What does the title BOA or special investigating officer mean?

A special law enforcement officer, abbreviated as BOA, is a sworn official with specific investigative powers. These powers are intended to enforce a specific aspect of the legal order. BOAs work in six areas: public space, environment, welfare and infrastructure, education, public transport, employment, income and healthcare, and general law enforcement.

Some examples of special investigating officers include truancy officers, game wardens, environmental officers, train conductors, immigration officers, and social investigators. In addition, special investigating officers (BOAs) work in intelligence roles within 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 roles within intelligence include OSINT analyst, general intelligence specialist, senior intelligence officer, and operational intelligence expert. In today's society, the role of special investigating officers (BOAs) is becoming increasingly important, leading the profession to be described as "the profession of the future.".

What are the duties and powers of a BOA?

In the Netherlands, there are approximately 30,000 BOAs (Bureau Officers) active in approximately 1,100 different agencies. Some BOAs must be able to use force in their role. Therefore, these BOAs possess certain police powers, such as the authority to search or use force like a baton, pepper spray, or a firearm. It is increasingly common for BOAs to carry handcuffs. Becoming a BOA requires not only the successful completion of basic BOA training, but additional training is also necessary for some positions. Our instructors are happy to provide you with more information during a personal consultation.

Our educational approach

Our accredited BOA training naturally includes the required subjects to prepare for the exams. However, we believe that topics such as digital investigation, anger management, reading body language, and interview techniques should also be addressed. These aspects are therefore incorporated into our intensive training program, ensuring that theory and practice complement each other perfectly throughout the BOA training. The training is taught by a highly experienced instructor who can prepare you excellently for the exam.

Duration of the training

Over eight training days, you'll attend the classroom-based BOA basic training course at our training center in Gilze-Rijen. The first five theoretical lessons can be completed in person or virtually, allowing you to follow the course in a hybrid and flexible way. You can also take the lessons online from home, minimizing travel distances and allowing you to tailor your learning path to your individual situation.

During the introductory session, you will receive all essential course materials. You will also have access to the IACA learning platform, a comprehensive digital environment with numerous practice options and supplementary course materials. This allows you to further deepen and refine your knowledge and skills.

Your teacher will provide you with homework assignments that you can complete independently and submit digitally. Your personal teacher will assess your work, provide targeted feedback, and offer valuable recommendations. You can also contact your teacher directly for questions or clarification.

This effective combination of classroom lessons, extensive digital learning resources and personal guidance has proven itself in practice.

The exam

To become a special investigating officer (BOA), you must pass two exams. These exams are administered under the auspices of the Basic Competence BOA Examination Board and run by the examining body ExTH.

Legal knowledge Boa Basic competence

This theoretical exam tests your knowledge of relevant laws and regulations. It consists of 50 multiple-choice questions and takes a maximum of 90 minutes. You will take this exam in a certified CBT classroom designated by ExTH.

Boa Basic Practice

This practical exam consists of two parts:

• A skills test (30 minutes)
• An open work assignment (30 minutes)

Both exams must be completed with a satisfactory result in order to receive the Basic Competence BOA certificate.