Second national language and foreign languages

In the second national language tests (Finnish or Swedish), candidates may choose between tests based on the intermediate or advanced syllabus. In foreign languages, candidates may choose between tests based on the basic or advanced syllabus, with the exception of Italian, Portuguese, Latin and Sámi languages, in which only a basic syllabus test is available. Candidates may choose which syllabus-level test to take regardless of their studies in general upper secondary school.

The tests in the second national language and foreign languages based on the advanced and basic syllabi are held on different days. On the examination day for the basic syllabus languages, it is possible to take two different language tests. If a candidate takes two basic syllabus tests on the same examination day, the test duration is 8 hours instead of the standard 6 hours.

Read more about the regulations for the tests in the second national language and foreign languages.

The Board is preparing the introduction of an oral part to the tests in foreign languages and the second national language. Read more about the preparation of the oral part here.

Structure of the tests

The tests include the following parts:

  • listening comprehension (not included in the tests in Portuguese, Latin and Sámi languages)
  • reading comprehension
  • written production
  • command of vocabulary and structures

Tasks measuring the same area of language proficiency form a task set. A task may consist of several items, and all items in a task must be completed unless optionality is explicitly stated in the instructions. Tasks that integrate different areas of language proficiency are also possible. The tests include a wide range of texts and other materials of varying length.

In tests that include a listening comprehension task set, the maximum score is 299 points. The points are distributed across the task sets measuring different areas of language proficiency as follows:

  • listening comprehension: 80–90 points
  • reading comprehension: 70–90 points
  • vocabulary and structures: 20–40 points
  • written production: 99 points

In tests that do not include a listening comprehension task set, the maximum score is 209 points.

What is assessed in the tests?

The language tests are based on the action-oriented approach to language proficiency described in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), which combines linguistic knowledge with the ability to use it in varied ways. Language is used in interaction to convey linguistic and cultural meanings in a wide range of situations and for different purposes and through various media. Language proficiency is part of multiliteracy, through which forms of expression from different domains of life and cultures are produced and interpreted in ways that support mutual understanding.

Listening and reading comprehension tasks assess candidates’ ability to understand the main idea or ideas of a text, identify important details and examples, draw conclusions, and understand or interpret meaning.

In written production, the assessment focuses on candidates’ ability to produce independent texts in different communicative situations. The assessment focuses on communication, the content and treatment of the topic, the structure appropriate to the text type, linguistic range, and accuracy.