SVH

What SVH does

SVH (Stichting Vakbekwaamheid Horeca) is a Dutch non-profit foundation headquartered in Zoetermeer that serves as the primary certification and curriculum body for the Dutch hospitality vocational sector. The organization develops theory books, examinations, e-learning modules, and diploma services for hospitality roles spanning kitchen operations (Kok, Keukenassistent), service (Gastheer/-vrouw, Bedieningsassistent), bakery and patisserie (Boulanger, Patissier), and specializations such as Barista, Wijn, Bier, Sociale Hygiëne, Pizzaiolo, and plant-based cooking. SVH also administers SVH Meester titles (Meesterkok, Meesterhorecaondernemer, Meesterijsbereider), which function as prestige credentials within the Dutch hospitality trade.

The organization's core technology asset is the SVH Horecatalent e-learning platform — described as the largest digital learning environment for regular and private hospitality education in the Netherlands — containing more than 250 e-learnings, 700+ instructional videos, interactive magazines augmented with 3D product models, contextual film lessons, and formative assessments, accessible via PC, laptop, tablet, and smartphone. A second platform, SVH Bakkerstalent, was co-developed with Bakery Institute to serve bakery and patisserie specializations. Content is developed in collaboration with SVH Meesters and industry practitioners, supporting standardized curriculum delivery, progress tracking, and practical skills assessment.

SVH operates a multi-channel revenue model combining (a) recurring e-learning license subscriptions with 1-to-36 month terms priced between €7.20 and €133.20, (b) one-time sales of physical and digital theory books and combination packages, (c) transaction-based examination fees ranging from €198 for computer exams to €725 for oral exams, and (d) diploma application and registration fees including those routed through the SVH Diplomaregister. Distribution is anchored in a 24/7 e-commerce webshop, supplemented by branche-erkende opleiders (branch-recognized educators) and formal integration with Dutch MBO qualification frameworks via SBB. Primary customers are MBO/VMBO students, educational institutions, hospitality professionals pursuing specialization credentials, and hospitality entrepreneurs and managers.

Name

SVH

Legal name

Stichting Vakbekwaamheid Horeca

Website

https://svh.nl

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

SVH (Stichting Vakbekwaamheid Horeca) is a Dutch non-profit foundation that develops and administers hospitality examinations, e-learning platforms, theory books, and professional diplomas for MBO/VMBO students, educational institutions, hospitality professionals, and entrepreneurs in the Netherlands.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Hospitality Vocational Education and Certification

NAICS

Educational Services (611), Professional and Management Development Training (611430)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Professional & Occupational Licensing Examination Authorities (EDADAFAD)

akta.pro secondary industry

Learning Outcomes & Competency Framework Authorities (EDADAEAC)

Keywords

• Hospitality vocational education
• Hospitality certification services
• E-learning licensing
• Professional examination services
• Hospitality diploma registry

Headquarters

HQ city

Zoetermeer

HQ country

Netherlands

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. E-Learning Licenses: SVH generates revenue through sale of online licenses for their e-learning platforms (SVH Horecatalent and SVH Bakkerstalent) with validity periods ranging from 1 to 36 months. Licenses can be purchased for individual courses or bundled packages.
2. Educational Books and Materials: Sale of theory books, workbooks, and combination packages for hospitality education covering kitchen, service, entrepreneurship, and specialization areas.
3. Examination Services: SVH conducts and sells computer-based and oral examinations for various certifications including Sociale Hygiëne, Barista, Gastronomie, Horecaportier, Leermeester, Vinoloog/Sommelier, and Wijn levels.
4. Diploma and Certification Services: Issuance of SVH diplomas, proof of issuance documents, diploma evaluations, and registration services for Leermeester+ certifications.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

SVH develops, publishes, and certifies vocational education content, examinations, and diplomas for the Dutch hospitality industry. Its portfolio includes proprietary e-learning platforms (SVH Horecatalent and SVH Bakkerstalent), theory book and workbook packages for each qualification, online licenses (1-36 month terms), computer-based and oral certification exams, and an SVH Diplomaregister that issues recognized credentials such as Sociale Hygiëne, Barista, Wijn levels, Leermeester+, and SVH Meester titles.

