Finnish or Swedish as a second language and literature

The structure of the test described on this page applies from the spring 2027 examination onwards.

Read more about the regulations for the test in Finnish or Swedish as a second language and literature.

Structure of the tests

From spring 2027 onwards, the Finnish and Swedish as a second language tests will be held over two days at the same time as the test in mother tongue and literature.

The maximum score for the test is 160. The reading literacy and listening comprehension part carries a maximum of 80 points, and the written part a maximum of 80 points. The maximum score for the reading literacy and listening comprehension part is further divided, with reading literacy accounting for 40–50 points and listening comprehension for 30–40 points. In the written part, the maximum score is 20 points for the short writing task and 60 points for the long writing task.

What is assessed in the test? 

In the listening comprehension tasks, candidates’ ability to understand spoken language is assessed, whether in the form of a monologue, dialogue or group discussion.

In the reading literacy tasks, candidates’ ability to understand written language and to respond to tasks based on what they have read is assessed. The tasks require producing answers in the target language.

In the writing tasks, candidates’ ability to produce independent texts and to express their ideas on themes related to the general upper secondary school syllabus is assessed.