Are you about to register with the NFG, or are you already a registered therapist? Then you will encounter the concepts PSBK and MBK Sooner or later you will face it. On this page, you can read in plain language what they mean, when you need which one, and where you can take an accredited course.
What is the difference between PSBK and MBK?
PSBK and MBK are two mandatory basic knowledge requirements established by health insurers for healthcare providers who wish to qualify for reimbursement. Which of the two you need depends on the register in which you are registered with the NFG.
Basic Psychosocial Knowledge
Knowledge of psychosocial and mental health issues: how to recognize signs, when to refer, and how to work responsibly within your own field.
- Required for registration in the department VPMW
- Also mandatory (in addition to MBK) for the department VIG
- Haptotherapists and psychomotor therapists may choose between PSBK or MBK.
Basic Medical Knowledge
Knowledge of the human body and medical conditions: when is a complaint potentially medical in nature and when should you refer to a doctor.
- Mandatory, together with PSBK, for registration in the department. VIG
- Haptotherapists and psychomotor therapists may choose between MBK or PSBK.
- A combined PSBK + MBK training is always beneficial, provided it is PLATO-accredited.
Who needs what basic knowledge?
Accreditation: which programs count?
A PSBK or MBK course only counts if it meets the PLATO learning outcomes (prepared by the Education, Training and Organisation Platform of Leiden University, commissioned by the health insurers) and is accredited by a recognized accreditation institute: SNRO or CPION. Your basic training itself must also be CPION, SKB, or SNRO accredited to be eligible for registration.
Exemption: does your diploma count?
A number of HBO (Higher Professional Education) programs automatically grant an exemption for PSBK and/or MBK, because the basic knowledge is already part of the program itself. The overview below is based on the official NFG exemption list.
SME Exemption (among others)
- Physiotherapy
- Nursing (Bachelor of Nursing)
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
- Obstetrics
- Skin therapy
- Cesar/Mensendieck Exercise Therapy
- Nutrition and Dietetics
- All medical degrees (incl. dentistry)
- CPION or SNRO accredited courses
PSBK Exemption (among others)
- (Applied) Psychology (HBO/WO)
- Social Work and Services
- SPH — Social Pedagogical Assistance
- Creative Therapy
- Pedagogy / Master in Special Education
- HBO Counseling Program
- Humanities
- Pastoral work
- ECP-certified training courses
- CPION- or SNRO-accredited PSBK training programs
Providers of PSBK and MBK refresher training
The NFG does not compile a fixed list of course providers itself — as the courses that are accredited change regularly. Therefore, for the most up-to-date status, always consult the official register of the accreditation institutes. According to the public SNRO register, the institutes listed below currently offer PLATO-accredited PSBK, MBK, and/or combined MPsBK courses:
Annual refresher training
Are you registered with the VPMW or VIG professional group? If so, annual PSBK (and possibly MBK) refresher training is mandatory to maintain your registration. You can find all conditions and the current point standard on the page. PSBK Refresher Training.
How do you apply for PSBK and MBK approval from the NFG?
As soon as you have completed a recognized PSBK or MBK course, upload the certificate to your personal file at the NFG. Our assessment committee then checks whether the course meets the PLATO accreditation requirements applicable to PSBK and MBK. Upon approval, this is automatically linked to your registration, making it visible in the register for health insurers.
