VCA* is intended for companies performing hazardous work without subcontracting themselves. VCA** additionally looks more extensively at HSE policy, the organization, and its improvement, while VCA-P adds specific requirements for the petrochemical industry. Which level you need depends on your activities and the requirements of your client.
The HSE Checklist Contractors (VCA) contains the requirements for VCA certification for companies. HSE stands for Health, Safety, and Environment. The stars indicate the level of the company certification.
VCA* (VCA 1 star)
For whom?
- Companies performing hazardous work without subcontracting themselves
Role in the chain
- For example, an executing company that works itself as a subcontractor
Emphasis of the requirements
Control of health, safety, and environment during work on the work floor
VCA** (VCA 2 stars)
For whom?
- Companies for which a more extensive HSE organization is required, including companies that hire subcontractors
Role in the chain
- For example, a contractor who also outsources work and manages other companies
Emphasis of the requirements
Besides the work floor, also more extensive requirements for HSE policy, organization, and improvement
VCA-P
For whom?
- Contractors performing work in the petrochemical industry. This does not automatically mean that VCA-P is mandatory
Role in the chain
- For example, a contractor performing maintenance at a petrochemical company
Emphasis of the requirements
- The broader HSE approach, supplemented with specific requirements for the petrochemical industry
Use the overview to compare your activities and role in the chain. Consider how you arrange safety within your organization, whether you subcontract yourself, and whether you perform work in the petrochemical industry.
Discuss the appropriate level and the activities covered by the VCA company certificate with a recognized certification body. Also take into account the requirements of your current and prospective clients.
Clients can prescribe a certain VCA level in a contract or tender. Does it state that VCA** certification is required? Then you must have that level for that assignment. Also check for which activities the requirement applies.
Does it only say ‘VCA’? Ask which level is meant. This way you avoid starting a certification process that does not match the assignment.
SSVV manages the VCA scheme in the Netherlands and CSM, known via BESACC-VCA, in Belgium. A certification body performs the certification audit and issues the VCA company certificate.
Since July 1, 2026, the HSE Checklist Contractors (VCA) version 2026/6.1 applies. It includes must question 1.7 about demonstrably complying with HSE legislation. Companies must apply a procedure to identify and register relevant legislation, and a procedure to ensure compliance.
This requirement applies to VCA*, VCA**, and VCA-P. In our article about VCA 2026/6.1 you can read what must question 1.7 means for your company and how to implement it practically.
A small company can qualify for different VCA levels. Company size alone does not determine the choice.
For self-employed without personnel (zzp), a different situation applies. According to the HSE Checklist Contractors, a zzp’er cannot obtain a VCA company certificate. Separate conditions apply for deployment at VCA companies, including a personal VOL-VCA diploma, a risk inventory and evaluation of their own work, and inspected work equipment and personal protective equipment.
The level influences the required audit time and thus the certification costs. The number of employees, locations, and work sites also play a role.
In addition, preparation requires time and possibly external support. How much work is needed depends on what your organization has already arranged. Request a quote from a certification body that fits your situation.
Would you like support with must question 1.7 about demonstrably complying with HSE legislation?
Lexerta supports setting up a legislation register in Pharius. Together we map relevant legislation and clearly record obligations. In Pharius you can assign responsibilities and document per obligation how you meet the requirements and what evidence belongs to it.
Would you like to set this up for your organization? Check our service Setting up HSE compliance.
