegen and ResearchNed under a shared directorial team. Its mandate spans the full Dutch education spectrum — preschool through higher education — with particular depth in primary, secondary, vocational, and teacher-training segments. The organization is the Dutch executor of two flagship international assessments: PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment, OECD, since 2000) and PIRLS (Progress in International Reading Literacy Study, IEA, since 2001), delivered through consortium partnerships with Radboud Universiteit, Universiteit Twente, KBA Nijmegen, and Cito.

The product portfolio combines digital assessment instruments, printed protocols, books, and professional development services. Core digital products include Taalonderwijs in Beeld PO/VO (online self-evaluation scans of ~130-150 statements mapping language teaching across domains), Dyslexiemonitor, Tussendoelenscan, and the Scan Preventieve Aanpak Lezen en Spellen — all delivered via the instrumenten.expertisecentrumnederlands.nl platform. Print products include the Protocol Dyslexie Voortgezet Onderwijs, Protocol Leesproblemen en Dyslexie Groep 3-8, Protocol Preventie van Leesproblemen groep 1 en 2, Honderduit!, Toetsen en Interventies bij Dyslexie in het vo, and Preventieve Dyslexiezorg, distributed through a dedicated webwinkel and Bol.com at €29.95-€39.95 per title. Professional development revenue is generated through incompany training programs (quote-based, multi-year contracts) and online intervisiebijeenkomsten priced at €75 per participant. Research and policy advisory work, including the 2025 Landelijke Norm voor Basisondersteuning project for AOb and Ouders & Onderwijs, is the primary revenue channel and is commissioned by government and quasi-government bodies such as the Ministry of OCW, NRO, and the Inspectie van het Onderwijs. The firm completed a leadership transition on January 1, 2025, with Maarten Wolbers assuming the general director role and Martine Gijsel and Marcel van Offeren joining as board members, while relocating to the Splendorfabriek facility in Nijmegen.

Name

Expertisecentrum Nederlands

Legal name

Expertisecentrum Nederlands B.V.

Website

https://expertisecentrumnederlands.nl

Company type

Private

Founded year

1996

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Expertisecentrum Nederlands is a Dutch educational research institute that conducts policy and practical research on language education and develops assessment instruments, protocols, books, and training for Dutch schools from preschool to higher education.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Educational Research and Language Education Services

NAICS

Educational Support Services (61171), Educational Support Services (611710), Educational Services (611)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Standards Alignment & Curriculum Mapping (State/National) (EDAJAFAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Research, Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL) Partnerships (EDADALAK), Literacy Foundations (Phonics, Reading Fluency, Comprehension) Platforms (EDAFAOAD), Subject-Specific Standards & Curriculum Councils (EDADAEAB)

Keywords

• Language education research
• Literacy assessment services
• Dyslexia intervention programs
• Reading promotion training
• Educational assessment tools

Headquarters

HQ city

Nijmegen

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, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Research Contracts & Government Projects: Conducts practical and policy-oriented research on effective language education for government agencies including NRO (Nationaal Regieorgaan Onderwijsonderzoek) and OCW Ministry. Produces major international assessments including PISA and PIRLS for Dutch participation.
2. Publications & Books: Publishes practical guides, handbooks, and reports for educators available through their webshop and Bol.com. Products include books like 'Honderduit!' (€29.95), 'Toetsen en Interventies bij Dyslexie in het vo' (€35.95), and 'Protocol Preventie van Leesproblemen groep 1 en 2' (€32.95).
3. Training & Professional Development: Provides incompany training programs for schools on customized basis, including reading promotion and language education workshops. Pricing 'op aanvraag' (on request).
4. Professional Learning Events: Offers online intervisiebijeenkomsten (professional peer consultation sessions) for educators on topics like dyslexia support in secondary education at €75 per participant.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Expertisecentrum Nederlands is a Dutch knowledge institute that conducts practice-oriented and policy-oriented research on effective language education, develops evidence-based assessment instruments and educational materials, and delivers professional development programs for the Dutch education sector. The organization executes international comparative studies (PISA for OECD, PIRLS for IEA) and national reading literacy assessments for the Dutch government, while also publishing books, protocols, and digital tools for educators and selling these via its own webshop and the Bol.com marketplace.

