The instructions on this page are intended for you if you have by 31 December 2023 received a conditional decision by the Finnish National Agency for Education on your eligibility for rescue services positions.

From 1 January 2024, competence in the recognition of rescue professional qualifications has been transferred to the Emergency Services Academy. 

If you have by 31 December 2023 received a conditional decision from the Finnish National Agency for Education on the recognition of professional qualifications for a profession in rescue services, the final decision on the recognition of professional qualifications will be made by the  Finnish National Agency for Education. 

You need to complete the adaptation period or the aptitude test and receive the final decision by 31 December 2025.

The decision specifies the positions in which you must work during the adaptation period and the duration of the adaptation period. You must find a workplace where you can complete the adaptation period yourself.

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In the aptitude test, you demonstrate your command of the knowledge and skills required in a rescue services position in Finland. Finnish National Agency for Education's decision determines the subject areas covered by the aptitude test. The aptitude test may be taken at the Emergency Services Academy Finland.

To complete the aptitude test, contact the Emergency Services Academy Finland in the following address.
kelpoisuuskoe [at] pelastusopisto.fi (kelpoisuuskoe[at]pelastusopisto[dot]fi).

The aptitude test may be taken either in Finnish or in Swedish.

The Emergency Services Academy Finland will charge a fee for the costs arising from arranging the aptitude test.

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Once you have completed the adaptation period or the aptitude test, you must apply to the Finnish National Agency for Education for a final decision concerning your eligibility. 

The certificate issued upon completion of the adaptation period must contain the following information:

  • tasks (crew member/sub-officer/fire officer)
  • details of the employer
  • start and end dates of the employment
  • average number of weekly working days

A fee will be charged for the final decision.

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