National Certificates of Language Proficiency (YKI)

The National Certificates of Language Proficiency (YKI) are the language test system of the Finnish government. You can use these certificates when you

apply for a job or study place
apply for Finnish citizenship (certificates of Finnish and Swedish skills)
must prove your level of language skills to an employer.

All National Certificate of Language Proficiency tests consist of four parts: speaking, listening comprehension, writing and reading comprehension. You will get a separate grade for each part.

You can take the test in the following languages: English, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Northern Sámi, Russian, Spanish and Swedish.

Participating in the YKI Test

1. Selecting the right YKI test, the test days

The National Certificate of Language Proficiency (YKI) is a language test for adults. You can take the YKI test at different skill levels. Before registering for the test, find out when you need the certificate and at what level you need it.

2. Registering for the YKI test

You can register for the YKI test using the online registration system.

3. Before the YKI test

When you have registered, you will receive a message telling you how to get to the YKI test centre. Prepare for the test and also get to know the types of questions used in the test.

4. After the YKI test

It takes around two months to grade the YKI tests. When your test has been graded, the certificate will be posted to the address you gave when you registered for the YKI test.

Proving your language skills when you apply for Finnish citizenship

If you apply for Finnish citizenship, you need a certificate of your skills in writing and speaking Finnish or Swedish. Taking the YKI test at the intermediate level (3) or higher is enough to prove your language skills.

The Framework of the Finnish National Certificates of Language Proficiency (201…

www.oph.fi

The Finnish National Agency for Education has defined the official framework for the National Certificates of Language Proficiency (YKI). For example, the framework sets out the topics and questions types that the YKI tests must contain.