perustutkintoa

Perustutkinto is a basic qualification within Finland’s vocational education and training (VET) system. It is the primary formal credential awarded to students who complete a vocational education program and is designed to equip graduates with professional competences for specific trades and services. The term is most commonly used as ammatillinen perustutkinto, reflecting its status as the foundational vocational qualification.

Structure and duration: A typical perustutkinto consists of around 180 credits (ECTS) and generally takes about three years of full-time study. Some programs may be 210 credits and longer in duration. The studies combine theoretical instruction with practical training, and a substantial portion is spent in work-based learning, often organized as on-the-job periods, apprenticeships, or work placements. The curriculum usually includes core vocational studies, general education components (such as language and mathematics), and guidance on working life and safety.

Certification and pathways: Upon successful completion, the student earns the ammatillinen perustutkinto certificate, a nationally recognized qualification. This credential enables employment in the chosen field and provides a pathway to further studies, including higher education at universities of applied sciences (AMK) or, in some cases, universities, typically through bridging studies or additional qualifications. The perustutkinto is designed to offer both immediate employment opportunities and progression possibilities within the Finnish tertiary education system.

Usage: The term can refer to the foundational vocational qualification across various fields and is distinct from academic university degrees. It functions as a practical entry point into the labor market while maintaining a route to advanced vocational qualifications and higher education.