Matriculation examination
The national matriculation examination held at the end of upper secondary school assesses the achieve¬ment of the knowledge and maturity defined in the curriculum and the objectives set for upper secondary education. The matriculation examination is arranged twice a year, in the spring and autumn. Students can take all the tests in one examination or over a maxi¬mum of three successive examination periods.
The matriculation examination includes four tests at minimum. The only compulsory test is the mother tongue test (Finnish/Swedish/Sami). For the three other tests, the candidates have a choice between the second national language (Swedish/Finnish), a foreign language, mathematics and general studies. It is also possible to take more than four tests.
The matriculation examinations are managed and the tests are set and assessed by an independent Matricu¬lation Examination Board, which is appointed by the Ministry of Education for a period of three years at a time.