The test, designed to be taken independently, also offers personalized recommendations for city services and further language training. With Espoo home to more than 12,000 foreign-language jobseekers, many of whom are unsure of their Finnish proficiency level, this new tool is seen as a cost-effective alternative to traditional, time-consuming language certification tests.
Quick Results for Better Job Opportunities
A key finding from the experiment is the need for fast, accessible results. Test-takers appreciated that the test was free and helpful in preparing for more formal language exams. However, some expressed frustration that the results were not official, which impacted their motivation.
"Providing immediate test results would help employment services guide jobseekers more effectively, improving their chances of finding work," says Valia Wistuba, Development Manager for Espoo’s Digital Agenda experiments.
The feedback also suggested that the test should be more user-friendly, with clearer instructions and more detailed feedback to encourage continued language learning.
Challenges of Independent Testing
The experiment revealed that social environments and space limitations affected participants' ability to complete the test, particularly when responding to speaking tasks. Test-takers wanted more privacy and a quieter environment, which was difficult to provide during employment service events.
"Independent testing requires motivation, focus, and digital skills. People prefer to complete speaking tasks in private, which posed challenges in our busy office spaces," explains Olga Silfver, Project Manager at Espoo’s Employment and Economic Development Office.
Potential for Broader Application
Despite these challenges, the experiment highlighted the potential of the online language test for use in employment, recruitment, education, and integration services. The quick assessment could ease the burden on employment coaches, who currently have to estimate jobseekers’ language skills themselves due to the cost and time limitations of official tests.
"There is clear national demand for this type of tool," adds Silfver.
Espoo is now evaluating the possibility of scaling up the test to make it more widely available. The city is also exploring how the tool can be integrated into municipal services to support jobseekers and promote sustainable employment solutions.
As part of the city’s broader Digital Agenda, the initiative seeks to advance the digitalization of municipal services, leveraging new technologies and methods to improve service delivery and outcomes for residents.
HT
