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The application process

The table below provides a concise overview of all stages of the 2026 application process. The rescuer qualification application is multi-stage.

• 1. Check your Eligibility on the Admission Criteria

  If the applicant’s language of schooling is a language other than Finnish or Swedish, they must submit, together with their attachments, a certificate of the National Certificate of Language Proficiency (YKI) in Finnish. For admission to the rescuer qualification, the Finnish language test must show at least intermediate-level results (proficiency level 3–4 in all parts of the test).

  Eligibility and Selection Requirements (in Finnish)
• 2. Schedule a Physical Fitness Test

  Applicants must first complete a physical fitness test (medical examination and muscle strength test) before the application period ends on March 6, 2026. Appointment scheduling is now open.

  
  You can book an appointment at a test location and time that is convenient for you.

• 3. Application Period: February 2 – March 6, 2026

  Submit the online application form and attach the required documents.

• 4. Entrance Exam

  1. Physical Suitability

  Cooper, swimming, and phobia tests: March 16–18, March 20, and March 25, 2026.

  
  The test day will be notified to the applicant after the application period ends (March 6, 2026).
  

  Applicants cannot book a test time themselves.
  

  Cooper running test: Olympic Stadium, Paavo Nurmi Road 1, 00250 Helsinki
  

  Swimming and phobia tests: Helsinki Central Rescue Station, Agricolankatu 15 A, 00530 Helsinki

  
  2. Psychological Suitability

  Individual tasks, group tasks, and an interview will be conducted remotely from March 30 to April 17, 2026.

• 5. Book an Appointment and Participate in the Aptitude Assessment

  Instructions for booking the appointment will be provided later.

  5.1. Individual Assesment

  Task will be conducted remotely on a computer, with an estimated duration of approximately 2.5 hours.

  5.2. Interviews and Group Assesments

  The dates for the assessments will be announced later. Place: Helsinki Rescue School (Tyynenmerenkatu 1, 00220, Helsinki).

• 8. Notification of Conditional Student Admission

  Conditional student admission will be announced at the turn of April–May.

• 7. Provide Consent for a Security Clearance

  Instructions will be sent separately.

• 8. Receive Information About Final Student Selection

  The final selection results will be announced as soon as the security clearances are completed.