What does the title BOA or special investigating officer entail?

A special investigating officer, abbreviated as BOA, is a sworn official who is provided with specific investigative powers. These investigative powers are intended to enforce 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.

Some examples of extraordinary investigative officers are school attendance officers, game wardens, environmental officers, conductors, immigration officers or social investigators. In addition, BOAs also work in intelligence positions 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 positions within intelligence are OSINT analyst, generalist intelligence, senior intelligence, and operational expert intelligence. In today's society, the role of BOAs is becoming increasingly important, which is why the profession is also described as 'the profession of the future'.

What are the tasks and powers of a BOA?

There are approximately 30,000 BOAs active in the Netherlands, spread over approximately 1,100 different agencies. Some of the BOAs must be able to use force in their position. These BOAs therefore have certain police powers, such as the authority to search or use force such as a baton, pepper spray or a firearm. It is increasingly common for BOAs to carry handcuffs. Becoming a BOA not only requires successful completion of a basic BOA training course, but additional training is also necessary for some positions. Our teachers will be happy to give you more information about this during a personal conversation.

Our educational approach

Our recognized BOA training naturally includes the mandatory subjects in preparation for the exams. However, we believe that attention should also be paid to topics such as digital investigation, aggression control, reading body language and interview techniques. These aspects are included in our intensive training program, so that theory and practice complement each other perfectly during the BOA training. The training is provided by a very experienced teacher, who can prepare you excellently for the exam.

Duration of the training

You will follow the classroom BOA basic training at our training center in Gilze-Rijen for 8 days. The first five theoretical lessons can be followed both physically and virtually in a classroom setting, allowing you to follow the training in a hybrid and flexible way. You have the choice to take the lessons online from home, which minimizes the travel distance and allows you to adapt your learning path to your own situation.

During the initial lesson you will receive all essential teaching materials. You will also have access to the IACA learning platform, an extensive digital environment with numerous practice options and additional teaching materials. This enables you to further deepen and refine your knowledge and skills.

Your teacher will provide home study assignments that you can complete independently and submit digitally. Your personal teacher assesses your work, provides targeted feedback and offers valuable recommendations. In addition, you have the option to 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 take two exams. These exams are administered under the responsibility of the BOA Basic Competence Examination Board and carried out by the ExTH examination institution.

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 take this exam in a certified CBT room designated by ExTH.

Boa Basic Practice

This practice-oriented 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 to receive the Basic Competence BOA certificate.