The YKI intermediate speaking test and how to practise
The intermediate speaking test is done in a language studio, and your answers are recorded. You don't talk face to face with a rater. This page explains the task types and how to practise them.
How the speaking test works
- OPH's test specifications say the basic and intermediate speaking tests are done in a language studio. The Finnish and Swedish basic level uses an interview, but the intermediate level doesn't.
- Everything done in the language studio is recorded for assessment.
- OPH advises speaking in a normal voice and listening to and reading all instructions carefully.
- In the digital YKI test, the whole test is done on a computer at the test centre. For Finnish intermediate level, the digital pilot is on 7 Nov 2026, and OPH lists the spring 2027 Finnish tests as digital.
Task types
According to the specifications, the speaking tasks include, for example, taking part in simulated conversations, reacting to given situations, and giving an opinion or talking about a given topic.
| Task | What you do | Practise |
|---|---|---|
| Simulated conversation | You answer the lines of a conversation as the task instructs. | Questions, answers and suggestions (Sopiiko sinulle…?, Mitä jos…?). |
| Reacting to situations | You say briefly what you would say in an everyday situation: ask, complain, thank or advise. | Polite requests (Voisitteko…, Haluaisin…) and apologies. |
| Narrating or giving an opinion | You speak continuously on a topic and justify your opinion. | Structure: opinion, two reasons, an example, a closing line. |
How to practise speaking
- Record yourself with a timer. Prepare briefly, then keep talking for the whole time. Listen back and note where you stopped.
- Don't stop at a mistake. In the level 3 criteria the speaker keeps going without help, even when searching for words. Fix it quickly or move on.
- Learn ready-made phrases. Minun mielestäni…, Olen samaa mieltä, koska…, Toisaalta…, Anteeksi, en ymmärtänyt…, Voisitteko auttaa…
- If a word is missing, describe it. se laite, jolla pestään astioita ("the machine that washes dishes").
- Know when to use sinä and Te. Sinä with a friend, often a polite Te or the conditional with an official. Telling registers apart is one sign of level 4.
- Practise everyday topics. OPH lists nine YKI topic areas: me and my background, home and housing, shops and services, culture, travel, health and well-being, work, the environment, society.
What is assessed at level 3?
OPH's speaking criteria say that at level 3 the speaker can cope in most practical situations and show initiative in everyday situations. Speech can be fairly slow, but there are few unnatural pauses. The speaker is easy to understand even though a foreign accent is clearly evident and structures from the mother tongue carry over. Errors occur, but it is clear what the speaker means. More on the level 3 page.
Tasolle3 turns your speech into text and assesses the text. That means we don't assess pronunciation, and fluency is judged only from how much and how continuously you spoke. How our estimates work.
FAQ
Do I talk to a person in the YKI speaking test?
Not at intermediate level. OPH's specifications say the intermediate speaking test is done in a language studio and recorded for assessment. Interviews are used at advanced level and in the Finnish and Swedish basic level.
Is pronunciation assessed?
Yes. OPH's speaking criteria include pronunciation. At level 3, pronunciation is clearly intelligible even if a foreign accent is sometimes evident.
What if I don't fully understand a task?
OPH's advice is to do every task and always try to answer something. A short answer on topic is better than silence.
How can I practise speaking on my own?
Record yourself against a timer, listen back, and practise ready-made phrases for everyday situations. Tasolle3's speaking tasks give feedback on a transcript of what you said.
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Get instant feedback on your text or speech. The level shown is an unofficial practice estimate, not a YKI result. No card needed.
Read next
Sources
- OPH: Yleisten kielitutkintojen perusteet 2026 (PDF)
- OPH: Before the YKI test
- OPH: Assessment criteria for speaking (PDF)
- OPH: Digital YKI tests will be piloted in November 2026
- OPH: Selecting the right YKI test and test days
Tasolle3 is an independent practice service. We are not the Finnish National Agency for Education (OPH) or the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri). Always check the official sources linked here for current information.