Product overview

Expertisecentrum Nederlands is an expertise center for language education in the Netherlands offering a comprehensive portfolio of research services, assessment tools, and educational materials. The core offering includes large-scale international assessments (PIRLS, PISA), national reading literacy assessments (Peilingsonderzoek Leesvaardigheid), and digital scanning platforms (Taalonderwijs in Beeld PO/VO, Dyslexiemonitor, Tussendoelenscan). The product portfolio spans print materials (protocols for dyslexia and reading problems like Protocol Dyslexie Voortgezet Onderwijs, Honderduit!), digital toolboxes (Toolbox Leesbevordering vmbo), and professional development programs (incompany training, intervisie sessions). The company operates the Instrumenten Platform as the central digital hub for its assessment tools, while books and publications are distributed through a dedicated webwinkel and Bol.com. The organization connects scientific research with educational practice through policy research, professional publications, and school support services.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Taalonderwijs in Beeld PO Online self-evaluation scan for primary education that maps language teaching across all language domains, from early literacy in groups 1-2 through spelling and fiction/literature in group 8. Intended for primary school teachers and language coordinators.
• Taalonderwijs in Beeld VO Online self-evaluation scan for secondary education that maps language education across Dutch language lessons and language skills in other subjects. Contains approximately 130 statements completed by Dutch language teachers.
• Dyslexiemonitor Monitoring tool for tracking and supporting students with dyslexia, available via the Instrumenten Platform.
• Tussendoelenscan Interim objectives scan tool for monitoring student progress in language education, available through the Instrumenten Platform.
• Scan Preventieve Aanpak Lezen en Spellen Preventive approach scan for reading and spelling, available through the Instrumenten Platform.
• Instrumenten Platform Digital platform at instrumenten.expertisecentrumnederlands.nl offering various scans and monitoring tools for language education, including Dyslexiemonitor, Tussendoelenscan, and Taalonderwijs in Beeld.
• Toolbox Leesbevordering (v)mbo Toolbox for reading promotion in vocational and senior general secondary education (vmbo), developed in collaboration with ITTA UvA and Radboud Universiteit. Contains materials and tips for customized reading activities to improve reading motivation and skills.
• PIRLS (Progress in International Reading Literacy Study) International comparative research conducted every 5 years measuring reading literacy of group 6 students. Expertisecentrum Nederlands executes the Dutch portion in collaboration with Radboud Universiteit since 2001.
• PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) International comparative study conducted every 3 years investigating skills and knowledge in reading, mathematics, and science of 15-year-olds across 90+ countries. Consortium of UT, Expertisecentrum Nederlands, and KBA Nijmegen responsible for Dutch participation since PISA-2018.
• Peilingsonderzoek Leesvaardigheid National assessment research on reading literacy for group 8 students in primary education and school leavers in special education, conducted by Inspectie van het Onderwijs in collaboration with Cito and Radboud Universiteit.
• Landelijke Norm Basisondersteuning Advies Advisory services for developing national standards for basic educational support, conducted for AOb and Ouders & Onderwijs with process guidance from P2 and research support from KBA Nijmegen.
• Webwinkel (Books and Publications) Online shop selling books and publications including Honderduit!, Toetsen en Interventies bij Dyslexie in het vo, Protocol Preventie van Leesproblemen groep 1 en 2, and Preventieve Dyslexiezorg, distributed via the dedicated webwinkel and Bol.com.
• Honderduit! Book published by Expertisecentrum Nederlands and available via Bol.com at €29.95.
• Toetsen en Interventies bij Dyslexie in het vo Revised edition book on testing and interventions for dyslexia in secondary education with audio files, word tests in English and French, and AVI materials, priced at €35.95.
• Protocol Preventie van Leesproblemen groep 1 en 2 Prevention protocol for reading problems in groups 1 and 2 including signaling lists, student documents, letter books, and teacher action points, priced at €32.95.
• Preventieve Dyslexiezorg Book on preventive dyslexia care, earlier and more cost-effective intervention approaches, priced at €39.95.
• Protocol Dyslexie Voortgezet Onderwijs Protocol for dyslexia in secondary education with comprehensive materials including intake questionnaires, observation guidelines, intervention programs, and accommodation recommendations.
• Protocol Leesproblemen en Dyslexie Groep 3-8 Protocol for reading problems and dyslexia in groups 3-8 including signaling lists, student reports, observation lists, step plans, and assessment calendars.
• BLIKSEM Reading program for groups 5-8 containing trial lessons, practice texts, read-aloud texts, strategy forms, and introductions for classroom implementation.
• Taallijn Interactive language education program for groups 1 and 2 including materials like Pak maar uit!, Kriebelbeestjes!, and themed kits.
• Beter lezen en schrijven MBO Materials for improving reading and writing in secondary vocational education (mbo) including challenges, lesson materials, word dossier, and teaching guides.
• Strategisch lezen voor studie en beroep mbo Strategic reading program for vocational education focusing on study and professional applications with teacher guides, handouts, and practice texts.
• Leesbevordering op maat (incompany) Customized incompany training for secondary education teachers on reading promotion, with materials from the Toolbox and school-specific reading policy plans; pricing on request.
• Grip op dyslexie in het vo Online intervisie sessions for education professionals on supporting students with reading/spelling problems and dyslexia in secondary education. Includes 8 themed meetings covering school-wide approach, communication, language policies, and assistive technology. Priced at €75 per participant.

