National Certificates of Language Proficiency (YKI)

The National Certificates of Language Proficiency are language examinations intended for adults. The exams assess language skills in practical situations where an adult needs to speak, listen, write or read in a foreign language – either in Finland or abroad. At Turku Vocational Institute, you can take the test in Finnish, English and Swedish (basic, intermediate and advanced levels).

Anyone may participate in the National Certificates of Language Proficiency. The Finnish language tests are intended for immigrants or foreign nationals. You may need a certificate of intermediate-level Finnish, for example, when applying for citizenship. Some educational institutions may also require a certificate.

As the test tasks and instructions are usually in Finnish or Swedish, completing the exam requires proficiency in one of these languages. The intermediate and advanced English exams are conducted in English, and responses must be given in English.

Obtaining Finnish citizenship requires at least satisfactory oral and written skills in Finnish or Swedish. Further information about the language requirements for citizenship can be found, for example, on the website of the Finnish Immigration Service.
* Check the test dates and registration periods on the Finnish National Agency for Education’s website.
* Register for the language test using the electronic form available on the Finnish National Agency for Education’s website.
* You will receive a payment link and payment instructions in the confirmation message. You will later receive an invitation to the test by email. Please note that the test may fill up before the registration period ends.
* If you have any questions about the National Certificates of Language Proficiency or about registering for the test, please contact the study secretary at Turku Vocational Institute.
See the degree fees on the webpages of the Finnish National Agency for Education.