Statistics: Who passes YKI

YKI has been around for 30 years now. As a little celebration gift, YKI has published some official statistics this year.

The Good News

Here’s the great news: more people are passing YKI than ever! In 2023, over half of the participants (56%) passed the listening part of the test at level 3. Writing was also impressive, with 53.5% reaching the required level. This shows that with good preparation, you can absolutely succeed!

Reading and speaking skills are also improving. For speaking, 50.9% of people hit level 3, and for reading, most participants passed. So, overall, there’s been a lot of progress.

Another piece of good news is that more people are taking the test. Back in 1994, only 1,145 people took the YKI test. By 2023, that number had grown to 9,010! This shows that many people see the test as an important step for their future in Finland.

The Bad News

Of course, it’s not all easy. Speaking and writing are still the hardest parts for most people. In 2023, around 40% of participants scored below level 3 in both these areas. These are skills that require a lot of practice, and they don’t come as easily as listening or reading for many learners.

Some people also face extra challenges. In 2023, 47 test-takers asked for special support. The most common reason was dyslexia (16 cases), followed by ADHD/ADD (10 cases) and hand injuries (7 cases). These challenges show that for some, the test can feel even harder.

And while there’s been improvement, average skill levels have gone up slowly since 2016. It’s clear that learning Finnish still takes time and effort for most people.

What We Can Learn

So, what can we take away from this? First, passing YKI is definitely possible if you focus and prepare well. Listening and reading might feel easier, but speaking and writing need extra attention. It’s a good idea to practice those as much as you can.

Second, the growing number of people taking the test shows how important it is for building a life in Finland. Whether it’s for work, citizenship, or just feeling more comfortable, the YKI test is a great tool to show what you’ve learned.

If you’re getting ready for the test, don’t stress too much. Take it step by step, focus on your weaker areas, and remember: you’re not alone—thousands of people are on this journey too. With hard work, you can make it!