In Belgium we first have to pass a theoretical (the rules of golf) en practical exam (hit 10 balls straight over 100 meter, hit some bunkershots, do some putting, etc) before we are allowed to go on course: then you dont have the handicap yet

to get your handicap you have to play a few courses, whitnesed by the captain of your club, and you have to get a certain result (this result depends on the dificulty of the course), so it's similar to what eastley said

I started taking lessons in december and the golf pro said I should get my handicap in april

problem is I don't have much time to go practicing: only twice a week for 1 hour