Product overview

SVH (Stichting Vakbekwaamheid Horeca) is a Dutch organization for hospitality professional qualifications. The product portfolio consists of two main e-learning platforms (SVH Horecatalent and SVH Bakkerstalent), comprehensive learning material packages for various hospitality qualifications (Kok/Gastheer/Kitchen Assistant/Service Assistant), specializations (Barista, Wine, Beer, Social Hygiene, Pizzaiolo, Plant-based cooking), master titles (Meesterkok/Meesterhorecaondernemer/Meesterijsbereider), theory books and workbooks, computer and oral examinations, diploma services, and English-language textbook bundles for international students. The SVH Horecatalent platform offers over 250 e-learnings with more than 700 instructional videos.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• SVH Horecatalent e-learning platform Web-based e-learning platform providing interactive digital learning content (magazines, instructional videos, contextual film lessons, formative assessments, digital practical workbooks, and progress tracking) for regular and private hospitality education across the Netherlands. Used by hundreds of schools, private educators, and hospitality companies.
• SVH Bakkerstalent e-learning platform Specialized e-learning platform for bread and pastry (Bakery & Banket) education in the Netherlands, offering learning pathways, ingredient knowledge, recipes, and assessments developed in partnership with the Bakery Institute.
• SVH Kok (Chef) theory book package Bundle of four theory books supporting the SVH Kok (Chef) level 2 qualification, covering kitchen practice, food product knowledge, and cooking techniques for aspiring professional chefs.
• SVH Gastheer/-vrouw (Host/Hostess) theory book package Bundle of four theory books supporting the SVH Gastheer/-vrouw (Host/Hostess) qualification, covering service practice, food product knowledge, and beverage knowledge for hospitality service professionals.
• SVH Keukenassistent (Kitchen Assistant) learning materials Integrated learning materials package for the SVH Keukenassistent (Kitchen Assistant) qualification combining printed theory book, workbook, instruction cards, and online instructional films.
• SVH Bedieningsassistent (Service Assistant) learning materials Integrated learning materials package for the SVH Bedieningsassistent (Service Assistant) qualification combining theory book, workbook, instruction cards, and online instructional films.
• SVH Leermeester+ qualification Advanced SVH qualification for workplace trainers and mentors, covering practical evidence assessment and student/employee development, with SBB-recognized practical trainer registration.
• SVH Wijn (Wine) licenses (Levels 1, 2, 3) Three-tiered online specialization licenses teaching wine production, regional wine knowledge (old and new world), and wine pairing for hospitality professionals working toward Sommelier/Vinoloog credentialing.
• SVH Barista licenses Online specialization licenses for barista skills covering coffee bean origins, espresso preparation, and coffee drink preparation, supporting SVH Barista certification.
• SVH Sociale Hygiëne e-learning and exam Digital e-learning and exam preparation program for the legally required Social Hygiene (Sociale Hygiëne) certification covering hospitality policy, atmosphere, safety, and respectful conduct.
• SVH Pizzaiolo specialization license Online specialization license for professional pizza preparation techniques, part of the SVH kitchen specialization series.
• SVH VMBO Horeca, Bakkerij en Recreatie license Comprehensive online licensing package for vmbo Horeca, Bakkerij en Recreatie (HBR) pre-vocational education covering 12 themes across hospitality, bakery, and recreation topics.
• SVH Examination services Computer-based and oral certification examinations covering Gastronomie, Barista, Horecaportier, Leermeester, Vinoloog/Sommelier, Wijn levels, and Sociale Hygiëne credentials.
• SVH Diploma and register services Diploma application, issuance, and registry services for SVH credentials including Sociale Hygiëne, Bier, Wijn, Leermeester, and Vinoloog/Sommelier diplomas, with online register verification.
• SVH Meester (Master) title program Prestigious SVH master-level recognition programs (Meesterkok, Meesterhorecaondernemer, Meesterijsbereider) representing the highest tier of professional recognition within the Dutch hospitality industry.
• SVH Instructiekaarten (140 instruction cards) Set of 140 step-by-step photo instruction cards covering practical kitchen and service skills, designed to integrate with SVH theory books and instructional films.
• Theorieboek Patissier (Pastry Chef theory book) Theory textbook for the Patissier (Pastry Chef) specialization developed with the Bakery Institute, covering pastry techniques, product groups, and recipes.
• Theorieboek Boulanger (Bread Baker theory book) Theory textbook for the Boulanger (Bread Baker) specialization developed in partnership with the Bakery Institute, covering bread making techniques and baking processes.
• SVH Plantaardig koken (Plant-based cooking) online license Online e-learning license teaching plant-based cooking techniques, focusing on unprocessed food preparation and dairy, egg, and meat alternatives for plant-based kitchens.
• Bundeldeal Engelstalige theorieboeken (English-language theory book bundles) Bundled packages of five English-language theory books each, targeting international students and English-speaking hospitality staff for service (Working as Waiter/Waitress, Food Products 1 & 2, Beverages 1, Cooking Techniques 1) or kitchen (Working as Chef, Cooking Techniques 1 & 2, Food Products 1 & 2) tracks.
• SVH Examen Patissier (N4) New computer-based SVH certification examination for the Patissier (N4) level 4 qualification, replacing prior assessment and aligned with the 2026-2027 MBO qualification dossiers.

