General Regulations and Guidelines

The Matriculation Examination taken by a candidate consists of at least five tests in different examination subjects. One of the tests required for the examination must be the test in mother tongue and literature. In addition, the candidate must take at least four tests from at least three of the following groups:

• mathematics
• second national language
• foreign language
• humanities and natural sciences

At least one of the tests required for the examination must be a test at a more demanding level (see 1.2 Tests). (Act 502/2019, section 10(1))
The required combination of five tests that a candidate must take for the Matriculation Examination may include only one test in the same subject. In addition, the candidate may take one or more other tests. (Act 502/2019, section 10(2))

The Matriculation Examination starts when a candidate first enters for the examination (see 1.3 Eligibility to participate and 1.4 Enrolment).

A candidate who has participated in at least one examination round and who, due to illness, full-time studies abroad, or another comparable compelling reason, has been prevented from participating in the tests of one or two consecutive examination rounds may, upon application, continue completing the examination for one or two additional examination rounds corresponding to the number of examination rounds lost. This continuation occurs in the examination round immediately following the expiry of the maximum time limit. The candidate retains the right to retake a failed test in such a way that the examination rounds lost are not counted among the examination rounds available for retaking (Act 502/2019, Section 13(3)).

When a candidate is unable to continue with the examination for such a reason, the candidate submits an application to the principal of the general upper secondary school. The principal attaches a statement about the candidate’s situation to the application and forwards it to the Board. If the reason is illness or a comparable reason, the application must include a medical certificate or a statement from another expert indicating the illness and the period of incapacity for work. In case of study abroad or a comparable reason, the application and its attachments must indicate the start and end dates of the studies or the other reason.

For a particularly compelling reason, the Matriculation Examination Board may, upon application, decide that a candidate may start the examination anew while it is still in progress (Act 502/2019, section 13(5)). The candidate submits the application to the principal of the general upper secondary school, who attaches a statement about the matter and forwards the application to the Board.

Tests completed in an examination that was not completed may not be included in the new examination.

The examination shall be considered failed if it cannot be completed within the remaining examination rounds and the permitted retake attempts for a failed test. In such a case, the candidate may start the examination from the beginning without submitting a separate application.

In the new examination, the candidate may include any passed tests that were part of a failed examination from the six preceding examination rounds (Act 502/2019, section 13). Tests taken earlier than this cannot be included in the examination. Any test included in the examination is removed six examination rounds after it was taken if the required tests for the examination have not yet been completed. When the candidate enrols for the new examination for the first time, all eligible tests are included automatically. If the candidate does not wish a test to be included, they must notify the general upper secondary school accordingly after enrolling for the first examination round of the new examination and after the school has submitted the enrolment details to the Matriculation Examination Board, but no later than in accordance with the timetable set out in subchapter 1.1.8 Completion of studies after taking the tests. (For retaking an included test, see 1.3.4 Retaking a passed test and supplementing the examination.)

A person who has not completed the Matriculation Examination may take Matriculation Examination tests as separate tests. Separate tests do not form a Matriculation Examination Qualification. Separate tests may not be taken by a person who has been admitted to complete the syllabus of general upper secondary education and the Finnish Matriculation Examination, or to complete a vocational upper secondary qualification (Act 502/2019, section 6).

If a candidate who has taken separate tests wishes to complete the Matriculation Examination, they may include in the examination any passed tests taken as separate tests from the six preceding examination rounds (Act 502/2019, section 6). Tests taken earlier than this cannot be included in the examination. Any test included in the examination is removed six examination rounds after it was taken if the required tests for the examination have not yet been completed. When the candidate enrols to complete the examination for the first time, all eligible tests are included automatically. If the candidate does not wish a test to be included, they must notify the general upper secondary school accordingly after enrolling for the first examination round of the examination and after the school has submitted the enrolment details to the Matriculation Examination Board, but no later than in accordance with the timetable set out in subchapter 1.1.8 Completion of studies after taking the tests. (For retaking an included test, see 1.3.4 Retaking a passed test and supplementing the examination.)

The Matriculation Examination may still be considered completed even if a candidate has failed a test required for the examination, provided that the grades for the candidate’s other tests demonstrate the knowledge and the skills required under the general upper secondary education curriculum and show sufficient maturity, and that the candidate has not submitted a written notification requesting that the failing result not be entered on the certificate (Act 502/2019, section 12). This procedure is referred to as compensation. Only one failed test may be compensated. Compensation may apply only to a test that is required for the examination. Failed additional tests are not compensated.

However, the examination cannot be considered completed if the test was failed due to a breach of examination regulations or cheating, or if the candidate failed to attend the test or did not submit the test for assessment (Act 502/2019, section 12(2)).

If the candidate does not wish compensation to be applied, they must submit a written notification to the general upper secondary school, which will forward it to the Matriculation Examination Board. The notification must reach the Board no later than 5 May in the spring examination and 4 November in the autumn examination.

If the candidate has failed one of the five tests required for the examination and passed four tests, the candidate is awarded compensation points for these four tests on the basis of the grades as follows: laudatur 7, eximia cum laude approbatur 6, magna cum laude approbatur 5, cum laude approbatur 4, lubenter approbatur 3, and approbatur 2. The awarded compensation points are added together, and 10 compensation points compensate for a failing result. If the candidate has taken more than five tests, the four tests required for the examination that give the highest total number of compensation points are considered when calculating compensation points (see Table 1). No compensation points are awarded for additional tests.
 

Table 1. Examples of compensation

If the candidate has more than one failed test which, if compensated, would allow the candidate to complete the examination, the test taken in the most recent examination round is entered on the certificate. If there is more than one such test, the Matriculation Examination Board decides which test is entered on the certificate.

When determining whether a candidate has completed the studies required for the Matriculation Examination (see 1.1 Completion of the Matriculation Examination), the Matriculation Examination Board uses information from the KOSKI registry. The Board uses this information to verify the completion of the general upper secondary education syllabus or graduation from a vocational upper secondary qualification and, if possible, other qualifications completed by the candidate. It is the responsibility of the education provider to ensure that the information recorded in the KOSKI registry is kept up to date. The Finnish National Agency for Education issues more detailed regulations on how information must be updated in KOSKI (Act 884/2017, section 6).

If the information cannot be transmitted via KOSKI, the principal must notify, via the examination service, that the candidate has completed the studies required for the examination. The principal must briefly describe the reason why the information cannot be transferred via KOSKI and provide details of the studies and the educational institution.

The information must be updated in KOSKI or via the examination service by 5 May for the spring examination and by 4 November for the autumn examination.

If a candidate is completing a double qualification, i.e. a vocational upper secondary qualification and the Matriculation Examination, the vocational institution must record the information on graduation by 5 May for the spring examination and by 4 November for the autumn examination.

Once the candidate has completed the tests required for the examination and the Board has received notification of the completion of the studies required for the examination, the candidate’s Matriculation Examination is considered completed on the next graduation date determined by the Matriculation Examination Board (see Table 3).

The studies required for the Matriculation Examination must be completed by the graduation date. To graduate on that date, notification of the completion of the candidate’s studies must have been submitted in accordance with subchapter 1.1.8 by the deadline set by the Board (see Table 2).

Table 2. Graduation dates of the Matriculation Examination

If the deadline for submitting notification of the completion of studies shown in the table falls on a public holiday or at the weekend, the notification may be submitted on the next working day. The graduation dates nevertheless remain unchanged.

If a graduation date shown in the table falls on a public holiday or at the weekend, the graduation date is moved to the preceding working day, with the exception of Saturday in week 22.

If a candidate graduates as a result of an administrative review of the assessment of a test, the graduation date is the same as it would have been if the test had originally been assessed in line with the outcome of the review.

The grades awarded for the tests are laudatur, eximia cum laude approbatur, magna cum laude approbatur, cum laude approbatur, lubenter approbatur, approbatur, and improbatur (Decree 612/2019, section 6). The letter abbreviations L, E, M, C, B, A, and I are used for the grades. The grades correspond to the following points: 7 (L), 6 (E), 5 (M), 4 (C), 3 (B), 2 (A), and 0 (I) (see 1.1.7 Completing the examination with a failed test (compensation)).

Mother tongue and literature tests are organised in Finnish, Swedish and Sámi (Act 502/2019, section 3).

The mother tongue and literature test in Finnish and Swedish consists of two parts: a reading comprehension test and a writing skills test, which are held on different examination days. The Finnish and Swedish mother tongue and literature tests are held on the same examination days.

Candidates take the test in the language of instruction of their general upper secondary school: Finnish in Finnish‑language schools and Swedish in Swedish‑language schools.

The Sámi mother tongue and literature test is organised in Inari Sámi, Skolt Sámi and Northern Sámi. The Sámi mother tongue and literature test consists only of a writing skills test. It is held on a different day from the Finnish and Swedish writing skills tests. All Sámi mother tongue and literature tests are held on the same examination day.

The examination may include mother tongue and literature tests in more than one Sámi language; however, a candidate may take only one Sámi mother tongue and literature test in the same examination round. A Sámi mother tongue and literature test may be included in the examination as a foreign language test (Act 502/2019, section 11).

The mother tongue and literature test may be a test based on the Finnish as a second language and literature or Swedish as a second language and literature syllabus if the candidate’s mother tongue is not Finnish, Swedish or Sámi and the candidate has completed the compulsory studies in Finnish or Swedish as a second language and literature required for participation in the test when completing the general upper secondary education syllabus, or if the candidate uses sign language as their mother tongue or first language (Act 502/2019, section 11).

Candidates may take the Finnish or Swedish as a second language and literature test in a general upper secondary school according to the language of instruction of the school. The Finnish or Swedish as a second language and literature test is taken on the day of the writing test of the mother tongue and literature test, in accordance with a separately published timetable.

In Finnish‑language general upper secondary schools, the test in the second national language is the test in Swedish, and in Swedish‑language general upper secondary schools it is the test in Finnish. In the second national language, tests are organised at two different levels of difficulty (Act 502/2019, section 3). One test is based on the advanced syllabus and the other on the intermediate syllabus.
A test based on the advanced syllabus refers to a test based on the A syllabus specified in the National Core Curriculum for General Upper Secondary Education (2019). A test based on the basic syllabus refers to a test based on the B1 syllabus specified in the National Core Curriculum for General Upper Secondary Education (2019). Regardless of their general upper secondary studies, a candidate may choose which level of the test they take.

In a Finnish‑language general upper secondary school, a candidate may include, as the test in the second national language, the test in Swedish as a mother tongue and literature. In a Swedish‑language general upper secondary school, a candidate may include, as the test in the second national language, the test in Finnish as a mother tongue and literature. A test in Finnish or Swedish as a mother tongue and literature taken instead of the test in the second national language as a required test for the examination is regarded as corresponding to the more demanding level (Act 502/2019, section 10).

If a candidate takes their test in mother tongue and literature in a Sámi language, they may also choose, as the test in the second national language,the test in Finnish as a mother tongue and literature in a Finnish‑language general upper secondary school, or the test in Swedish as a mother tongue and literature in a Swedish‑language general upper secondary school. In addition, the candidate may take the test in the second national language corresponding to the language of instruction of the school.

