Suomen kielen ylin taso

Ylin taso, the advanced level test, is aimed at skill levels 5–6 (on the 6-level scale). This test is suited for adults whose language skills match challenging tasks such as representing the workplace in specialist matters. These people can adjust their language according to the demands of the situation, and they understand writing and speech on common topics and in their area of specialization with relative ease. They can also convey the shades and nuances of meaning accurately. The advanced level test is for people who feel comfortable about using Finnish in various, even demanding, situations.

The National Certificate ylin taso test consists of five subtests:

1. Reading comprehension (1 hour)
2. Writing (1 hour)
3. Structures and vocabulary (1 hour)
4. Listening comprehension (approx. 30 minutes)
5. Speaking (approx. 20 minutes plus 15 minutes).

The total test time is about 4–5 hours.

Reading

Candidates are expected to understand all kinds of (authentic) texts related to the topic areas specified in the test specifications.

There are usually 3 or 4 separate tasks; one task may include several texts. Several task types are used on each testing occasion (open-ended questions, summary, multiple-choice etc).

Writing

Candidates are expected to write informal and formal letters, such as messages (e.g. a fax), letters to newspapers, or CVs, and to provide an argumentative or expository treatment of a given topic. The main requirement for successful accomplishment of a task is to convey the message to the reader as naturally and effectively as possible.

There are 2 or 3 tasks, which simulate tasks the candidates may encounter in real-life situations.

Structures and Vocabulary

Candidates are expected to demonstrate advanced knowledge of Finnish structures and vocabulary. The tasks are mainly contextualised, but when appropriate, decontextualised task types may be used.

This subtest contains 4–6 tasks, including (for example) multiple-choice, gap-filling, and elaboration.

Listening

Candidates are expected to understand different kinds of spoken language, e.g radio programmes/lectures spoken at a normal speed. The test takes place in a language laboratory, and there are usually 3 or 4 tasks. A variety of task types, such as summary, gap-filling, multiple choice or open-ended questions are used.

Speaking

Candidates are expected to express themselves orally as naturally and effectively as possible in situations that simulate real-life language use. Part of this subtest is conducted face to face and part in a language laboratory. In the lab, there are 2-3 tasks that aim at tapping different kinds of oral skills (e.g. reactions in situations, extended speech). The face-to-face section consists of a warm-up, a discussion on two topics where the participants have to state and support their opinions, and a wind-down.

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 5–6. A grade of "below 5" is awarded if the candidate has not been able to meet the criteria set for the advanced level test.