Quantifiable outcome

• PISA-2022 results show Dutch student reading performance declined more than OECD average since 2018
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments5 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

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and major.

• KBA NijmegencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of the KBA Group, KBA Nijmegen collaborates with Expertisecentrum Nederlands on large-scale educational research projects including PISA and PIRLS. The organizations share facilities and leadership, with joint new management taking effect January 2025.
• ResearchNedcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of KBA Group consortium, ResearchNed partners on educational research including the national study on experienced preparedness of students in reading literacy and social competencies.
• IEA (International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIEA initiates PIRLS (Progress in International Reading Literacy Study). Expertisecentrum Nederlands executes the Dutch portion of this international comparative research.
• OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOECD initiates PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment). Expertisecentrum Nederlands, as part of the consortium, executes Dutch participation in this major international assessment.
• Radboud Universiteit (Radboud University)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLongstanding collaboration on PIRLS research since 2001. Also partners on reading promotion research including the Toolbox Leesbevordering project and Peilingsonderzoek Leesvaardigheid.
• P2 (Procesmanagement)majorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerProcess management firm engaged for the national norm for basic support project. Provided process leadership expertise while Expertisecentrum Nederlands delivered content expertise.
• ITTA UvA (Instituut voor Toegepaste Taalwetenschap)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on reading promotion research including the Toolbox Leesbevordering for (v)mbo students. Jointly developed evidence-based reading motivation interventions.
• CitomajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborates on Peilingsonderzoek Leesvaardigheid (Literacy Assessment) for Dutch primary education, conducted in partnership with the Inspectie van het Onderwijs.
• Nationaal Regieorgaan Onderwijsonderzoek (NRO)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerGovernment research council commissioning large-scale educational assessments including PISA Netherlands. Expertisecentrum Nederlands is part of the consortium executing this research.
• Algemene Onderwijs Bond (AOb) and Ouders & OnderwijsmajorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerClient organizations for the national norm for basic support development project. These education unions engaged Expertisecentrum Nederlands and KBA Nijmegen as their advisory bureaus.
• Dyslexie CentraalmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerExpertisecentrum Nederlands operates Dyslexie Centraal, providing resources and online intervisiebijeenkomsten for dyslexia support in education.
• Universiteit Twente (UT)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of the PISA consortium (with Expertisecentrum Nederlands and KBA Nijmegen) responsible for Dutch participation since PISA-2018.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Oberon: Dutch education research and consultancy organization working on policy evaluation, school improvement, and teacher professional development. Directly comparable public-sector-oriented research portfolio.
• Sardes: Dutch education research and consultancy firm that conducts applied research on schooling, inclusion, and educational policy. Comparable as a Dutch education-research competitor serving ministries and school boards.
• Cito: Dutch educational testing and assessment organization that co-develops and executes national student assessments (e.g., Peilingsonderzoek Leesvaardigheid) alongside Expertisecentrum Nederlands. Same Dutch K–12 assessment niche with overlapping public-sector client base.
• ResearchNed: Third entity within KBA Groep; partners with EN on educational research including the national preparedness study. Operates in the same Dutch education-research market with shared facilities and leadership.
• SLO (Stichting Leerplanontwikkeling): Dutch national curriculum development center that builds national curriculum frameworks for primary and secondary education. Highly comparable to EN's Taalonderwijs in Beeld and standards-alignment work in language education.
• ITTA UvA (Instituut voor Toegepaste Taalwetenschap): University of Amsterdam institute for applied language sciences that co-develops EN products (e.g., Toolbox Leesbevordering vmbo). Closest Dutch applied-research partner in language education.
• KBA Nijmegen: Sister organization under the KBA Groep umbrella that jointly executes large-scale educational research (PISA, PIRLS, national basic-support studies). Same Dutch education-research focus and shared executive team.
• Bazalt: Dutch education organization providing professional development, instructional coaching, and evidence-based teaching methods. Comparable in providing school-targeted training and applied educational improvement.
• CPS (onderwijsontwikkeling en advies): Dutch education consultancy offering training, professional development, and school-improvement services to primary and secondary schools. Overlaps with EN's incompany training and protocol/publication portfolio.

Others

• NRO (Nationaal Regieorgaan Onderwijsonderzoek): Dutch national research council that commissions much of the educational research EN executes. Not a competitor but a key funder and ecosystem actor shaping demand for EN's services.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/expertisecentrum-nederlands-b-v
• Instagraminstagram.com/expertisecentrumnl
• Xx.com/expertned
• Facebookfacebook.com/profile.php

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

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 Expertisecentrum Nederlands