Foreign language tests are organised in English, Spanish, Italian, French, German, Russian, Inari Sámi, Skolt Sámi, Northern Sámi, Latin and Portuguese (Decree 612/2019, section 4(3)). Tests based on the advanced syllabus are organised in English, Spanish, French, German and Russian. Tests based on the basic syllabus are organised in all the languages listed above.

A test based on the advanced syllabus refers to a test based on the A syllabus specified in the national core curriculum for general upper secondary education (2019).

A test based on the basic syllabus refers to a test based on the B3 syllabus specified in the national core curriculum for general upper secondary education (2019).

Regardless of their general upper secondary studies, candidates may choose whether to take the foreign language test based on the advanced or the basic syllabus.

The examination may include a Sámi mother tongue and literature test as a foreign language test (Act 502/2019, section 11). If a Sámi mother tongue and literature test is included in the examination in place of a required foreign language test, it is considered equivalent to a test at the more demanding level (Act 502/2019, section 10).

In the examination, a candidate may take a mathematics test based on the advanced syllabus or the basic syllabus, regardless of which syllabus the candidate has studied in mathematics in general upper secondary education.

Tests in the humanities and natural sciences are organised in religion, worldview studies, psychology, philosophy, history, social studies, physics, chemistry, biology, geography, and health education. Tests in religion are organised in Evangelic Lutheran religion and Orthodox religion (Decree 612/2019, section 4).

A candidate may take both the Evangelic Lutheran religion test and the Orthodox religion test, provided that the eligibility requirements are met (see 1.3 Eligibility to participate). However, only one religion test may be included among the five tests required for the examination.

A student completing the general upper secondary education syllabus may participate in a Matriculation Examination test after having completed the compulsory studies in the subject concerned, as defined in the Government Decree on the distribution of lesson hours (714/2018). A student completing the general upper secondary education syllabus may participate in a humanities and natural sciences test in a subject that has no compulsory studies, after having completed four credits of studies in that subject. If a foreign language test is based on a syllabus that has no compulsory studies, a student completing the general upper secondary education syllabus may participate in the test after having completed six credits of studies.

A candidate may enrol for a test before having the right to participate, if it can be expected that the right before the test. The general upper secondary school shall inform the candidate of the date by which the missing studies must be completed. The candidate must have the right to participate no later than before the examination day.  In the test in mother tongue and literature, the candidate must have the right to participate before taking the first test. (Act 502/2019, Section 7.)

For a special reason, the principal may allow a student completing the general upper secondary education syllabus to participate in a test even if the required studies have not been completed, if the student is otherwise considered to have sufficient prerequisites to complete the test successfully. (Act 502/2019, Section 7.) This may apply, for example, if a person has learned a language abroad or has had a long-term illness that has prevented the completion of the required studies.

Persons who have completed the Finnish general upper secondary school syllabus

A person who has completed the general upper secondary school syllabus is entitled to participate in the Matriculation Examination and the tests included in it (Act 502/2019, Section 5). If a person completes the general upper secondary school syllabus as a special examination as referred to in Section 36 of the Act on General Upper Secondary Education (714/2018), the person may enrol for the Matriculation Examination only after completing the general upper secondary school syllabus.

Persons who have completed a foreign general upper secondary school syllabus

A person who has completed a foreign general upper secondary school syllabus may participate in the examination and the tests included in it if the completed syllabus can be considered equivalent to the Finnish general upper secondary school syllabus (Act 502/2019, section 5). In practice, this means that the person has completed a total of 12 years of education.

Persons who have partially completed the Finnish general upper secondary school syllabus as subject students

A person who has been admitted as a subject student to complete studies in one or more general upper secondary school subjects may take Matriculation Examination tests as separate tests (see 1.1.6 Taking separate tests).

Persons who have completed or are completing a vocational qualification

A person has the right to participate in the Matriculation Examination and the tests included in it without additional studies if the person has completed a vocational upper secondary qualification with a scope of at least 180 competence points, or a corresponding earlier qualification (Act 502/2019, section 5; Act on Vocational Education and Training 531/2017).

A person who is completing a vocational upper secondary qualification with a scope of 180 competence points may participate in the Matriculation Examination while the studies are still in progress. However, the person is required to have completed competence corresponding to at least 90 competence points before participating in the examination (Act 502/2019, Section 7). No other completed studies are required to have the right to participate.

If a candidate who is completing both the general upper secondary school syllabus and a vocational upper secondary qualification has begun taking the Matriculation Examination and has the right to participate in a test on the basis of compulsory general upper secondary school studies, the candidate does not lose this right when transferring to complete only a vocational upper secondary qualification. This applies even if the candidate has not completed the competence required for participation by the examination day.

If a candidate has completed a vocational qualification of at least two years, and that qualification required completion of the basic education syllabus or corresponding studies completed before the comprehensive school reform, or studies corresponding to such a qualification, the candidate becomes entitled to participate in the Matriculation examination after completing the additional studies determined by the Matriculation Examination Board (Act 502/2019, section 5). As additional studies, the candidate is required to complete at least two compulsory general upper secondary school courses (four compulsory credits) in the subjects in which the candidate intends to take tests. If a subject does not have two compulsory general upper secondary school courses (four compulsory credits), the candidate is required to complete at least two general upper secondary school courses (four credits) in that subject.

If a candidate has completed a vocational qualification of less than two years, or a vocational qualification for which studies shorter than the basic education syllabus were sufficient for admission (such as completion of primary school), the candidate may not complete the Matriculation Examination even by means of additional studies. The candidate may apply to an educational institution to complete the general upper secondary school syllabus or a vocational upper secondary qualification to have the right to participate in the Matriculation Examination, and may apply for the recognition of competence acquired in previous studies as part of the new studies.

If a person applies for the right to participate on the basis of a vocational qualification completed outside Finland, the principal of the general upper secondary school decides on the right to participate under Section 5(1)(1) of the Matriculation Examination Act (502/2019). In making the decision, the principal considers differences between national education systems and the total number of school years completed.

A person applying for the right to participate has the right to request an administrative review of the principal’s decision (Act 502/2019, section 21(1)).

The principal is responsible for ensuring that the candidate meets the statutory requirements for participation in the tests. If necessary, the Board provides guidance on any additional studies that may be required.

The principal of the general upper secondary school may deny a candidate the right to participate in the Matriculation Examination or in a separate test if the candidate does not meet the statutory requirements for participation. The principal must issue a reasoned written decision on the denial of the right to participate (Act 502/2019, Section 8).

A request for administrative review of a decision denying the right to participate in the Matriculation Examination or in a separate test may be submitted to the Finnish Supervisory Agency. Otherwise, the procedure for requests for administrative review is governed by the Administrative Procedure Act (434/2003) (Act 502/2019, section 21(1)).

If a candidate has enrolled for the examination but does not meet the statutory conditions for participation, the principal is required to notify the Board of the situation. The notification must be submitted through the Board’s electronic service immediately after the last examination day. Any test for which the candidate has enrolled but has not been granted the right to participate is removed by the Board from the candidate’s combination of tests. This is not regarded as an attempt at the test.

A passed test may be retaken without limitation (Act 502/2019, section 16). This applies to all candidates regardless of when the test was taken. Retaking applies only to the tests referred to in section 1.2.

When a candidate retakes a passed test that has been included in an examination started anew (see 1.1.5 Starting the examination anew after a failed examination), or a test taken as a separate test and included in the examination (see 1.1.6 Taking separate tests), the regulations on retaking a passed or failed test set out in this subchapter and in subchapter 1.3.5 apply in the same way as to tests taken as part of the examination. However, the original inclusion of the passed test remains valid until the end of its period of validity, even if the test is retaken.

A person who has successfully completed the Matriculation Examination may supplement the examination by taking tests in subjects that were not included in the completed examination, as well as tests in subjects at a different level than the tests in the same subjects included in the completed examination (Act 502/2019, section 17). Supplementing is possible after the examination has been completed. The examination must be complete before the end of the enrolment period. There are no other restrictions on the timing of supplementing the examination. Supplementing the examination does not require completed studies in the subject or syllabus concerned, with the exception of the test in Finnish or Swedish as a second language and literature, for which the candidate must meet the eligibility requirements for participation (see 1.2, Regulations on the test in Finnish or Swedish as a second language and literature).

A candidate who has successfully completed the old-format test in the humanities and natural sciences may supplement the examination by taking one or more tests in the humanities and natural sciences.

The provider of general upper secondary education is required to arrange the Matriculation Examination tests also for a person who has previously completed the Matriculation Examination at a general upper secondary school operated by the provider and who is retaking a test included in the examination or supplementing the examination. In addition, the provider is required to arrange the tests for a person who has previously studied at a general upper secondary school operated by the provider and is taking a separate test. If the provider no longer offers general upper secondary education, the person has the right to take the test at the general upper secondary school closest to their place of residence. If operational conditions allow, the provider must also arrange the Matriculation Examination tests for other persons (Act 502/2019, section 4). The provider assigns test retakers to different general upper secondary schools and locations at its discretion and informs them of where the test is held and of the other practical arrangements.

A failed test may be retaken up to three times during the completion of the examination (Act 502/2019, section 16). This applies to all candidates regardless of when the test was taken.

A candidate who has failed a test required for the examination may continue completing the examination and retake the test during the three examination rounds that immediately follow the round in which the failing result was received (Act 502/2019, section 13(2)).

If a candidate has chosen the more demanding level of a test in a subject for which tests are offered at two levels, or has chosen the test in mother tongue and literature taken as the second national language, or the test in Sámi as a foreign language and literature, and receives a failing result, the candidate may change the level of the test when retaking it (Act 502/2019, section 16). While completing the examination, taking a test based on the shorter syllabus is primarily regarded as taking a test under the new syllabus. If the candidate no longer has the right to add a new test based on a different syllabus to the examination, taking a test based on the shorter syllabus is regarded as retaking the original test. If the level of a test is changed, the five tests required for the examination must still include at least one test at the more demanding level.

If a candidate has participated in the test in mother tongue and literature and has received a failing result, the candidate may, if they so wish, retake the failed test by participating in the test in Finnish or Swedish as a second language and literature, provided that the candidate has the right to take that test.

A person who has successfully completed the Matriculation Examination may retake a failed test without limitation (Act 502/2019, section 16). The examination must be complete before the end of the enrolment period.

Enrolment for the examination is binding. A candidate who has enrolled to complete the examination or to take separate tests is required to pay the fees related to the Matriculation Examination (see 2.2.2 Refund of test-specific fees).

If a person who has enrolled for a test does not attend the test session or does not submit a test performance for assessment, the test is regarded as failed (Act 502/2019, section 14).

At the test session, the candidate must verify before the start of the test that they are taking the test they have entered for. If a candidate takes the wrong test, the test is regarded as failed.

A candidate may enrol for a test based on a different syllabus in the same subject if they still have the right to add new tests to their examination. If adding a new syllabus is not possible, the level of the test may be changed on the grounds set out in section 1.3.5 Retaking a failed test.

A candidate may cancel an enrolment that has been approved by the principal by submitting a written notice no later than the last day of the enrolment period set by the Board. The cancellation notice must be submitted to the principal of the general upper secondary school.

