taitotasot

Taitotasot is a Finnish term meaning “skill levels” or “proficiency levels.” The word combines taito (skill) and taso (level) and is widely used in Finland to describe the level of competence a person has in a given task, field, or activity. Taitotasot are not a single, standardized scale; instead, different organizations and fields define their own level descriptions and criteria. The general idea is to provide a framework for instruction, assessment, and progression by specifying expected performances at each level.

In education and training, taitotasot help teachers and trainers gauge a learner’s current ability and plan next steps. In vocational education and training (VET) and in professional qualifications, they are often expressed as a progression from basic to advanced competence, with specific criteria, performance indicators, and evidence required for each level. In sports, arts, and hobbies, taitotasot are commonly used to label tasks or achievements (for example, basic, intermediate, and advanced levels), guiding practice goals and evaluation.

Because there is no universal standard, translations into other frameworks (such as language proficiency scales or the international CEFR) are approximate and context-dependent. Some organizations align their taitotaso descriptions with external standards, while others maintain bespoke rubrics tailored to their activities and assessment practices. Proponents argue that taitotasot make learning objectives explicit and support transparent assessment; critics note potential confusion when different bodies use different criteria or naming conventions.

See also: competency framework, proficiency level, assessment rubric.