Final examination of language proficiency begins – Finnish National Agency for Education is in charge of the system

In accordance with the new Integration Act, final examination of language proficiency in Finnish or Swedish will be part of integration training courses beginning after 1 January 2025. The Finnish National Agency for Education will be responsible for the final examination system. The examination will be carried out by education providers.

Students in integration training will take the final examination of language proficiency towards the end of the training. For example, immigrants starting their integration training in January 2025 will take the examination towards the end of 2025. The final examination will test the different types of language skills, i.e. listening and reading comprehension and speaking and writing skills. The final examination will assess the language skills specified in the curriculum for integration training, and taking the examination always requires completion of integration training. Language skills required for citizenship continue to be assessed through other courses and qualifications.

Municipalities will be responsible for ensuring that integration training is available for immigrants who have completed compulsory education. Integration training is organised as labour market training and as self-motivated studies. The training aims to promote the integration and employment of the participants and to improve their everyday skills and knowledge of Finnish society and culture.

The core curriculum for integration training has been prepared by the Finnish National Agency for Education. The training includes language and communication skills, citizenship and working life competence and student guidance and support for studies and learning. The training also includes an on-the-job learning period.

Finnish National Agency for Education offers a free testing system to education providers

The Finnish National Agency for Education is responsible for developing and operating the language testing system. Final examination is carried out by the providers of integration training. The providers can use the Agency’s system free of charge.

Examinations will be carried out when a group is at the final stage of integration training. For this reason, the number of final language examinations varies depending on the number of organised integration training courses.

During spring 2025, integration training providers and language teachers may familiarise themselves with the test system and assessment by participating in training organised by the Agency. More information on the training and their timetables is available on the website of the Finnish National Agency for Education.

Integration training is included in qualifications framework

From 2025, integration training will be part of the national framework for qualifications and other competence modules. The new competence module will be placed on level 2 of the framework. The framework describes at eight levels the qualifications, syllabuses and other extensive competence modules of the Finnish education system. The levels have been determined on the basis of required competences.

More information:
Final examination of language proficiency (in Finnish)