Upon application, the Matriculation Examination Board may annul a binding enrolment for a test included in the examination or for a separate test for a particularly compelling reason (Act 502/2019, section 8). The Board has considered compelling reasons to include, for example, illness, studies or employment abroad, or a specific impediment caused by military service. A positive outcome in a request for administrative review may also be regarded as grounds for annulling the enrolment for the test concerned as well as for other tests. The application must include documentation of the impediment, such as a medical certificate indicating the illness and the period of incapacity for work, a certificate of studies or employment abroad during the examination period, or a certificate stating that a conscript has not been granted leave to participate in the examination. Studies or employment in Finland, or military service as such, do not constitute sufficient grounds for annulling an enrolment. Enrolment for the test in mother tongue and literature may be annulled if, for a reason approved by the Board, the candidate is prevented from participating in the other or both tests of the same examination round.

A test for which the enrolment has been annulled is not counted as an attempt for that subject. Annulment of enrolment does not extend the time limit set for completing the examination. If all enrolments for tests in the candidate’s first examination round are annulled, completion of the examination begins only when the candidate next enrols for Matriculation Examination tests.

If enrolment is annulled and the candidate has not participated in the test in any way, no test-specific fee is charged, or any fee already paid is refunded upon application submitted within the time limit set by the Board (Act 502/2019, section 20; see also 2.2.2 Refund of test-specific fees).

For reasons related to a candidate’s illness or another comparable particularly compelling reason, the Matriculation Examination Board may accept an enrolment submitted after the deadline (Act 502/2019, section 8). The application must include a statement from the general upper secondary school explaining why the candidate did not enrol by the deadline and why it is important for the candidate to be able to participate in the tests in the examination round concerned.

The application must specify the tests for which the candidate wishes to enrol, the level of each test, and whether the candidate is taking the tests free of charge. Where applicable, the application must also state whether the candidate is completing the examination on the basis of the general upper secondary school syllabus, a vocational upper secondary qualification, or other education. If the candidate is taking tests free of charge, the application must additionally specify which tests are taken free of charge. The application may also include supporting documents, such as a copy of the candidate’s examination schedule or a medical certificate.

If the Board approves the candidate’s application, the candidate must submit a written enrolment to the general upper secondary school (see 1.4 Enrolment).

For reasons related to a candidate’s illness or another comparable particularly compelling reason, the Board may approve a change to the enrolment information if successful completion of the Matriculation Examination requires it or if there is another particularly compelling reason (Act 502/2019, section 8). A compelling reason may include, for example, a verifiable error made in the enrolment.

The application must include the candidate’s enrolment form or a copy of it, as well as a statement describing the particularly compelling reason. It is advisable to include the candidate’s examination schedule with the application.

If a candidate transfers to another general upper secondary school after the enrolment details have been submitted, the sending school and the receiving school must agree on the transfer. The transfer is carried out using a transfer code available through the examination service. The school that enrolled the candidate for the examination and from which the candidate is transferring provides the transfer code to the receiving school. The receiving school can use the transfer code to view and accept the candidate’s enrolment for the examination. After the transfer of the enrolment has been completed, the receiving school is responsible for all matters related to the organisation of the examination for the candidate, including preliminary assessment, the collection and remittance of any examination fees, and the distribution of any certificates. The school from which the candidate is transferring remains responsible for matters related to the organisation of thecandidate’s examination until the receiving school has accepted the transfer of the enrolment details.

Transfer of an enrolment to another general upper secondary school is no longer possible once the tests of the examination round have begun.

A candidate who is not transferring to another general upper secondary school may take a test in the examination facilities of another school without transferring the enrolment details. In such cases, the school that submitted the enrolment details to the Board is responsible for preliminary assessment and for other matters related to the organisation of the candidate’s examination (see 2.1.4 Joint test sessions).

It is the candidate’s responsibility to ensure that they bring to the test a computer that complies with the guidelines for the candidate’s computer (see Appendix 2), as well as a power cable and wired headphones, and any permitted peripheral devices needed for the test, including any adapters required for their use. The computer must have installed the version of the candidate application specified by the Board for the examination round, or it must be possible to start the computer in another manner specified by the Board to run the candidate application specified by the Board. When the Matriculation Examination test is in progress, the Board may, by technical means and by other methods, make observations and monitor the programs and processes running on the computer, the user’s actions, and other identifiers, to ensure the technical smoothness of the test and to detect any potential fraudulent activity.

The candidate must be able to start their computer and the candidate application specified by the Board. The general upper secondary school is responsible for ensuring that candidates are informed sufficiently in advance of the version information of the candidate application used in the examination and that the correct version of the candidate application is installed on computers that are under the school’s responsibility.

The school must also reserve a sufficient number of candidate drives used for starting a computer from a USB flash drive and ensure that the correct version of the candidate application specified by the Board is written to them. Candidates must not bring their own USB flash drives or comparable devices into the exam room.

The candidate application, or any programs or settings installed together with it, must not be modified in any way.

More detailed provisions on the candidate application and its installation are included in Appendices 2 and 4a.

A candidate may, if they wish, use peripheral devices with their computer, such as a keyboard, a wired mouse, or another comparable pointing device. Network connectivity of computers may require USB‑connected devices, such as Ethernet or WLAN adapters. Connecting the necessary devices may require the use of a USB hub. Peripheral devices must not contain materials or functions that could assist the candidate’s test performance (for example spell‑checking). The use of wireless peripheral devices is completely prohibited. Peripheral devices that include the possibility of wireless operation (for example Bluetooth devices) are also prohibited.

Computers and peripheral devices must not disturb other candidates. Invigilators have the right to prevent the use of devices that cause disturbance. If necessary, the principal of the general upper secondary school may require peripheral devices to be checked in advance. The principal or an invigilator at the test session may, if necessary, instruct a candidate to use a computer provided by the school instead of the candidate’s own computer.

A candidate may use scrap paper for drafting answers (A3 sheets folded, or half sheets). The school provides the paper to the candidates. The scrap paper must bear the name and number of the school, printed or stamped, as well as the candidate’s signature and name in block letters (full name).

A candidate may bring ordinary items for making notes and drafts into the exam room, such as pens, rulers, pairs of compasses, etc. A candidate must not bring any papers or food wrappers into the exam room. A candidate may also bring items related to personal hygiene to the test session, such as tissues and menstrual products, provided that they are in unopened packages. Items brought by the candidate must not contain any materials or other information that could assist the candidate’s test performance. The invigilator has the right to inspect packages.

No aids other than those approved by the Board may be brought to the tests. The aids permitted in the tests are specified in these regulations and in the regulations on arrangements for circumstances that adversely affect test performance (chapter 2, Arrangements that do not require a separate application or decision), and in the test‑specific regulations issued by the Board. For each examination round, the Board may also issue more detailed guidelines on tools and equipment that are permitted or prohibited in the tests.

More detailed instructions on how to answer the test tasks are provided in the test‑specific regulations for each test, at the beginning of the test and as part of the test tasks.

The candidate must enter each answer in the space indicated for the task. The candidate may draft answers to more than one test task at the same time. Before ending the test, the candidate selects which task answers are to be submitted for assessment.

If the candidate does not wish an answer to be assessed, all content must be removed from the answer fields for that task during the test session. If the candidate does not answer any task in the test, no test performance is considered to have been submitted for assessment.

The candidate can review their test performance in the test system as it has been saved. The last version of the test performance saved by the system is considered to be the version the candidate wishes to submit for assessment. The candidate is responsible for ensuring that the test performance they submit for assessment is correct. The candidate also has the option not to submit their test performance for assessment.

After the test session, the test performance or any part of it cannot be annulled, and it is submitted to the Board for assessment.

The candidate must complete the test in the language of instruction of the general upper secondary school. No points are awarded for answers produced in the wrong language.

All paper used by the candidate during the test is treated as draft material. Drafts are not taken into account in the assessment (see 2.5 Documents archived by the general upper secondary school).

The candidate must comply with the regulations and guidelines issued by the Board as well as the instructions given by the invigilators.

Use of the computer

The candidate must start their computer, connect it to the examination network and launch the candidate application following the instructions provided by the general upper secondary school, as described in Appendix 4 A, section 1.6. During the test, the candidate must not run or otherwise use any programs, tools or functions intended to circumvent the restrictions of the test environment or the regulations relating to taking the test, for example by enabling access to materials, functions or tools that are not permitted. The use of such programs, or an attempt to use them, is regarded as fraudulent conduct (see subchapter 1.6). It is recommended that the candidate is not logged in on the computer with any user account other than that used by the candidate application and that no programs or processes other than those required for taking the test are running on the computer.

Starting the candidate’s computer during the test for any purpose other than the candidate application specified by the Board is regarded as fraudulent conduct. During the test session, the candidate must not use any programs other than the candidate application specified by the Board and the programs included in it. Deviations from this are permitted only by decision or permission of the Board. Temporary actions required to start the candidate application or system specified by the Board are, however, permitted.

The test system may automatically terminate the candidate’s test performance if the technical monitoring of the candidate’s computer does not function or detects misuse. The candidate may continue taking the test once the invigilator has clarified the situation and re‑identified the candidate.

Technical problems

The candidate must immediately call an invigilator if technical problems prevent them from taking the test. If notifications or windows not belonging to the test environment appear on the candidate’s screen, the candidate must immediately contact an invigilator. The candidate is responsible for any lost test time until an invigilator has been called. Time spent resolving a technical or other problem may be compensated to the candidate, as described in Appendix 4 B, from the moment the invigilator is called.

Toilet breaks

During a toilet break, the candidate must use a screen cover or screen saver on their computer, or otherwise ensure that the computer screen cannot be read. Taking draft paper, pens, or other note‑taking tools or materials into the toilet facilities is not permitted and is regarded as an attempt to cheat.

Bringing electronic devices into the exam room

Mobile phones and other electronic devices (for example smartwatches and smart glasses), with the exception of devices permitted by the Board, are prohibited. Bringing such devices into the exam room is contrary to the Board’s regulations and is regarded as an attempt to cheat (see 1.5.1 Candidate’s computer and peripheral devices and 1.5.2 Other materials and aids).

Materials and connections

During the test session, only the material provided in the test tasks and other software and materials made available for the candidate’s use within the test system (for example user instructions and tabular materials) may be used. Possession, use or attempted use of other materials is regarded as fraudulent conduct. During the test, the candidate must not be in contact with any parties other than invigilators without a separate decision (see the separate regulation Taking into account circumstances that adversely affect test performance in the Matriculation Examination, 4.7 Use of an assistant). Any contact or attempt to make contact is regarded as fraudulent conduct. Showing the computer screen, draft paper or other materials to another candidate is also regarded as an attempt to make contact.

Any connection made by the candidate’s computer, or an attempt to establish a connection, other than via the exam room network to the exam room servers is likewise regarded as fraudulent conduct.

Leaving the exam room

If the candidate leaves the test session before the time permitted by the Board, this is regarded as an attempt to cheat, as it may enable the disclosure of information subject to examination confidentiality, unless the departure is based on a reason approved by the Board.

