The title is acquired by passing the doctoraalexamen, the exam which usually concludes university study.
Some students will continue to do research under the supervision of a professor, which eventually allows them to obtain the title of doctor.
The word 'doctorandus' is based on the traditional principle that this degree is a prerequisite and intermediate step for obtaining a doctorate title.
However, in the twentieth century the doctorandi have become considered to be graduates and when they can choose a scientific career, they do so usually as a paid promovendus and not as research students.
According to Dutch legislation, the Dutch doctorandus degree is equivalent to the MA or MSc degree in English-speaking countries, with the difference that the coursework and comprehensive exams for a doctorate are included in the academic study.
This means that Dutch graduates who received the doctorandus title may sign like drs.
stems from the Dutch 'ingenieur' (engineer)) for those who graduated in an academic study of agriculture, natural environment or technical field, mr. (mr. stems from the Dutch meester (master) at law) for those who graduated in law and drs.