For example, educational institutions, employers and public authorities may ask you to prove your language skills with a YKI certificate. The Finnish National Agency for Education does not decide what the results of the YKI test can be used for.
If you need a YKI certificate for a specific purpose:
- Determine what level of YKI certificate you need.
- Determine whether you need a certificate for each subtest.
The YKI test is open to all. In other words, you can take the test even if you do not need it for any official purpose.
If you are applying for Finnish citizenship or a permanent residence permit
If you are applying for Finnish citizenship or a permanent residence permit, please read the instructions on the Finnish Immigration Service's website.
If you are applying for a job
If you are applying for a job, you should ask the employer about their requirements regarding the YKI certificate.
For example, public administration positions may require satisfactory, good or excellent Finnish or Swedish language skills. You can check the required level from the job advertisement or the employer.
- Satisfactory Finnish or Swedish language skills can be proven by completing the intermediate level YKI test at grade 3.
- Good Finnish or Swedish language skills can be proven by completing the intermediate level YKI test at grade 4.
- Excellent Finnish or Swedish language skills can be proven by completing the advanced level YKI test at grade 6.
If you are applying for a place of study
If you are applying for a place of study, you should ask the educational institution about their requirements regarding the YKI certificate.