If a candidate disrupts a test session or otherwise breaches order during the session and does not cease such conduct despite being instructed to do so by the principal or a teacher, the candidate’s test performance is failed. If the conduct is repeated or causes significant detriment to other candidates’ test performances, all of the candidate’s test performances in that examination round are failed, and the candidate loses the right to participate in subsequent tests of the same examination round. If the conduct is particularly serious and harmful, the candidate additionally loses the right to participate in the tests of the following examination round. (Act 502/2019, section 15)

A candidate who disrupts the test session may be ordered to leave the session. If the candidate fails to comply with the order to leave, the principal or a teacher may remove the candidate in accordance with Section 43 of the Act on General Upper Secondary Education (714/2018) (Act 502/2019, section 15).

If a candidate engages in cheating in a test, attempts to do so, or assists in such conduct, all of the candidate’s test performances in that examination round are failed, and the candidate loses the right to participate in subsequent tests of the same examination round. If the conduct is repeated or otherwise particularly serious and harmful, the candidate additionally loses the right to participate in the tests of the following examination round. (Act 502/2019, section 15)

The principal is responsible for ensuring that cases involving cheating and breaches of the examination regulations are investigated thoroughly and appropriately. The Board shall, if necessary, provide advice on matters related to the investigation of cheating and breaches of the examination regulations. Before a sanction is imposed, the candidate must be informed of the alleged misconduct and of how the matter will be processed; the candidate must be heard, and any other necessary evidence must be obtained. (Act 502/2019, section 15)

When suspected cheating is investigated, investigators may use, in addition to other evidence, data recorded by the test system and recordings from camera surveillance during the test session. In addition to these, recordings made by cameras or similar recording devices not specifically used for invigilation during the test session may be used in the investigation.

The candidate must be given an opportunity to be heard before a sanction is imposed. The hearing may be held immediately after the test or at a later stage once the relevant investigations have been completed. The invigilators involved in the situation or other witnesses shall participate in the hearing. During the hearing, the situation is described to the candidate, and the possible consequences are explained. The candidate may explain their own view of what happened. Minutes of the hearing or an official memorandum must be drawn up and signed by all participants.

The decision to impose a sanction is taken by the principal of the general upper secondary school. However, the decision that a candidate loses the right to participate in the tests of the examination round following the ongoing one is taken by a multi-member body of the education provider. (Act 502/2019, section 15(4))

The decision of the principal or the multi-member body to impose a sanction must be notified in writing to the candidate concerned (Administrative Procedure Act 434/2003, section 43). Instructions for appeal must be attached to the decision. The principal must notify the Matriculation Examination Board of the decision without delay. Once the decision has become legally binding, the principal must inform the Board accordingly.

An appeal against a decision by the principal or the education provider’s multi-member body imposing a sanction for a breach of examination regulations or cheating shall be submitted to the Administrative Court. The decision shall be enforced even if an appeal is made, unless the authority hearing the appeal orders otherwise. An appeal must be submitted within 14 days of receiving the decision. (Act 502/2019, section 21)

If the decision is annulled, any enrolments for tests in which the person did not participate following the principal’s decision shall be cancelled without application, and test-specific fees shall be refunded. When allowing an appeal, the Administrative Court or the Supreme Administrative Court may decide that the candidate is entitled to restart the examination from the beginning. (Act 502/2019, section 21)

Cheating and breaches of examination regulations primarily concern an individual candidate. By contrast, disruption of the implementation of a digital examination may affect a large number of candidates. In cases of disruption of a digital test session, the Criminal Code (39/1889) is therefore applicable, including the possible imposition of fines and imprisonment. In addition, liability for damages and criminal confiscation may apply. Under the Criminal Code, disruption of a digital test session may, depending on the circumstances, constitute offences such as data damage, interference with telecommunications, interference with an information system, data breach, endangering data processing, or violation of the confidentiality of communications. All suspicions of intentional disruption of a digital test session as described above must be reported to the police.

If a person who has enrolled for a test fails to attend the test session or does not submit the test for assessment, the test is failed (Act 502/2019, section 14, see also 1.5.3). Such a test cannot be compensated for (see 1.1.7 Completing the examination with a failed test (compensation)). If the candidate still has examination rounds remaining, they may enrol to retake the test.

If a person who has enrolled for the mother tongue and literature test fails to attend either part of the test—the reading comprehension test or the writing skills test—or does not submit the test for assessment in both parts of the mother tongue and literature test, the mother tongue and literature test is failed.

Test performances are checked and preliminarily assessed by a teacher of the relevant subject designated by the educational institution providing general upper secondary education (Act 502/2019, section 18). Responsibility for the preliminary assessment of a candidate’s tests lies with the education provider responsible for the candidate’s general upper secondary education, regardless of where the candidate actually takes the test. If more than one teacher of the relevant subject participates in the preliminary assessment of a test, the principal shall, if necessary, give more detailed instructions on how the assessment work is to be allocated between teachers, either by candidate or by task. The teacher must indicate any errors in the test performances. More detailed instructions on assessment are provided in the test‑specific regulations for each test. On examination days, the Board publishes preliminary descriptions of the characteristics of a good answer.

Candidates’ test performances are confidential official documents (Act on the Openness of Government Activities 621/1999, section 24(1), item 30). Test performances must be handled in the general upper secondary school in such a way that they cannot be damaged or come into the possession of anyone other than the relevant teacher and the principal.

Test performances must not be copied or printed out from the examination service. This prohibition does not apply after the publication of the final assessment results, when an assessed test performance may be printed for the candidate. No one other than the relevant teacher or the principal may view the test performances. A teacher may view and assess only those test performances that the principal has assigned to them for assessment. The principal or the person responsible for test arrangements must ensure that, in the examination service, the teacher has the right to assess only those tests which they have been assigned to assess. Access rights to the assessment view of the examination service must not be granted to persons who are not entitled to assess the test performances of the general upper secondary school concerned or who do not otherwise require access to perform their duties related to the organisation of the examination. (Cf. 2.4 Disqualification and access rights to the examination service.)

Once the preliminary assessment has been completed, the teacher records it as completed. The principal ensures that the preliminary assessment is recorded as completed in accordance with the timetable and may also record it as completed if necessary.

The general upper secondary school must carry out the preliminary assessment of test performances and assess it as completed within the timetable set by the Board.

The Board prepares the timetable for preliminary assessment, and for most tests the first deadline is approximately five working days after the test and the second approximately twelve working days after the test. The Board publishes a detailed timetable for the preliminary assessment of each test for each examination round.

By the first deadline, the school must have assessed as completed the preliminary assessment of at least 30% of the answers. By the second deadline, the preliminary assessment of all test performances must be assessed as completed. If there are test performances from no more than 20 candidates in a humanities and natural sciences test or no more than 40 candidates in another subject, the Board recommends completing the preliminary assessment in full by the first deadline.

If the preliminary assessment is delayed for a compelling reason, the principal may discuss an alternative timetable with the Board.

If the education provider is unable to designate a teacher of the relevant subject to carry out the assessment, the preliminary assessment is performed by the Matriculation Examination Board (Act 502/2019, section 18). In such cases, the preliminary assessment is carried out in such a way that at least two markers assess the performance in connection with the final assessment.

The general upper secondary school informs candidates of the task‑specific preliminary assessment results. When the results of the preliminary assessment are communicated, it should be emphasised that the points awarded are indicative only. Typically, the final assessment criteria are revised and specified on the basis of the preliminary criteria, which affects the final assessment. When informing candidates of the results of the preliminary assessment, test performances must not be shown to candidates (Act 621/1999, section 11, item 3).

Test performances are finally checked and assessed by the Matriculation Examination Board (Act 502/2019, section 18). The Board’s markers assess all test performances and award points for them in each subject section in accordance with the assessment criteria agreed jointly. The Board decides the grade boundaries for each examination round separately after the assessment has been completed.

The Board sends the examination results to all general upper secondary schools simultaneously as soon as the results are ready. The results may be communicated to candidates immediately after they have been received by the school. The results and the candidate’s assessed test performances are made available for the candidate, and for the guardian if the candidate is under 18, in the Finnish National Agency for Education’s Studyinfo service.

The results of the spring examination are sent no later than 25 May, and the results of the autumn examination no later than 23 November.

In connection with the publication of the results, the Board also publishes the final descriptions of the characteristics of a good answer, which set out the grounds on which the assessment has been carried out. Information on how the assessment criteria have been applied to a candidate’s test performance is derived from the points awarded for the test performance, the final descriptions of the characteristics of a good answer, and the regulations on assessment set out in the Board’s regulations and guidelines. Any annotations made by teachers or markers on the test performance, or the absence of such annotations, are regarded as working notes and do not as such directly indicate how the assessment criteria have been applied to the test performance.

As provided in the Administrative Procedure Act (Act 502/2019, section 22; see 1.7.7 Request for an administrative review), a request for an administrative review may be submitted concerning a Matriculation Examination Board decision on the assessment of a test performance.

If a candidate’s test performance has been adversely affected by illness, a disability, or another comparable particularly compelling reason, and if special arrangements cannot be considered sufficient to ensure that the candidate’s conditions for taking the test are comparable to those of other candidates, the Matriculation Examination Board may, in assessment, take this into account (Act 502/2019, section 18(3)).

Medical certificates and other documents containing data belonging to special categories of personal data must be submitted via electronic services, by encrypted email, or by registered letter. The submission of such documents requires the candidate’s consent.

The Matriculation Examination Board has issued separate regulations on taking into account circumstances that adversely affect test performance in the Matriculation Examination (see also 2.1.3 Special arrangements granted on the basis of circumstances that adversely affect test performance).

Disruptions and other problem situations are primarily addressed during the test session. Deviations from normal assessment based on a disruption are treated with caution, as they constitute an exception to the principle of equal treatment of candidates.

If a disruptive situation, or the handling of such a situation, has lasted for a long time, recurred, or otherwise significantly disrupted the test performance of one or more candidates, the school may, if necessary, submit an application after the test session requesting that the disruption be taken into account in assessment. Such disruptions include, for example, delays of more than one hour during the test. The application is prepared based on the information obtained from invigilators and, if necessary, from other persons present during the test session (see also Appendix 4b: Guidelines for Invigilators – When Problems Arise). The application must be submitted to the Board no later than two weeks after the last examination day of the examination round.

The severity of a disruption is assessed individually for each candidate, taking into account the information provided in the application. If necessary, the Board may also use information obtained from other sources when assessing the severity of the disruption.

Disruption cases are generally divided into four levels of severity, and compensation points are awarded in accordance with the table below.

Table 3. Levels of severity of disruption and corresponding compensation points

Exceptional situations in which a disruption has largely prevented part of the test from being completed allow the Board to award compensation points by other means.

If an examination result notified by the Board appears to be incorrect, the principal or the teacher of the relevant subject may submit a request for verification to the Board, either by telephone or in writing. The request for verification should be made as soon as the incorrect result is identified. The Board corrects without delay any confirmed technical errors and other comparable inaccuracies that do not require a request for an administrative review as referred to in subchapter 1.7.7.

A request for an administrative review may be submitted to the Matriculation Examination Board against an assessment decision concerning a test performance (Act 502/2019, section 22). The request for an administrative review may be submitted by the candidate or, in the case of a candidate under the age of 18, by the candidate’s guardian (Administrative Procedure Act 434/2003, section 14(3) and section 49b(2)). If necessary, a representative authorised by a power of attorney may also submit the request on behalf of the candidate. In such cases, the power of attorney or a copy of it must be attached to the request (Act 434/2003, section 12).

