Finland Introduces Digital Certificates for YKI Language Tests (Finland, June 2026)
The Finnish National Agency for Education introduced digital certificates for the National Certificates of Language Proficiency, known as YKI tests. The change follows an amendment to the government decree on national language proficiency certificates.
The Finnish National Agency for Education introduced digital certificates for the National Certificates of Language Proficiency, known as YKI tests. The change follows an amendment to the government decree on national language proficiency certificates.
What Changed?
Candidates who take a YKI test on or after 1 April 2026 can receive the certificate either digitally through My Studyinfo or as a printed certificate, depending on their identity and Suomi.fi Messages settings.
Old System vs New System
YKI certificates were issued only as paper certificates.
Digital YKI certificates are available through My Studyinfo for candidates who have a Finnish personal identity code and have activated Suomi.fi Messages, while printed certificates remain available where digital delivery is not possible.
Who Is Affected?
Student Impact
Language test candidates can access and download a digital certificate more easily when they meet the digital identity requirements.
Parent / Family Impact
There is limited direct impact on parents, but families supporting language learners may benefit from faster and more flexible certificate access.
School / Institution Impact
Institutions and guidance services that advise language learners should update instructions about certificate delivery options.
Teacher / Staff Impact
Language teachers and exam guidance staff may need to explain digital certificate access and the conditions for receiving a paper certificate.
Key Dates
- 2026-06-04: decree amendment approved
- 2026-06-05: digital certificate change announced
- 2026-04-01 onward: tests eligible for digital certificate delivery.
What To Do
- YKI candidates should check whether they have a Finnish personal identity code
- activate Suomi.fi Messages if they want a digital certificate
- and review My Studyinfo access instructions.
What To Watch Next
Further operational guidance may clarify how institutions, employers, and authorities should verify and accept digital YKI certificates.
Global Context
Digital language certificates make Finland's national language testing process easier to verify and use in education, work, immigration, and public service contexts.
Source Record
Source type: Official announcement
Source name: Finnish National Agency for Education