Second National Language Swedish - Advanced
National Certificates of Language Proficiency (YKI) - Second national language, Swedish, Advanced level
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Cheat sheet
Keep the key ideas within reach.
ExploreKey terms
Get comfortable with the vocabulary.
ExploreStudy plan
Give each week a clear focus.
ExploreCommon mistakes
Understand the traps and how to avoid them.
ExploreCase studies
Put your knowledge to work in context.
ExploreExam-day guide
Prepare for the day ahead.
ExploreAbout this exam
The National Certificates of Language Proficiency (YKI) are Finnish national language examinations administered by the Finnish National Agency for Education. This page covers the advanced-level test in Swedish as a second national language - the level intended for candidates who already function comfortably in Swedish and want an official, nationally recognised demonstration of that ability. The test measures standard-language skills for everyday situations in which you must understand, speak, read and write the language. Reading comprehension and writing are done in a classroom; listening comprehension and speaking usually take place in a language lab. The advanced-level test day lasts six hours, with breaks, and you may bring your own snacks. The topic categories are the same at basic, intermediate and advanced level - I and my background, home and housing, shops and services, culture, travelling, health and wellbeing, work, the environment, society - only the difficulty differs. Question types are mainly multiple choice, true/false and open-ended. There is no official textbook and no course you must pass first. Prepare by working through standard language at work and at home, studying the published structure and sample question types, and practising the digital test system, which will first be used in November 2026. This page is independent study material and is not affiliated with the Finnish National Agency for Education.
What you'll study
About Second National Language Swedish - Advanced preparation
How long is the advanced-level Swedish test?
The advanced level test takes six hours. The basic and intermediate level tests take five hours. There are breaks during the day, and you can bring your own snacks to enjoy during them. A pencil and eraser are given to you at the test centre, so you do not need to bring those.
What identity document must I bring?
Bring an official identity card that is not out of date: a passport, an identity card, an alien's passport, a refugee travel document, a residence permit card, or an identity card issued by the Finnish Defence Forces with a photo. A driving licence is not accepted, and a picture of your identity card is not enough.
What question types appear in the test?
The main question types are multiple choice questions, true/false questions and open-ended questions. An answer sheet is used for the multiple choice and true/false items. Always complete all tasks and try to answer something, and check carefully in which language you are required to write your answers.
Can I reschedule my registration?
No. From 1 January 2026 onwards, registrations for YKI tests can no longer be rescheduled. You can still cancel, but only for all subtests at once - cancelling only specific subtests is not possible. Cancelling does not automatically refund the fee; you must apply separately.
What happens if I cheat?
If you cheat or assist with cheating or attempting it, your test will be disqualified and you will not be allowed to take a test in that language in the following 6 or 12 months. Phones, watches, laptops, tablets and other smart devices are collected for the whole test day, including breaks, and dictionaries are not allowed.
How do I get a refund of the test fee?
Cancel no later than 8:00 on the morning of the test day, obtain a medical certificate in Finnish, Swedish or English showing illness continuing on the test day, and send the refund application to the Finnish National Agency for Education within two weeks of the test day. Conditions change on 1 January 2026.
When will the test be taken on a computer?
Digital YKI tests will be held for the first time in November 2026. A digital test means you take it on a computer. You can already practise the digital system beforehand, but note that the practice tests are not real YKI tests and your answers there are not assessed.
Do I need to complete a Swedish course first?
No. You do not have to pass a language course before taking the test. You can practise using standard language at work or at home. You should still prepare in advance, because the graders do not know you and assess only how well you speak, write and understand in the test situation itself.
What is the most common way candidates lose marks?
Leaving tasks blank and ignoring instructions. The guidance is to always complete all tasks and answer all questions, to check which language the answers must be written in, to use your normal speaking voice in the speaking test, and to read all instructions carefully. Incomplete parts affect your certificate.
How do I find out where and when my test starts?
Your test centre sends instructions before the test day telling you where it is and what time the test starts. The message arrives only shortly before the test day, so wait patiently. If the date is close and nothing has arrived, contact the test centre; its name appears in the email from the registration system.