A request for an administrative review may also be submitted if the candidate suspects that an error has occurred in the assessment when taking into account a disruption during the test, illness, a disability, a particularly difficult life situation, a specific difficulty in reading and writing, or another circumstance that adversely affects test performance.

The request for an administrative review must be submitted to the Board within 14 days of the date on which the candidate who participated in the test, and also the guardian if the candidate is under 18, has had access to information about the assessment result and how the assessment criteria were applied to the candidate’s test performance (Act 502/2019, section 22; see 1.7.8 Provision of information on assessment). If the request is not submitted within the prescribed time limit, it is not examined.

The request for an administrative review must specify the tasks or other parts of the test to which the request relates and identify the error alleged to have occurred in the assessment. In addition, the request must state the grounds on which the applicant considers that an error has occurred and explain how the error should be rectified. The request must also include the candidate’s name, the school where the test was taken, the candidate’s contact details, and bank account details indicating the account number and the name of the account holder (Administrative Procedure Act 434/2003, section 49d).

The Ministry of Education and Culture confirms the fee charged for processing a request for an administrative review. The Board refunds the fee to the payer, on the basis of the information provided, if the request results in an increase in the grade or in the points only.

The request for an administrative review is primarily submitted via the Board’s electronic service, where the fee is paid at the time of submission. The request may also be submitted to the Board by encrypted email, by registered letter, or by another corresponding secure method. If the request is submitted by a method other than the Board’s electronic service, proof of payment of the fee must be attached. The fee must be paid before the time limit for submitting the request expires.

The Board appoints at least two markers to process the request for an administrative review. These markers must not have previously assessed the test performance concerned (Act 502/2019, section 22). The markers examine whether the error described and substantiated in the request has occurred in the assessment of the relevant parts of the test. If no such error has occurred in the application of the assessment criteria, the assessment is not changed. If an error has occurred, it is corrected. The administrative review procedure does not result in a lower grade or a lower total number of points than originally awarded.

The outcome of the administrative review procedure is notified to the candidate and, if the candidate is under 18, to the guardian, or to the person who submitted the request if it was submitted by someone other than the candidate or the guardian (Administrative Procedure Act 434/2003, section 56; Decree 612/2019, section 8). The outcome is also notified to the general upper secondary school (Decree 612/2019, section 8).

A Matriculation Examination Certificate or a certificate of completed passed tests is issued to the candidate even if a request for an administrative review has been submitted (Decree 612/2019, section 8). If the grade is changed as a result of the administrative review procedure, a new certificate is issued free of charge. The candidate is responsible for disposing of the previous certificate under the Board’s instructions.

Candidates’ test performances are confidential official documents (Act on the Openness of Government Activities 621/1999, section 24(1), item 30). The candidate who has taken the test and, if the candidate is 18, the candidate’s guardian have the right to inspect the assessed test performance (Act 502/2019, section 18(4)). Test performances are available in the Finnish National Agency for Education’s Studyinfo service after the publication of the results.

The parties concerned may not be informed of who the marker is before the assessment of the examination has been finalised (Act 621/1999, section 11(1)). The assessment of the spring examination becomes final as of 20 June and the assessment of the autumn examination as of 20 December, for those candidates who have not requested an administrative review of the assessment. If a candidate has requested an administrative review of the assessment, information on the identity of the marker may be provided only after the decision on the request for an administrative review has been issued.

The Board does not disclose the contact details of markers for enquiries concerning the assessment of test performances. A teacher who has carried out the preliminary assessment of a test performance does not have the right to such information, as the assessment of a candidate’s test performance does not affect the teacher’s rights, interests or obligations and is not otherwise applicable to the teacher (Government Bill 235/2018). The Board is subject to confidentiality regarding the school‑specific allocation of assessment duties among markers for one year following the examination round concerned (Act 621/1999, section 24(1), item 30).

A request must be submitted in advance to view a test performance at the offices of the Matriculation Examination Board or to obtain a printout of a test performance. A printout of a test performance is subject to a fee and is sent to the candidate by post. The retention period for paper‑based test performances has expired, and copies of such performances can no longer be ordered. There is no time limit for ordering digital test performances. A candidate may view a test performance from the spring examination at the offices of the Matriculation Examination Board, or obtain a printout of it, no earlier than 20 June, and a test performance from the autumn examination no earlier than 20 December.

All test performances in the digital Matriculation Examination, assessment annotations, grades awarded to candidates, and point scores are permanently stored in electronic form as part of the Matriculation Examination register (Archives Act 831/1994, section 8; decision of the National Archives of Finland of 11 January 2016).

The Matriculation Examination Board issues digital certificates in PDF format. The certificate includes a qualified electronic seal in accordance with the EU eIDAS Regulation (EU) No 910/2014, Article 3(27).

A digital certificate is issued in Finnish, Swedish or English. If the certificate is issued in a language other than theexamination language, it is indicated on the certificate that it is a translation.

A digital certificate is dated on the date on which it is created and issued. The certificate is valid for three years from the date of issue.

Digital certificates that can be generated automatically from the Matriculation Examination Register can be downloaded free of charge from the Finnish National Agency for Education’s Studyinfo service. Digital certificates that require manual processing can be ordered as described in subchapter 1.9.3.

Once a candidate has completed the Matriculation Examination, a paper Matriculation Examination Certificate is issued to them as proof of completion, in the language of the examination. The certificate is sent to the general upper secondary school at which the candidate most recently took Matriculation Examination tests. If the candidate has completed the general upper secondary education syllabus after that date, the certificate is sent to the general upper secondary school at which the candidate completed the syllabus. If the candidate has completed the studies qualifying them for the examination at an educational institution other than a general upper secondary school, the certificate is sent to the general upper secondary school at which the candidate most recently took Matriculation Examination tests or at which the candidate has a registered right to study for the examination.

The Board sends a new Matriculation Examination Certificate to a candidate who, after completion of the examination, has retaken tests or supplemented the examination. 

The Board issues a certificate of completed passed tests to a candidate taking separate tests and to a candidate completing the examination who, within the permitted time, has passed only some of the tests or who has completed the tests required for the examination but whose information on the studies required for the examination is missing. These certificates are sent to the general upper secondary school at which the candidate most recently took Matriculation Examination tests.

If a grade is changed as a result of an administrative review procedure, a new certificate is issued free of charge in place of the previously delivered certificate (Decree 612/2019, section 8).

The general upper secondary school hands over the certificate to the candidate. The candidate is responsible for collecting the certificate. The school must retain the certificate for one year from its date of issue, after which the certificate must be destroyed in a secure manner. It should be noted that this does not constitute destruction of data, as the Board permanently retains the examination records (Act 884/2017, section 16). A new certificate may be ordered from the Board as described in section 1.9.3, even if the earlier certificate has been destroyed by the school.

A paid digital or paper certificate may be ordered via the online service of the Board. The certificate is delivered to the email address or postal address specified in the order; the address may be other than the candidate’s own address. Certificates may be ordered in Finnish, Swedish or English. If a certificate is issued in a language other than the examination language, it is indicated on the certificate that it is a translation. The ordered certificate is not a duplicate of a previously issued certificate, and the Board does not provide copies or duplicates of certificates.

An officially certified copy of a certificate authenticated by a civil law notary may be obtained from the Digital and Population Data Services Agency. For this purpose, a paper certificate bearing the Board’s embossed seal and an official authentication signature must be ordered separately from the Board. Further information on officially certified copies of certificates is available from the Digital and Population Data Services Agency.

For the purposes of the examination, the general upper secondary school shall notify the Board of the candidate’s personal data, information relating to the examination, and the tests in which the candidate will participate in the relevant test session. For each candidate’s Matriculation Examination, both the personal identity code and, where applicable, the national learner number issued by the Finnish National Agency for Education shall be reported.

The general upper secondary school assigns each candidate a Matriculation Examination candidate ID for the examination round. For each candidate’s Matriculation Examination, it shall be indicated whether the candidate is completing the Matriculation Examination, retaking or supplementing it, or taking a separate test without completing the Matriculation Examination. In addition, it shall be indicated on the basis of which educational background the candidate participates in the Matriculation Examination. If a candidate begins the Matriculation Examination anew, this shall be stated in the candidate’s enrolment details.

The enrolment details shall be submitted electronically via the Board’s examination service. The information concerning the tests shall indicate:

• the level of the test; and
• whether, pursuant to section 16 of the Compulsory Education Act (1214/2020), the candidate’s entitlement to free education is applied in respect of the first five free tests or the retaking of failed tests (see 2.2 Examination fees).

The Board provides more detailed instructions on its website concerning the format of the enrolment details and the submission procedure.

General upper secondary schools shall submit the enrolment details to the Board no later than 7 December for the spring examination and no later than 11 June for the autumn examination.

The general upper secondary school orders the materials required for the implementation of the examination using the Board’s electronic order form. At the same time, the school shall report the candidates who will take the examination using assistive devices for the visually impaired and those who will take the examination intended for the hearing impaired with restricted audio material (see the Regulations and guidelines on taking into account circumstances that adversely affect test performance). For the spring examination, the order must be placed no later than 7 December, and for the autumn examination, no later than 11 June.

The Board dispatches the materials required for the implementation of the examination based on the quantities specified in the order forms. More detailed information on the delivery schedule will be provided to schools prior to each examination.

A candidate may take the test under special arrangements where illness, injury, an exceptionally difficult life situation, a specific difficulty in reading and writing, foreign‑language background, or another comparable reason prevents the candidate from taking the tests in the same way as other candidates. The Matriculation Examination Board (MEB) decides on the use of such arrangements on the basis of an application submitted by the candidate or the candidate’s guardian. (Act 502/2019, section 9.)

The Board has issued a separate regulation on taking into account circumstances that adversely affect test performance in the Matriculation Examination (see also 1.7.4 Taking into account circumstances that adversely affect test performance in assessment).

General upper secondary schools may organise joint test sessions. Schools may also agree that individual candidates take the tests of an examination round, or part of them, on the premises of another general upper secondary school. Each school shall nevertheless enrol its own candidates for the examination. The schools shall agree among themselves on the examination arrangements and on the acquisition of the required materials. Each school shall nevertheless report its own candidates who have been granted special arrangements (see 2.1.2 Ordering required examination materials and tests for candidates who have been granted special arrangements).

If general upper secondary schools organise a joint test session, the other schools participating in the session must provide the organising school with the test record forms to be printed on paper (see subchapter 2.3.7).

On the basis of the candidates’ enrolment details, the test performances are available for assessment in the examination service to the teachers responsible for assessment at the candidates’ own general upper secondary schools, regardless of where the candidate attended the test session.

On the basis of the enrolment details, the Matriculation Examination Board shall deliver each general upper secondary school the examination results and certificates of its own candidates.

Candidates who are entitled to free education under the Compulsory Education Act may also take tests of the Matriculation Examination free of charge. The right to take tests free of charge ends when the candidate completes the Matriculation Examination, a vocational qualification, or corresponding studies completed abroad. If a candidate completes vocational education and the general upper secondary school syllabus concurrently, the right to free tests ends when the candidate has completed both the vocational qualification and the Matriculation Examination. The right to take tests free of charge ends at the end of the calendar year in which the candidate turns 20, unless an extension is granted to the candidate. (Act 1214/2020, section 16.)

