Qualifications as a social worker obtained in an EU/EEA country

If you are an EU or EEA citizen and have qualified as a social worker in another EU or EEA country, you may apply to the Finnish National Board of Education for a decision on eligibility to work in a post or position as a social worker. The decision will be issued by virtue of the Act on the Recognition of Professional Qualifications.

The Finnish National Board of Education may issue a decision on eligibility as a social worker to a person who is fully qualified for a position as a social worker in another Member Country. The content of studies and professional activities is also examined when processing the application. The applicant’s professional experience is taken into account when making the decision.

Adaptation period or aptitude test

The decision may require you to complete an adaptation period or an aptitude test as a compensation measure if your training or the content of professional activities in the country of origin differ substantially from training as a social worker or from the content of professional activities in Finland.

You are free to choose whether to complete an adaptation period or an aptitude test. The aptitude test may be completed in Finnish or Swedish.

During an adaptation period, you will work in Finland as a social worker appointed for a fixed term. You should find a job yourself. Once you have completed the adaptation period, you should apply for the final decision regarding your eligibility from the Finnish National Board of Education.

In an aptitude test, you are expected to demonstrate your command of knowledge and skills required in the profession of social workers in Finland. The decision issued by the Finnish National Board of Education determines the subject areas covered by the aptitude test and where the test may be taken. Once you have completed the aptitude test, you  should apply for the final decision regarding your eligibility from the Finnish National Board of Education.

Qualifications as a social worker obtained outside the EU/EEA

If you have qualified as a social worker outside the EU/EEA or if you are not an EU/EEA citizen, you may apply to the Finnish National Board of Education for a decision on comparability of your studies with those required of social workers in accordance with the Act on Eligibility Provided by Foreign Higher Education Studies for Public Posts in Finland.

A favourable decision on comparability is subject to conditions such as:
- whether the applicant is a fully qualified social worker in his or her country of origin;
- whether the degree corresponds with a Finnish university Master’s degree in terms of scope and requirements; and
- whether the applicant’s studies correspond to those required in Finland for a position as a social worker in terms of scope, content and requirements.

Where necessary, the Finnish National Board of Education will request an opinion from a Finnish university faculty providing training in social work to support its decision-making process.
 
As a general rule, decisions require applicants to complete supplementary studies. The applicant is expected to contact a Finnish higher education institution in order to complete the supplementary studies. A favourable decision cannot be granted if the total amount of supplementary studies required exceeds 60 credits.