Esikoe

Esikoe is a Finnish term referring to a preliminary examination or screening test used during selection processes for education or recruitment. The prefix esi- means “pre” and koke means “test,” signaling that the test is conducted before the main assessment stage.

In higher education and vocational admissions in Finland, esikoe serves to filter a large pool of applicants and determine who proceeds to the next phase, such as a formal entrance exam, interview, or portfolio review. The exact form of an esikoe varies by institution and field; it may be a short written test, an online questionnaire, a practical task, a portfolio evaluation, or another structured activity. It is not a degree or a standalone qualification, but a gating step that assesses basic eligibility, aptitude, or readiness for the program.

In recruitment contexts, the term esikoe is also used to describe pre-screening activities that help employers narrow down applicants before inviting them to interviews or more extensive assessments. These screenings aim to identify candidates who meet essential requirements or demonstrate suitable potential.

Overall, esikoe functions as an initial screening mechanism in Finland’s education and labor markets, streamlining the selection process by reducing the number of candidates who advance to more comprehensive evaluations. Related concepts include valintakoe (the main selection test) and portfolio-based assessments.