The entitlement to free tests applies only to candidates whose municipality of residence is located in mainland Finland (Act 1214/2020, section 2). The entitlement to free tests does not apply to candidates whose municipality of residence is in Åland or abroad.

The entitlement to free tests applies only to candidates who are or have been subject to compulsory education (Act 1214/2020, section 16(5)). It does not apply to candidates who move to Finland after turning 18.

The entitlement to free tests does not apply to candidates who began their studies after the calendar year in which the candidate turned 20 (Act 1214/2020, section 16(5)).

The entitlement to free tests applies to candidates whose compulsory education related to basic education ended on or after 1 January 2021 (Act 1214/2020, section 25(3)).

A candidate may enrol free of charge for the first five tests. A fee is charged for subsequent tests. If, during the same examination round, a candidate enrols for several tests and the total number exceeds five, the candidate shall choose which tests in that examination round are taken free of charge. (Act 502/2019, section 20.)

If a candidate receives a failed grade in a test taken free of charge, the candidate may retake the test free of charge (Act 502/2019, section 20). However, a failed test may not be retaken free of charge in the following cases:

• The test was failed because the candidate did not attend the test session.
• The test was failed because the candidate did not submit a test performance for assessment.
• The test was failed due to cheating or disruption of order during the test session.

A fee is always charged for retaking a passed test. A fee is always charged for tests taken after the completion of the Matriculation Examination. A fee is always charged for separate tests.

A candidate may participate in free tests during an ongoing examination round if the candidate has a valid right to take tests free of charge on 1 March for the spring examination and on 1 September for the autumn examination.

The Board receives the necessary information on a candidate’s entitlement to free tests from a National Registry and Data Transfer Service for Study Rights and Completed Studies (Act 884/2017, section 10(1)). The education provider records in the registry the information on the free-of-charge status of the education commenced by the candidate (Act 884/2017, section 9c). The education provider is responsible for decisions and entries in the registry relating to the extension of the free-of-charge period. The Finnish National Agency for Education issues more detailed regulations on how data recorders are to keep the recorded data up to date (Act 884/2017, section 6). An education provider’s own decision to provide free education to a broader group than required by legislation does not affect the chargeability of Matriculation Examination tests.

If, before the tests begin, it is established that a candidate who has enrolled for the examination does not meet the requirements for participation, or if the enrolment for the examination or a separate test has been annulled upon application and the candidate has not participated in the test even in part, the test‑specific examination fee shall be refunded to the candidate upon request.

A request for the refund of fees must be submitted to the Matriculation Examination Board no later than by the end of the calendar year during which the examination in question was organised.

The Board sends the initial part of the decryption codes and the key number lists used in the test to general upper secondary schools by post. The materials are sent as a separate delivery. The delivery must be opened immediately upon arrival, and the opening must be recorded in a record of opening. The record of opening is completed using a form printed from the Board’s website. If any of the inner envelopes are open or damaged, the school must immediately notify the Board and record the matter in the record of opening. Any damaged envelope must be carefully resealed, for example with tape.

As a precaution in the autumn 2026 examination, the Board will send pre-prepared candidate drives to general upper secondary schools (see 1.5.1). The principal opens the postal delivery containing the USB flash drives in the presence of a teacher. The delivery must be opened immediately upon arrival, and the opening must be recorded in the record of opening. If the delivery has been damaged during postage, upon opening, or otherwise, the general upper secondary school must immediately notify the Board and record the matter in the record of opening.

If the deliveries do not correspond to the order placed by the general upper secondary school, the school must immediately notify the Board. The delivery may contain more materials than ordered.

The general upper secondary school must not send the records of opening to the Board but must retain them in its archives for one year in case they are needed at a later stage.

Before the examination day, the principal downloads the test tasks from the Board’s examination service onto a USB flash drive. In addition, the general upper secondary school prints the required number of test record forms from the Board’s examination service (2.3.7 Test records). The printed test record forms are used solely for identifying candidates.

USB flash drives containing the test tasks, as well as the decryption codes and the key number lists, must be stored strictly in a safe or a vault both before the first examination day and between examination days. For example, a fire-resistant cabinet does not provide sufficient security. Access to the storage location must be restricted to the principal and a teacher authorised by the principal. If the general upper secondary school does not have a safe or a vault, the test tasks and the USB flash drives containing them, as well as the decryption codes and the key number lists, must be stored in a vault at a bank or a post office.

USB flash drives used to run the candidate application (so-called candidate drives) must be stored in a secure location.

Exam room and its furnishing

A sufficiently spacious room free from disturbance must be reserved as an exam room. The furnishing of the exam room and the placement of candidates must support candidates’ undisturbed work and effective invigilation. Any partitions in the room must not obstruct invigilation. Desks and the electrical and network cables required for the test must be arranged to allow candidates sufficient space to work without disturbing one another and to enable invigilators to move freely in the room. When planning exam rooms, account must also be taken of the regulations concerning exam rooms and the placement of candidates set out in the regulations and guidelines on taking into account circumstances that adversely affect test performance in the Matriculation Examination.

If the general upper secondary school stores computers used in the tests and their peripheral devices, or candidates’ checked assistive devices, on its premises, it must be ensured that the premises are locked and otherwise secure. Any USB flash drives used to run the candidate application (so called candidate drives) must be stored in a secure location.

No materials or other information that could facilitate candidates’ test performance may be visible in the exam room, in toilet facilities used by candidates, or in any other areas where candidates may move or stay during the test session.

Technical arrangements in the exam room

The school must ensure that the technical arrangements in the exam room have been completed and that the examination network has been tested before the examination begins. The examination network must be set up in accordance with Appendix 1. The technical preparations for the exam room must be carried out in accordance with subchapter 1.1 of Appendix 4.
 

Toilet facilities

Candidates must be able to use the toilet during the test under the escort of an invigilator. There must be more than one toilet facility available. The invigilator shall take candidates to a randomly selected toilet facility. During the examination, persons other than candidates and invigilators must not have access to the toilet facilities. The toilet facilities must be inspected before the start of the test session and, if necessary, during the test.

Candidates must also have the opportunity to wash their hands.

Seating plan

Before the examination, the general upper secondary school must prepare a seating plan for the candidates separately for each test session. The seating plan must not be known to the candidates before the test.

When drawing up the seating plan for the exam room, decisions on special arrangements must be taken into account. Other special needs comparable to illness or disability may also be considered in the placement of candidates.

The placement of seats must be such that candidates do not have the opportunity to see one another’s test answers. The positions of the invigilators must be arranged to provide the best possible visibility of the invigilated area and to allow invigilators to move within the room.

Reserve seats

To allow for any faults that may arise during the test, empty reserve seats must be provided in the exam room corresponding to 5% of the number of candidates in the room, however at least two seats and at most ten seats. The reserve seats must be selected so that they are located in different parts of the room and not, for example, in the same row. The minimum number of reserve seats may be reduced if the school has an expert specialising in resolving data communication problems on continuous standby during the test. The minimum numbers do not apply to candidate seats located in separate exam rooms. In such cases, the school must have a contingency plan for data communication problems.

More detailed regulations and guidelines concerning the conduct of the test session and the duties of invigilators are provided in Appendix 4a: Guidelines for invigilators – Examination procedure and arrangements.

Preparation of the exam room

The principal is responsible for ensuring that, before the start of the test session, the exam room contains a USB flash drive with the test tasks, an envelope containing the initial part of the decryption code and the key number lists, as well as the additional part of the decryption code.

Records of test sessions shall be kept using the Board’s electronic test record forms (see 2.3.7 Test records).

Before the start of each test, the room shall be inspected. Draft paper shall be distributed on the desks (see 1.5.2 Other materials and aids).

No instructions, forms, or materials prepared by the school or other parties for completing the test may be distributed to candidates.

Additional writing instruments and draft paper, paper tissues, first aid supplies and, if necessary, medication for common medical situations shall also be made available for candidates in the exam room or in its immediate vicinity.

At the beginning of the examination day, the school has started the servers used in the exam room and loaded the test tasks onto the server in accordance with the instructions set out in subchapter 1.4 of Appendix 4 A.

Use of mobile phones and other electronic devices in the exam room

Candidates are strictly prohibited from bringing mobile phones or other electronic devices, such as smartwatches or smart glasses, into the exam room (see 1.5.1 The candidate’s computer and peripheral devices, 1.5.4 Conduct of the candidate during the test session, and 1.6 Cheating and breaches of examination regulations).

Invigilators must ensure that their mobile phones are switched off or set to silent mode (vibration alert if necessary). An invigilator may use their phone in the exam room only in a compelling situation related to the organisation of the examination (see 1.6 Cheating and breaches of examination regulations).

Persons present in the exam room

No persons other than enrolled candidates, the principal, invigilators, and any persons providing technical or other support during the test may be admitted to the exam room. Before the start of the test session, other persons involved in technical or other preparations may also be present in the exam room. No other persons may be present during the test session (see, however, Coffee service during the test). For example, representatives of the media are not permitted to enter the exam room before or during the test. All persons present in the exam room are subject to the regulations and guidelines on disqualification set out in subchapter 2.4.

No external persons may be admitted to the exam room until the examination network in the exam room has been dismantled.

Arrival of candidates in the exam room

When candidates arrive in the exam room, particular attention shall be paid to ensuring that any peripheral devices they bring with them, such as headphones or mice, are appropriate and do not, for example, enable wireless communication or reception. An invigilator has the right to inspect devices and, if necessary, request the candidate to show or hand over an item in their possession. If an invigilator suspects possible cheating or an attempt at cheating, the school shall act as set out in section 1.6. A candidate suspected of cheating is nevertheless allowed to participate in the test, and any investigation of the suspected cheating shall be carried out only after the test session.

If a candidate leaves the exam room before the start of the test session, the peripheral devices and materials brought by the candidate shall be checked in the same manner as upon first entry to the exam room.

Decryption of test tasks and key number lists

Before the candidates arrive or upon their arrival at the exam room, the principal or an invigilator designated by the principal, together with a candidate selected by the principal or by the designated invigilator, shall verify that the envelope containing the initial part of the decryption code and the key number lists relates to the examination day to be held and is unopened. The principal or the appointed invigilator shall open the envelope. The decryption code must not be shown to the candidate.

The invigilator or the principal shall enter the initial and additional parts of the decryption code into the exam room server.

After the decryption code has been entered, an entry shall be made in the electronic test records on the opening of the envelope containing the decryption code and key number lists and the persons who witnessed the opening.

Starting candidates’ computers

Candidates shall connect their computers to the power supply and start their computers. They shall then connect their computers to the examination network and start the candidate application. The candidate shall enter into the candidate application the address of the exam room server assigned to them by the school.

Deviation from this requirement is permitted only with specific authorisation and instructions issued by the Board.

During the test session, a candidate’s computer may be connected only to the exam room servers via the exam room network.

Opening of the test session

Before the test session is opened, all persons other than candidates, invigilators, and any persons providing technical or other support during the test shall leave the exam room.

The test session shall be opened by the principal or by an invigilator appointed by the principal. After the opening of the test session, candidates must remain seated or at their designated places and must not communicate with one another. The same regulations apply to candidates as during the test itself.

Once the test session has been opened, candidates must remain under invigilation and may not leave the exam room without an invigilator.

