The Finnish National Certificates of Language Proficiency or Yleiset kielitutkinnot widely known as YKI , is the language proficiency test in Finland. This test is governed by the Finnish National Board of Education and organizes test in 9 different languages throughout the year in Finland( ENGLISH - FINNISH - FRENCH - GERMAN - ITALIAN - RUSSIAN - SAAMI - SPANISH - SWEDISH)
YKI testi is the only national level renowned language proficiency test intended to measure the functional language proficiency of adults in Finland. In other words it evaluates adult's speaking, writing, reading and listening skills.
YKI tests are organized in almost all major cities of FINLAND on the same day. Registration opens 1-2 months before the test dates. To secure your places in HELSINKI and nearby test centres you have to act promptly on the registration opening dates.
YKI TESTS has 3 levels (BASIC, INTERMEDIATE AND ADVANCED LEVEL)The eligibility to apply for a FNP(Finnish National Passport) is graded to be 3 in INTERMEDIATE LEVEL. The tests has 4 sections and you need to pass at least 2 sections(below combination) with grade 3 .
- Speaking (3) and writing (3)
- Listening comprehension (3) and writing (3)
- Reading comprehension (3) and speaking (3)
- Reading comprehension: It is like reading the essay and then answering the multiple choice question. If you go through the essay properly, you will get all your answers in the essay. Do not leave the paper blank just fill the answers. Tip: Check for the similar words in the question when selecting your answers.
- Writing : The text types used in the text comprehension test are e.g. letter, message, announcement, advertisement, news, factual text , report etc. For instance, write an email to the job advertisement. Tasks range in subject matter and formality from basic short posts, intermediate to slightly longer posts (e.g. opinion writing) and top-level demanding tasks (e.g. job application). Assignments are guided and sometimes include background material.
- Listening comprehension: You will listen the audio and answer the multiple choice questions. Answer all the questions even if you are not sure, as the wrong answers wont get penalized. Listen carefully the audio, if you miss something just let it go and focus on other question.All tasks are listened twice , so don't panic.
- Speaking: This is the fun part of the tests. You have to speak about the given topic. If you don't understand the question, just raise your hand, asks the checker if confused. Speak whatever you know , does not need to be perfect, the examiner just check your understanding levels.