Digital experiment in Espoo developed an employment-promoting language proficiency test

The aim was to develop a test that could be taken independently and shared digitally, for example as part of a CV. In addition to assessing the level of proficiency, the test provided tailored recommendations on city services and training.

Information on Finnish proficiency affects employment

Espoo currently has more than 12,000 foreign-language jobseekers, most of whom do not know their Finnish language proficiency level. The number of foreign-language speakers is constantly increasing, and the long-term goal is that for almost everyone would know their language proficiency level. A cost-effective online test would be a good option and a tool for quickly assessing language proficiency without costly and time-consuming National Certificate of Language Proficiency (YKI) tests.  

The experiment started at the beginning of 2024, the test was built in the spring, and the testing began in early summer. Jobseekers and Finnish learners got the chance to take the test at 20 different events.

Test result must be available quickly

In the opinion of the testers, one of the positive aspects of the test was definitely that it was free of charge. Many felt that the test was a useful tool for assessing their language proficiency and helped or could help them prepare for the National Certificate of Language Proficiency test. Some were unhappy because the test result was not official and felt that this caused a lack of motivation.

‘One of the most important lessons learned in the experiment was that it must be possible to utilise the test result as soon as possible. This will help employment services manage the job search more effectively and improve employment opportunities,’ says Valia Wistuba, Development Manager of the Digital Agenda experiments in the City of Espoo.

The people who took the test found it relatively easy to use even if the test could have progressed more slowly. Respondents hoped for more clarity and examples in the initial instructions, but the privacy statement opening in a separate window got positive feedback. Users hoped to receive more detailed and encouraging feedback, especially after completing the tasks. 

‘We learned that the test should be encouraging at all levels. In this way, it could support language learning in addition to evaluation,’ Wistuba adds.

Testing requires motivation and a suitable environment

Some challenges arose during the experiment. Social situations and physical spaces may have hindered completing the test. This affected the test results and their utilisation.

‘At the test events, we learned that independent testing requires personal motivation, concentration and digital skills. In particular, people wanted to respond to the speaking tasks in private. It was challenging to reserve a peaceful space for the customer here at the employment services office, as the spaces were often reserved or had access to staff facilities,’ says Project Manager Olga Silfver from the City of Espoo Employment and Economic Development Office.

Experiment highlighted many possible uses – future still uncertain

The experiment highlighted many possible applications for the test in employment, recruitment, teaching and integration services. It has also attracted interest in different cities both nationally and internationally.

‘At the moment, the personal coaches from the employment services assess the language skills of jobseekers themselves, as the duration and price of official language tests limit their use. A quick online test would clarify language proficiency and facilitate the work of personal coaches. There is national demand for this,’ says Silfver.

The practical implementation of the browser-based test was carried out by Rouhia Oy, whose Reactored learning environment enables a versatile learning experience.

‘The experiment process of the City of Espoo was well structured, and it provided us with good resources for our own processes. We now also understand the complexity of the city's processes. The working group had a good attitude to learning, and we are very pleased that we were a part of this experiment,’ says Kari Savolainen, CEO of Rouhia Oy.

Espoo is currently assessing the procurement of a digital language proficiency test. The aim is to find ways to launch the test more extensively and to support the employment of jobseekers.

The Digital Agenda’s aim is to promote the digitalisation of municipal services, utilisation of new technology, introduction of electronic services and adoption of new operating methods. espoo.fi/digiagenda