Special Investigation Officer (BOA)
Become a special investigation officer. In eight class days we fully prepare you for the national ExTH exams and the Basic Competence BOA certificate, with extra focus on practice.
✓ Accredited program · CRKBO-registered · hybrid delivery
About the program
What does the title BOA mean?
A buitengewoon opsporingsambtenaar (BOA), a special investigating officer, is a sworn official with specific investigative powers. These powers are intended for enforcing a specific part of the legal order. BOAs work in six domains: public space, environment, welfare and infrastructure, education, public transport, work, income and care and generic investigation.
Examples of special investigating officers are school attendance officers, game wardens, environmental officers, conductors, immigration service staff or social security investigators. In addition, BOAs work in intelligence roles at the police and various ministries, such as Finance, Infrastructure and Water Management, Economic Affairs and Climate, Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality and Social Affairs and Employment. Examples of intelligence roles are OSINT analyst, intelligence generalist, senior intelligence and operational intelligence expert. In today's society the role of BOAs is becoming ever more significant, which is why the profession is sometimes described as "the profession of the future".
Duties and powers. In the Netherlands some 30,000 BOAs are active, spread across around 1,100 different organizations. Some BOAs must be able to use force in their role. These BOAs therefore have certain police powers, such as the power to search or to use force with a baton, pepper spray or a firearm. It is increasingly common for BOAs to carry handcuffs. Becoming a BOA requires not only successfully completing a BOA foundation program; some roles also require additional training. Our instructors are happy to tell you more about this in a personal conversation.
Our educational approach. Our recognized BOA program naturally covers the compulsory subjects in preparation for the exams. We believe, however, that attention should also go to subjects such as digital investigation, aggression management, reading body language and interview technique. These aspects are therefore part of our intensive program, so that theory and practice complement each other perfectly throughout the BOA program. The program is delivered by a highly experienced instructor who can prepare you excellently for the exam.
Program · 16 components
Course components
The program covers sixteen components, from constitutional structure and the legal framework to the Goal-Approach-Analysis in practice.
Constitutional structure and legislation
The special investigating officer and the legal framework
Ethics and the oath of office
Substantive criminal law
Procedural criminal law and investigative powers
Reports, complaints and gathering data
Assessing information relevant to criminal law
Drawing up and handling an official report
The judiciary and consequences for suspects
Supervising, signalling and sanctioning
Conversation techniques and approaching suspects
Identification and verification
Sanctioning correctly and informing about rights
De-escalation and handling of situations
Safety awareness
Goal-Approach-Analysis in practice
Duration of the program
Eight class days, hybrid and flexible
Over 8 class days you follow the classroom BOA foundation program at our training center in Gilze-Rijen. The first five theory lessons can be attended either in person or live online in a classroom setting, so you can follow the program in a hybrid and flexible way. You may choose to attend the lessons online from home, which minimises travel and lets you adapt your learning path to your own situation.
During the opening lesson you receive all essential course materials. You also gain access to the IACA learning platform, an extensive digital environment with many practice opportunities and additional material. This enables you to deepen and refine your knowledge and skills.
Your instructor provides home-study assignments that you can complete independently and submit digitally. Your personal instructor assesses your work, gives targeted feedback and offers valuable recommendations. You can also contact your instructor directly with questions or for clarification. This effective combination of classroom lessons, extensive digital learning resources and personal guidance has proven itself in practice.
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Target group
Who is the BOA program developed for?
The program is intended for anyone who wants to work as a special investigation officer or already works in enforcement and wants to obtain the Basic Competence BOA certificate. BOAs work in a wide range of roles, from public-space enforcement officer and school-attendance officer to environmental inspector, conductor and social investigator.
Whether you are at the start of your career, considering a career switch or want to enrich your current role with investigative powers, this program offers the knowledge and skills to develop in this versatile and increasingly important field. Today's BOA is a professional operating at the intersection of legislation, social engagement and specialist expertise: a challenging and meaningful role for anyone ready for the next step in their professional development.
Certification & accreditation
Recognized Basic Competence BOA certificate
Our training institute has been assessed and registered with the CRKBO, the Central Register for Short Vocational Education.
The exam. To become a special investigating officer (BOA) you must sit two exams. These exams are held under the responsibility of the Basic Competence BOA Examination Board and administered by the examination body ExTH.
Legal knowledge, BOA basic competence. This theory exam tests your knowledge of the relevant laws and regulations. It consists of 50 multiple-choice questions and takes a maximum of 90 minutes. You sit this exam in a certified CBT room designated by ExTH.
BOA basic practice. This practical exam consists of a skills test (30 minutes) and an open work assignment (30 minutes). Both exams must be completed with a pass in order to receive the Basic Competence BOA certificate.
After successfully completing the national ExTH exams you obtain the recognized certificate:
- ✓Basic Competence BOA
Our programs and diplomas are widely recognized and highly regarded by various government agencies and a wide range of international organizations. Whether you already work for such an organization or are pursuing a position with one of these employers, our programs are a valuable addition to your CV.
Additional programs
After completing the program you can deepen your knowledge further with one of the following courses:
- Private Investigator Practical Diploma (Post-MBO)
- Interrogation, Interview Techniques and Body Language
- Observation Technique
- Digital investigation (OSINT Module 1)
- Applied Criminal Intelligence Analysis
The International Anti Crime Academy is a training partner of the UWV.
Course formats
Open, private or customized
While this program is usually offered as an open program, we understand that you may need a private setting given the nature of your work. With at least twelve participants, we can provide a private training session at our location. We also offer tailored programs based on parts of this program. We are happy to put together a suitable proposal.
All private programs can be offered in Dutch or English.
All our instructors are screened and have signed non-disclosure agreements with various government agencies. A specific non-disclosure agreement for your organization or service is also possible.
Start dates
Plan your BOA program
Below you will find the next start date. If no date suits you, or you prefer a private or customized track, feel free to contact us, we are happy to help.
Reviews
What our students say
Reviews from professionals who have completed IACA's programs. These reviews were originally written in Dutch and translated into English.
Frequently asked questions
BOA program: your questions answered
Ready to start?
Become a special investigation officer
Enroll in the BOA program or request information without obligation. We are happy to discuss open, private or customized tracks.