Structure of the Examination

Updated

The Matriculation Examination consists of a minimum of five tests. Duration of each test is six hours. After the examiantion is completed, it can supplemented with more tests or previous tests can be retaken.

Completion of the Matriculation Examination

The Matriculation Examination is held twice annually, in the spring and autumn on 9 test days. Candidates are required to complete the examination within one to three consecutive examination periods. A candidate complets the examination in Finnish or Swedish, depending on the language of instruction at the educational institution where the candidate is taking the examination.

All candidates must take the Mother Tongue and Literature test as part of the Matriculation Examination. In addition, candidates are required to complete at least four other tests from the following subject groups, based on their preferences:

  • Mathematics
  • Second National Language
  • Foreign Language
  • Humanities and Natural Sciences

At least one of the tests must be of advanced level. Advanced level tests can be taken in second national language, foreign language or mathematics.

The structure of the Finnish matriculation examination. Mother tongue (Finnish, Swedish or Sami) is mandatory for everyone.

To pass the Matriculation Examination, candidates must successfully complete the tests and meet one of the following educational criteria:

  1. Finish general upper secondary education or equivalent foreign education;
  2. Finish a vocational qualification under the Vocational Education and Training Act (531/2017) or an equivalent prior qualification;
  3. Finish a vocational qualification lasting at least two years, or equivalent studies based on basic education, alongside any additional studies required by the Matriculation Examination Board.

Supplementing the examination

A person who has passed the Matriculation Examination can later supplement it by taking a test that they have not previously taken. The examination may also be supplemented by taking a test in a subject that one has already passed but at another level.

Tests taken to supplement the examination are of equal value with the tests in the original examination. Candidates receive a a new certificate with the new and previous tests that they have taken to supplement their examination.

Retaking tests

  • Passed Tests: Candidates may retake a passed test as many times as they wish, without any time restriction. If the test is retaken before the Matriculation Examination Certificate has been awarded, the higher grade will be recorded on the certificate. If retaken after the certificate has been issued, a new certificate will be provided with the updated grade.
  • Failed Tests: Candidates who is yet to complete the examination who fail a test are allowed to retake it up to three times within the three examination periods immediately following the failed attempt. Candidates who have completed the examination can retake tests without time restrictions, including failed tests.