Suomen kielen perustaso

Perustaso, the basic level test, is aimed at skill levels 1–2 (on the National Certificates 6-level scale). This test is most suitable for adults who are in the early stages of language learning. However, this level can also constitute an ultimate target level for candidates who only need Finnish for routine everyday purposes. The test is monolingual and concentrates on key meanings and basic communication situations.

The National Certificate perustaso test consists of five subtests:

1. Reading comprehension (approx. 50 minutes)
2. Writing (approx. 50 minutes)
3. Structures and vocabulary (approx. 50 minutes)
4. Listening comprehension (approx. 25 minutes)
5. Speaking (approx. 20 minutes).

The total test time is about three hours.

Reading

Candidates are expected to understand the gist of brief newspaper articles, advertisements or other similar short authentic texts related to the topic areas mentioned in the test specifications. There are usually three or four separate tasks; one task may include several short texts.

The questions concentrate on the comprehension of the main points and some important details. Several task types are used in each test form (constructed response and selected response). Slips with accuracy are not penalised provided answers are comprehensible.

Writing

Candidates are expected to write informal letters or messages. Tasks vary; the candidates might for example be asked to write a note to a friend or a colleague about some matter. The main criterion for successful performance on the task is to convey the message to the reader comprehensibly.

There are two or three tasks, each of which is relatively short. The tasks simulate situations that the candidates may encounter in real life.

Structures and Vocabulary

Candidates are expected to demonstrate their knowledge of basic Finnish structures and vocabulary. The tasks are mainly contextualised, but some vocabulary tasks may also be decontextualised.

This subtest contains four to six tasks, including multiple-choice, gap-filling and elaboration.

Listening

Candidates are expected to understand the gist or some of the most important details of short dialogues or, for example, radio programmes/ announcements. These can be spoken at normal speed or at a slightly slower pace.

The test takes place in a language laboratory, and there are usually three or four tasks. Each task can contain several spoken texts or dialogues. Both constructed and selected response task types are used.

Speaking

Candidates are expected to express themselves orally as naturally and effectively as possible in situations that simulate real-life functions at a very basic level.

This subtest is conducted face to face. There are usually three separate tasks, which involve talking about oneself, describing something, and giving an opinion, eg. talking about what one likes or does not like.

Weighting of components

Each of the test sections is given a separate grade. The overall grade is based on these and is usually the mode of the subtest grades.

Results

Results are given using skill levels 1–2. A grade of "below 1" is awarded if the candidate has not been able to meet the criteria set for the basic level test.