Quantifiable outcome

• SVH Horecatalent is used by hundreds of schools, private educators, and hospitality companies in the Netherlands

Named customers1 record

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Bakery InstitutecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBakery Institute and SVH have combined their strengths to provide fresh, modern, and up-to-date educational materials for bakery education. This partnership has produced the SVH Bakkerstalent e-learning platform and theory books for Boulanger and Patissier specializations.
• Nierstichting (Kidney Foundation)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Nierstichting collaborated with SVH to develop the 'Zoutbewust koken' (Salt-Conscious Cooking) e-learning, which teaches hospitality professionals to prepare flavorful, lower-salt dishes for health-conscious consumers.
• SVH Meesters (Master Professionals)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSVH Meesters are highly skilled professionals who contribute to developing examinations and educational content. Notable masters include Hidde de Brabander (SVH Meesterijsbereider & Meester Patissier), Peter Bienefelt (Meester Boulanger), and others who lend their expertise to examination development.
• SBB (Samenwerkingsorganisatie Beroepsonderwijs Bedrijfsleven)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSBB is the collaboration organization for vocational education and business in the Netherlands. SVH Leermeester+ certification can be registered as practical trainer through SBB, linking SVH qualifications to the formal Dutch vocational training framework.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Ecole Ducasse: Internationally recognized culinary and hospitality school network offering certifications, diplomas, and continuing education — overlaps with SVH's culinary specialization ecosystem but operates more as a delivery school rather than a national certification authority.
• Le Cordon Bleu: Global culinary and hospitality education brand offering diplomas, certificates, and credentials across cuisine, pâtisserie, and wine — a broader incumbent in hospitality culinary credentials that touches SVH's specializations at the upper end of the market.

Regional players

• Hotelschool The Hague: Dutch hospitality higher-education institution providing degree-level hospitality training and a respected Dutch brand; comparable as a Netherlands-based hospitality educator and natural complement/partnership counterpart to SVH's vocational-level certifications.

Direct peers

• Specialty Coffee Association (SCA): Global authority for specialty coffee education, delivering barista and coffee-skills certifications plus learning materials and a recognized credentialing pathway — directly analogous to SVH's Barista license and certification offerings.
• American Culinary Federation (ACF): US-based certification authority for culinary professionals, issuing master, chef, and specialized certifications (e.g., pastry, baking) with associated training content — directly comparable to SVH's Meester titles and culinary specialization exam suite.
• City & Guilds: UK vocational qualification body that develops standards, assessments, and learning materials mapped to national vocational frameworks; structurally and functionally analogous to SVH's role for Dutch hospitality MBO qualifications.
• Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET): UK-based organization awarding tiered wine and spirits qualifications (Levels 1–4) plus corresponding study materials and exams — directly comparable to SVH's Wijn (wine) license and exam products in its tiered specialty certification model.
• Confederation of Tourism and Hospitality (CTH): UK awarding organization providing hospitality and tourism vocational qualifications including study materials and e-learning — closely comparable to SVH's standardized hospitality curricula and examination suite.
• Chartered Institute of Hospitality (CIH): UK professional membership body awarding hospitality qualifications, training resources, and continuing professional development — directly comparable to SVH's role in setting and administering Dutch hospitality professional qualifications and ongoing learning content.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/svh.nl
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/svh

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 SVH