Aptitude test for teachers

Under EU legislation, the Finnish National Agency for Education can issue a decision on a teacher’s qualifications to a person who is fully qualified to provide pre-primary, basic or subject teaching at a public institution in another EU/EEA country.

The decision can be conditional, if necessary. The decision may include an adaptation period or an aptitude test as an additional requirement. In most cases, applicants themselves choose between the adaptation period and the aptitude test.

During the adaptation period, applicants work in Finland as public officials appointed for a fixed term. Applicants themselves must find employment for the adaptation period. The decision mentioned above determines the duration of the adaptation period. Further information on the adaptation period can be found on the website of the Finnish National Agency for Education and in the decision the applicant receives from the agency.

If an applicant has received a decision from the Finnish National Agency for Education on the recognition of professional qualifications which includes an adaptation period or an aptitude test as an additional requirement, and the applicant wishes to complete an aptitude test for teachers, they should contact the University.

The aptitude test is for applicants to demonstrate that they possess the knowledge and skills required to work as teachers in Finland. The aptitude test for teachers consists of three subject areas and a feedback session. The decision by the Finnish National Agency for Education determines which of the three subject areas are included in the applicant’s aptitude test.

Taking an aptitude test at the University of Helsinki Faculty of Educational Sciences

As a rule, aptitude tests can be taken in the languages and qualifications in which qualifying training is offered.

Usually, the test must be taken within one year of registration. After registering, the detailed timetable for taking the test as well as the completion of individual test components must be agreed with the Faculty teacher organising the test.

The completion of an aptitude test is subject to a fee based on the Government Decree on fees for university services (1082/2009). The fee paid by the candidate cannot exceed €500. The exact fee is based on the number of components to be completed, as determined in the decision by the Finnish National Agency for Education, and on the maximum number of lessons to be given, as determined for the teaching demonstration or educational situation. The candidate will receive an invoice when they have completed the test.

If a person who has received the above decision wishes to take an aptitude test at the University of Helsinki Faculty of Educational Sciences, they should contact Siltavuori Teaching and Learning Services at siltavuori-student@helsinki.fi.

To register for the test, they must complete an electronic registration form available from Siltavuori Teaching and Learning Services.

Enquiries: siltavuori-student@helsinki.fi