Information on the test tasks or the content of the test must not be disclosed outside the exam room before 12:00 noon.

Identification of candidates

Before the start of the test, invigilators shall identify the candidates and check the name and personal identity code entered by the candidates in the test system. Candidates must carry an identity document for identification purposes. If invigilators can reliably identify the candidates, identification may be carried out without an identity document. Candidates must be identifiable regardless of clothing or other factors. In connection with identification, the invigilator shall ask the candidate to show their ears to check for prohibited devices. Identification and the inspection of ears must be carried out discreetly and with respect for privacy. A candidate may be identified again during the test if necessary (for example after a toilet break).

For identification purposes, a copy of the paper test records must be made for each invigilator involved in identification. The invigilator must verify, using the list in the test records or the candidate’s identity document, that the candidate has entered the personal identity code correctly in the test system.

During identification, the invigilator may also check that the candidates have selected the correct test and language version. The candidate is responsible for selecting the correct test and language version. The test must be taken in the language of instruction of the school. Answers produced in the wrong language will not be awarded any points.

Before the start of the test, candidates must not make notes or markings on paper or on their computers. However, candidates may write their names on the draft paper.

Candidate taking two language tests

A candidate who takes two language tests based on the short syllabus on the same day must take the tests consecutively. At the beginning of the test session, the candidate may choose which test to take first. When the candidate wishes to end the first test and proceed to the second, the candidate shall request an invigilator to be present. The invigilator shall identify the candidate as described above. After starting the second test, the candidate may not return to the first test.

Late arrival and verification of the right to participate

If a candidate arrives late but before 10:00 a.m., the candidate may be allowed to participate in the test. The time at which the candidate begins the test and the reason for the delay shall be recorded in the test records. The principal decides on participation if the candidate arrives before 10:00 a.m. If a late candidate arrives only after 10:00 a.m., the Board must be consulted, and participation is conditional. A candidate arriving after 12:00 noon shall not be admitted to the test.

The test of a candidate who arrives late shall end at the same time as that of the other candidates. If the reason for the delay was entirely beyond the candidate’s control and exceptional, the school shall contact the Board.

If it is unclear whether a candidate has the right to participate, the candidate shall, with their consent, be admitted to take the test conditionally, and the conditions for participation shall be clarified during the test.

Interruption of the test session and announcements

If an invigilator or the principal considers that resolving a problem arising during the test would unreasonably disturb all candidates’ work, the test may be interrupted for the duration of the investigation. In many problem situations, it is easier and clearer to resolve the issue and compensate for the disturbance if all candidates’ tests are interrupted during the investigation. Situations in which an interruption may be justified include, for example, disruptions to the exam room network or server, loud external noise, a medical incident in the exam room, or another comparable disturbance that may affect the work of several candidates. The time spent on interruption shall be compensated to the candidates.

While the test is interrupted, candidates must not make notes, drafts or markings on paper or on their computers, or otherwise continue the test. If candidates have seen the test tasks, they must not communicate with one another. Candidates may, for example, eat their own food and use the toilet.

If the test is interrupted due to a technical reason beyond the candidate’s control, the lost test time shall be compensated. Lost test time is calculated from the moment the invigilator identifies the problem until the candidate is able to resume the test (see Appendix 4b: Guidelines for Invigilators – When Problems Arise).

On the basis of contact or otherwise, the Board may, in serious and exceptional situations, extend the test time available to a candidate or grant other compensation in addition to the compensation referred to above. Extension of test time and any additional compensation granted by the Board require that the Board be contacted during the test.

No announcements concerning the test tasks or the performance of the test may be made to candidates unless requested by the Matriculation Examination Board.

Toilet breaks during the test session

During a toilet break, the candidate must use a screen cover or screen saver on the computer or otherwise ensure that the computer screen cannot be read. To prevent cheating, invigilators shall escort candidates to toilet facilities in a random manner, making it impossible to predict in advance which toilet will be used. The school shall also ensure that toilet breaks do not provide an opportunity for candidates to communicate information to one another or to use materials other than those available in the test system, either during or after the toilet break.

Coffee service during the test

The school may, if it wishes, arrange coffee and tea service during the test as agreed in advance with the candidates. Any additional persons assisting with the service shall be recorded in the test records and are also subject to the regulations and guidelines on disqualification set out in subchapter 2.4. During the service, normal invigilation should be intensified.

Smoking breaks or similar breaks are not permitted during the test.

Ending the test

After completing the test, the candidate shall hand over to the invigilator all draft paper provided during the test session without removing or destroying any part of it and any candidate drive used. Candidates must not remove draft paper from the exam room. The candidate’s identity shall also be checked upon leaving, and the invigilator shall ensure that each draft sheet bears the candidate’s name. The invigilator shall ensure that the candidate has ended the test and, if necessary, end the test on the candidate’s behalf before the candidate leaves the exam room. The candidate’s departure time shall be recorded in the electronic test records.

The invigilator shall inform the candidates when the test time has ended.

Ending the test session and transferring test performances to the examination service

After the test has ended or after all candidates have left the exam room, the invigilator shall check that all test performances have been uploaded to the server cluster and shall send the test performances to the Board if a network connection to the Board is available. If no network connection is available, the invigilator shall save the test performances on the server computer or on a separate USB flash drive. The principal or an invigilator appointed by the principal shall transfer the file containing the candidates’ test performances to the examination service. (See Appendix4a: Guidelines for invigilators – Examination day procedure and arrangements, subchapters 1.10 and 1.11).

The file containing the test performances does not need to be retained at the school after the test performances have been successfully transferred to the examination service.

Test performances may be sent directly to the Board from the invigilator’s view by any invigilator without separate access rights. Uploading test performances to the examination service as a file requires access rights granted by the principal.

More detailed regulations and guidelines concerning the conduct of the test session and the duties of invigilators are also set out in Appendix 4a: Guidelines for invigilators – Examination day procedure and arrangements.

Invigilators and invigilation

Test sessions are invigilated by teachers of the general upper secondary school. At the discretion of the principal, former teachers of the school, members of the governing body or other responsible persons who are sufficiently familiar with the implementation of the examination may also be used as invigilators, if necessary.

The principal shall ensure that an invigilator is not disqualified (see 2.4 Disqualification and access rights to the examination service).

Invigilators shall focus exclusively on invigilation duties throughout their entire invigilation shift. In addition to candidates, no persons other than the principal, invigilators and the persons involved in the organisation of the test referred to in subchapter 2.3.4 are permitted to enter the exam room. If the school wishes to have technical support staff present in the exam room, the same regulations shall apply to them as to invigilators.

Number of invigilators

The principal shall ensure that a sufficient number of invigilators is present at the test session. Adequate contingency shall be ensured for all foreseeable situations, such as sudden illness, power failures and other situations in which an invigilator may need to leave the exam room. The size, shape and lighting of the room may also affect the number of invigilators required.

The minimum number of invigilators in the exam room in relation to the number of candidates shall be as specified in Table 4.

Table 4: Minimum number of invigilators in the exam room in relation to the number of candidates

If there is only one invigilator, an immediate and reliable means of communication between the invigilator present in the exam room and another teacher shall be ensured throughout the test, for example by telephone.

Use of cameras in invigilation

The Board does not restrict the use of recording cameras in test invigilation. The decision on the use of cameras for invigilation is made by the principal of the school.

The number of invigilators in the exam room may be one fewer than the minimum specified in Table 5 if the placement and technical performance of the cameras allow the same types of cheating attempts to be detected as during direct invigilation. Invigilation must also be comprehensive in situations where an invigilator is occupied with a task requiring concentration or has to leave the room temporarily. In the event of problems, an additional invigilator must be available to be called to the exam room.

Cameras used for invigilation shall record video footage for later review. Audio recording is unnecessary in most cases.

Persons appointed as invigilators may also view the camera feed during the test.

Use of cameras for invigilating a separate room

A single candidate working in a separate room and any assistant assigned to the candidate may also be invigilated using cameras. In such cases, at least two cameras are required: one filming the candidate from the front and one from behind, ensuring that the candidate’s computer screen is as visible as possible in the camera image. The candidate must be able, when necessary, to establish a reliable and prompt contact with the invigilator. Contact may be established, for example, either by a signal observable via the camera feed or by using an audible signal to reach an invigilator who is responsible for several rooms.

Recordings from cameras used in invigilation

Recordings may be viewed only by the principal and persons appointed as invigilators for the tests. Recordings are reviewed on a random basis and for the investigation of suspected cheating. If the principal initiates an investigation concerning a breach of order during the test session or concerning cheating, recordings may be viewed by the persons investigating the matter, persons involved in decision‑making on the matter, and the party concerned, to the extent necessary for the case.

Invigilation recordings shall be destroyed once the assessment of the examination has become final and no later than one year after the end of the recording. However, a recording may be retained beyond this period if it is required for the investigation of a matter related to the test session, for example if an appeal has been submitted against a decision by the principal concerning cheating and the related legal proceedings are ongoing (see GDPR Art. 5(1)(e); Act 759/2004, section 17(3)).

In connection with clarifying suspected cheating or a breach of examination regulations, video material or comparable recordings originally made for other purposes may also be used from the exam room or from outside the room. The storage of such recordings shall be governed by the provisions and regulations applicable to their recording; however, the recordings should remain available until the matter has been finally resolved (see preceding paragraph).

If other regulations in the Board’s regulations and guidelines lay down more specific rules on the recording of audio and video and their viewing in certain situations, the regulations applicable to that situation shall apply instead of the regulations in this subchapter.

An entry shall be made in the test records concerning the use of cameras for invigilating the exam room.

Camera surveillance shall be directed at candidates and shall not be used to monitor a specific invigilator or other assisting person. The purpose, implementation and methods of camera surveillance fall within the scope of statutory co‑operation procedures (Act 759/2004, section 21). Employees shall be informed, after the co‑operation or hearing procedure, when camera surveillance will start, how it will be implemented, and in what situations recordings may be used (Act 759/2004, section 17(5)). There is no obligation to inform employees of the exact placement of cameras.

The use of recording camera surveillance shall be indicated in a visible manner in the premises where the cameras are installed.

Camera surveillance data constitute a personal data register for which the general upper secondary school acts as the controller. The processing of personal data is based on the school’s statutory obligation (GDPR Art. 6(1)(c)). The purpose of processing personal data is to verify breaches of order and cheating in test sessions (Act 502/2019, section 15). Invigilation recordings shall be adequately protected and shall not be transferred outside the EEA. The European Data Protection Board has issued more detailed guidance on the processing of personal data using video devices.

Information relating to camera surveillance is confidential under section 24(7) of the Act on the Openness of Government Activities (621/1999), unless it is evident that disclosure of such information would not jeopardise the purpose of security arrangements. Information visible in images relating to candidates’ test performances is confidential under section 24(30) of the same Act.

Conduct of invigilators during the test session

Invigilation shall focus in particular on detecting interaction between candidates, the use of unauthorised aids and materials, and the use of computers for purposes unrelated to the test.

To achieve the objective of invigilation, each candidate’s screen shall be continuously visible to one or more invigilators. Invigilation may be based on the invigilator moving around the room in such a way that the candidate cannot know when they are being observed. The invigilator shall seek to ensure that movement does not unduly disturb the candidate’s test performance.

