History

The Proficiency Medal was established by the Dutch Olympic Committee in 1914, but the competition and its awards were taken over by the Dutch Sports Federation in 1959. It is permitted for wear on military uniforms.

It is awarded for the successful completion of athletic proficiency tests. These proficiency tests have included such activities as swimming, running, and martial arts, amongst others.

There are three versions of the medal that differ in size and inscription according to changes in administration. The first two versions feature an obverse inscription that can be translated to "For Skilled Proficiency," and a reverse inscription that stands for "Nederlands Olympich Comité" (Dutch Olympic Committee), but they differ in size. The third version also features an obverse inscription that can be translated to "For Skilled Proficiency," and a reverse inscription that stands for "Nederlandse Sport Federatie" (Dutch Sports Federation).

The Gold Medal is awarded after the completion of five tests. From 1914-1959, every additional proficiency test was recognised with a silver gilt number clasp that denoted the total number of successful tests. Since 1959, a new clasp system has been used: a bronze laurel leaf clasp with I, II, III, or IV is awarded for the completion of 11, 12, 13, or 14 proficiency tests, respectively; a silver laurel leaf clasp with I, II, III, or IV is awarded for the completion of 15, 16, 17, or 18 proficiency test, respectively; a gold laurel leaf clasp is awarded for the completion of 20 proficiency tests; and a gold laurel leaf clasp with I, II, III, or IV is awarded for the completion of 21, 22, 23, or 24 proficiency tests, respectively. The completion of more than 24 proficiency tests is recognised with a gold laurel leaf clasp with a roman numeral to denote the total number of completed tests.