Apply
The next application period for the Rescuer qualification is from 11 January to 12 February 2027, for studies beginning in August 2027. The physical fitness test can be completed throughout the year, and the test result is valid for 12 months.
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.
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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). -
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 February 7, 2027.
The physical fitness test can be completed throughout the year, and the test result is valid for 12 months.
You can book an appointment at a test location and time that is convenient for you. -
3. Application period: 11 January – 12 February 2027, until 4:15 p.m.
The application form is available during the application period. Further information is available on the Finnish- and Swedish-language pages.
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4. Entrance Exam
1. Physical Suitability
Cooper, swimming, and phobia tests: The dates will be announced later.
Applicants cannot book a test time themselves.
2. Psychological SuitabilityIndividual tasks, group tasks, and an interview: The dates will be announced later.
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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.
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8. Notification of Conditional Student Admission
The dates will be announced later.
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7. Provide Consent for a Security Clearance
Instructions will be sent separately.
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8. Receive Information About Final Student Selection
The final selection results will be announced as soon as the security clearances are completed.
Entrance Exam
The entrance exam consists of two different parts. All applicants who have successfully completed the physical fitness tests (muscle strength and medical examination), meet the formal admission requirements, and have submitted the online application form along with the required attachments will be invited to the first stage of the entrance exam.
The applicant undertakes the entrance exam voluntarily and at their own responsibility. Applicants must successfully complete all tests and their subcomponents to be admitted to the training program.
All tests and their subcomponents are eliminatory.
Entrance Exam Stages
1. Physical Suitability
Conducted on: The dates will be announced later.
- Cooper 12-minute running test (0–3 points)
- Swimming test (pass/fail)
- Phobia test (pass/fail)
Test Locations:
- Cooper running test: Olympic Stadium, Paavo Nurmen tie 1, 00250 Helsinki
- Swimming and phobia tests: Helsinki Central Rescue Station, Agricolankatu 15 A, 00530 Helsinki
Tests are completed in one day. Applicants who pass the Cooper test will receive a time slot for the swimming and phobia tests on the same day.
1A. Cooper Running Test (12 min)
Scoring: 0–3 points
| Subtest | Minimum Requirement | +1.5 Points | +3 Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cooper 12-minute running test | 2800 m | 2950 m or more | 3100 m or more |
1B. Swimming Test and Object Retrieval
Scoring: pass/fail (no additional points)
- Requirement: 200 meters in 4 minutes 45 seconds
- Goggles and nose clip allowed
- Backstroke prohibited
- Start from the water; pushing off the pool edge allowed
- Continuous swimming required; resting at the wall or ropes prohibited
- Retrieve an object from approximately 2 meters depth
- Use of fins, mask, or other equipment prohibited.
1C. Phobia Tests
Scoring: pass/fail (no additional points)
- Fear of heights and confined spaces
2. Psychological Suitability
Applicants who pass the physical suitability stage advance to the psychological suitability stage.
- The dates will be announced later.
- Includes individual tasks, group tasks, and an interview
- Requires a computer with a working camera, microphone, and internet connection
Muscle Strength Test Scoring
Muscular endurance is measured with repetition tests targeting the abdominal muscles, upper body muscles, and leg muscles. Each test is scored from 0 to 3 points. Total points are rounded down to the nearest 0.25 points.
To pass, the applicant must meet the minimum requirements for all subtests. Each subtest is eliminatory, meaning only a successfully completed subtest allows progression to the next stage.
| Subtest | Minimum Requirement | +0.375 Points | +0.750 Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bench Press 45 kg / 60 s | 25 reps | 30 reps | 38 reps |
| Sit-ups / 60 s | 34 reps | 43 reps | 48 reps |
| Pull-ups (overhand grip) | 6 reps | 10 reps | 14 reps |
| Squats 45 kg / 60 s | 23 reps | 30 reps | 34 reps |