The invigilator may inspect the equipment brought into the exam room by the candidate. However, the candidate is personally responsible for ensuring the appropriateness of their equipment. If the candidate, despite being requested to do so, does not enable the inspection of their equipment, the situation may be treated as a breach of examination order or as cheating in accordance with subchapter 1.6. Inspections are generally carried out before the test, but at the discretion of the invigilator, they may also be carried out during the test and after the candidate has finished their test. If an inspection is carried out during the test, taking the test shall be suspended, and the time spent on the suspension shall be credited to the candidate.

The invigilator shall respond if a candidate indicates, by raising a hand or by another agreed method, that they have a question.

Inspection of candidates’ equipment

An invigilator may inspect items brought into the exam room by a candidate. However, the candidate is responsible for ensuring that the items are appropriate. If a candidate fails to allow inspection of items despite a request, the situation may be treated as a breach of examination regulations or as cheating under section 1.6. Inspections are usually carried out before the test, but at the invigilator’s discretion they may also be carried out during the test and after the candidate has finished the test. If an inspection is carried out during the test, the test performance shall be interrupted and the time spent on the interruption shall be compensated to the candidate.

During inspections, a handheld metal detector may be used alongside other invigilation methods. The purpose of the inspection is not safety-related but to detect items that could be used in cheating or attempted cheating. Candidates shall be informed of its use. The use of the metal detector shall be planned and tested in advance to allow the results to be used as supporting evidence in the investigation of suspected cheating, if necessary.

A candidate may also, if necessary, be re-identified during the test, and their ears may be inspected (see 2.3.4 > Identification of candidates).

Action in problem situations

Invigilators shall respond to exceptional situations in accordance with the guidelines for invigilators (Appendix 4 b). If necessary, the school shall immediately contact the Matriculation Examination Board office for more detailed instructions.

If necessary, the school shall submit a report to the Board after the test session concerning a disturbance that occurred during the test, if the disturbance affected the test performance of one or more candidates.

Font size used by the candidate

To prevent cheating, an invigilator may instruct a candidate to reduce the font size of answer windows, images or other markings. However, the font size must not be so small that completing the test is not reasonably possible.

If a candidate fails to reduce the font size or other markings despite an instruction, or if the candidate increases the font size or other markings again during the same test after being instructed by an invigilator, the situation may be regarded as an attempt at cheating.

Advising the candidate during the test

Invigilators or other persons present in the exam room shall not advise candidates during the test on the use of the computer, a backup computer or the test system. Exceptions are the situations specified in the guidelines for invigilators (Appendix 4 b). The Board may also, if necessary, instruct invigilators to provide guidance to candidates in other situations.

More detailed regulations and guidelines concerning the conduct of the test session and the duties of invigilators are also set out in Appendix 4 a: Guidelines for invigilators – Examination day procedure and arrangements.

Start time and duration of the test

Test sessions shall be started at all general upper secondary schools before 9:00 a.m. in the manner described in subchapter 2.3.4 and Appendix 4 a. Candidates may begin working on the test no earlier than 9:00 a.m. The invigilators shall keep track of the test time. 

A candidate may not leave the test session before 12:00 noon. If a candidate leaves the test session before 12:00 noon despite the prohibition, the school shall immediately notify the Board. The Board shall also be notified if a candidate suddenly falls ill during the test session. In the event of illness, the school shall ensure that the candidate is invigilated until 12:00 noon, unless the Board provides other instructions.

The test shall be completed within six hours of the time when the principal or an invigilator has announced that the test is beginning and the invigilator starts the test from the exam room server. However, if a candidate takes two language tests based on the short syllabus on the same day, the candidate shall have a total of eight hours to complete the tests.

The duration of the test may also be affected by other factors specified in the regulations issued by the Matriculation Examination Board (see subchapter 2.1.3, subchapter 2.3.4 > Interruption of the test session and announcements, and Appendix 4 b).

All entries in the test record shall be made in the electronic test record during the test session. The electronic test record for each test session is visible in the invigilator view. The electronic test record is shared by all servers and examination rooms connected to the same server group. A test record shall be kept in each examination room. The test record is transmitted to the Board in connection with the transfer of test performances.

The test record shall include the name of each invigilator and the times during which they were invigilating the test. The test record shall also include any problem situations and how they were resolved, any compensatory time granted and the duration of any additional time, as well as the time at which a candidate left the examination room. The test record may also include other matters affecting invigilation that the general upper secondary school considers necessary. More detailed instructions on test record entries are provided in Appendix 4a, subchapter 1.8.

If general upper secondary schools organise a joint test session, the school responsible for the arrangements shall keep the test records for the joint test sessions.

Printed test record forms shall be used only in connection with the identification of candidates. Printed test record forms shall not be sent to the Board after the examination round.

Disqualification of a public official under the Administrative Procedure Act may apply to the principal of a general upper secondary school, a teacher or other staff member who performs duties related to the implementation of the examination.

In administrative and assessment decisions and in their preparation, persons closely related to the candidate are disqualified (Administrative Procedure Act 434/2003, section 28(1), item 1). In the Board’s regulations and guidelines, such persons are referred to as “close persons as defined in the Administrative Procedure Act”. Close persons as defined in the Administrative Procedure Act include:

1. the official’s spouse, and the official’s child, grandchild, sibling, parent, grandparent, and any other person particularly close to the official, as well as the spouse of such a person
2. the sibling of the official’s parent and that person’s spouse, the children of the official’s siblings, and the official’s former spouse
3. the child, grandchild, sibling, parent and grandparent of the official’s spouse, as well as the spouse of such a person, and the children of the official’s spouse’s siblings.

A corresponding relative by marriage is also regarded as a close person. For the purposes of this regulation, spouses refer to married persons as well as persons living together in marriage‑like circumstances and persons in a registered partnership (Administrative Procedure Act 434/2003, section 28(2)).

Refraining from duties related to the implementation of the examination is also required if confidence in impartiality may be compromised (Administrative Procedure Act 434/2003, section 28(1), item 7). The person concerned shall assess whether impartiality may be compromised and shall take into account whether the situation could also appear, from an external perspective, to compromise impartiality. Impartiality may be considered to be compromised, for example, where the implementation of the examination concerns the person’s own child, spouse, sibling, a person living in the same household, or another person particularly close to them. In these instructions, a person whom the individual considers, on the basis of their own assessment, to compromise impartiality is referred to as “the person’s own close relative”.

A disqualified person shall refrain from duties related to the examination depending on whether the person giving rise to the disqualification is the person’s own close relative or another close person within the meaning of the Administrative Procedure Act.

If the person’s own close relative participates in a test at any general upper secondary school, the disqualified person shall:

• not download, process or hold in their possession encrypted test tasks, key code lists, decryption codes or related files and envelopes for any test, except in the cases specified below.

If the person’s own close relative participates in a test at the same general upper secondary school at which the disqualified person is employed, the disqualified person shall:

• not process the enrolment data of their own close relative
• not prepare the seating plan or the invigilation plan relating to their own close relative.

If the person’s own close relative participates in a test on the examination day in question at any general upper secondary school, the disqualified person shall:

• not participate in opening the test session or act as an invigilator before 12:00 noon. When acting as an invigilator, the person may handle the key code list and decryption codes for that examination day and, if necessary, also the test tasks.

If the person’s own close relative participates in a test on the examination day in question at the same general upper secondary school at which the disqualified person is employed, the disqualified person shall:

• not participate, after 12:00 noon, in the invigilation of test sessions, or test sessions connected to the same examination network, in which their own close relative participates
• not participate in the construction of the examination network or in maintenance tasks relating to exam room servers for a test session in which their own close relative participates, unless invigilated by another person who is not disqualified.

If the person’s own close relative does not participate in the test on the day in question, the disqualified person may:

• participate in opening the test session and act as an invigilator.
  When acting as an invigilator, the person may handle the key code list and decryption codes for that examination day and, if necessary, also the test tasks.

If the person’s own close relative or another close person as defined in the Administrative Procedure Act participates in the examination, the disqualified person shall:

• not act as the sole invigilator in the test session of the close person as defined in the Administrative Procedure Act. This is particularly relevant for the handling of potential cases of cheating or breaches of examination regulations
• not process the test performance of a close person as defined in the Administrative Procedure Act, not transfer the test performance file to the assessment service, and not carry out preliminary assessment of the test performance
• not process or prepare applications for special arrangements submitted by a close person as defined in the Administrative Procedure Act, or other applications falling within the decision‑making powers of the Matriculation Examination Board, nor issue statements on such applications
• not process, prepare or make decisions within the competence of the school concerning the denial of the right to participate, decisions on cheating, or other decisions relating to a close person as defined in the Administrative Procedure Act.

A disqualified person shall also not participate in any other tasks related to the organisation of the Matriculation Examination where the performance of such tasks could compromise confidence in impartiality, unless invigilated by another person who is not disqualified.

The person participates in the Matriculation Examination themselves

If a person themselves participates in a Matriculation Examination in a subject other than the one they teach and at a general upper secondary school other than their own place of employment, all of the above instructions relating to the participation of an own close relative and a close person as defined in the Administrative Procedure Act shall apply. If the person takes the test at their own place of employment, they shall refrain from all tasks relating to the examination network and the arrangements of the exam room. If necessary, they may participate in invigilation duties for other tests in which they are not involved with the examination network. If the person takes the test in the subject they teach, they shall refrain entirely from preliminary assessment of that examination. In other cases, they may carry out preliminary assessment in the subject they teach. In the examination service, they shall not be granted rights to carry out preliminary assessment of the examination they have taken themselves.

The principal is disqualified

If the principal is disqualified from performing a task, the task shall be performed by the vice‑principal or assistant principal, or by another member of the teaching staff who is not disqualified and who is appointed to the task.

The education provider shall ensure that the person or persons responsible for examination arrangements at the school have the necessary role information in the Finnish National Agency for Education’s Studyinfo service. It is recommended that the relevant role information be removed from a disqualified responsible person at least three weeks before the examination days of the examination round. The role information may be restored after the final examination day if the person giving rise to the disqualification participates in the test at another school. If the person giving rise to the disqualification participates in the test at the same school at which the disqualified person is employed, the role information may be restored once the school has assessed all preliminary assessment as completed.

Disqualification and preliminary assessment

If the duties of a teacher or principal include preliminary assessment of test performances, they may carry out preliminary assessment of all other test performances except that of a close person within the meaning of the Administrative Procedure Act. The test performance of such a person shall not be shown to or placed in the possession of the disqualified person. The performance shall be assessed by another teacher who is not disqualified. If the education provider is unable to appoint another teacher of the same subject to carry out preliminary assessment, the performance may be submitted to the Board without preliminary assessment.

The person responsible for examination arrangements shall manage the teachers participating in preliminary assessment at their own school in the Board’s examination service. Before the examination day, they shall ensure that persons participating in assessment or otherwise in examination arrangements have only such access rights to the assessment view of the examination service as are necessary for their duties, and the required rights to the test performances of the examinations in whose assessment they participate. The person responsible shall record, in the Board’s examination service, the disqualifications arising from close persons within the meaning of the Administrative Procedure Act for each assessor, in accordance with the assessor’s own declaration of disqualification.