How Work and Study Certificates Influence Career Opportunities in Finland
- Oct 3
- 3 min read
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Entering the Finnish job market is currently difficult for non-Finnish speakers, as the country has the second highest unemployment rate in Europe, standing at 9.2% as of March 2025. Despite this, there are shortages of skilled labor in specific sectors, particularly in healthcare, education, and services, depending on the season and location. Various certifications and documents are vital for improving employability in different fields. Here’s how each of these can impact job opportunities:
Hygienepass (Hygieniapassi)
The hygiene pass is crucial for individuals in the food service and healthcare sectors. It reflects an understanding of food safety and hygiene practices, enhancing a candidate's appeal to employers in these fields. Employees must be well-versed in safe and hygienic food handling. Anyone working in food establishments and managing unpackaged perishable food items must have a hygiene passport.
A dispensing pass (Anniskelupassi)
A drinking pass is required for anyone acting as the responsible supervisor or their substitute at a venue that sells alcohol. To acquire this pass, individuals must successfully complete an approved drinking pass test, which evaluates knowledge of the Alcohol Act and related supervisory regulations. This license is essential for those serving alcoholic drinks. Possessing an anniskelupassi can lead to job opportunities in bars, restaurants, and events where alcohol service is integral.
A criminal record extract ( Rikostaustaote)
In Finland, a criminal record extract is mainly needed when someone begins working with minors, the elderly, or individuals with disabilities. This requirement applies to employment, educational programs, or volunteer roles that inherently and regularly involve interacting with these groups. The extract is acquired from the Legal Registry Center and must be shown to the requesting entity, like an employer or educational institution. Employers frequently ask for a criminal record extract to evaluate the reliability and trustworthiness of candidates, especially for sensitive roles in childcare, healthcare, and security. Having a clean record can enhance job prospects.
Financial Record Extract
This document may be required for positions in finance, banking, or roles involving financial responsibility. A positive financial record can instill confidence in employers regarding a candidate's integrity and reliability.
The first aid card certificate (Ensiapukortti)
The first aid card certificate is necessary when you want to demonstrate your first aid qualification, for example at work or in your free time, or when your employer requires it to ensure first aid readiness in accordance with the Occupational Safety and Health Act. A certificate may also be needed when you want to ensure your own operational reliability and knowledge in case of emergency situations. The certificate is usually valid for three years and it must be renewed by completing refresher training.
Driver's professional qualification certificate ( Kuljettajan ammattipätevyys)
A professional qualification certificate I (basic level) is necessary for professional goods transport when operating trucks (category C or C1) and for passenger transport when driving buses (category D or D1). This requirement also extends to drivers of transport tractors if operating the vehicle necessitates a truck license and involves commercial activities. Proof of professional qualification is provided through a separate card or a notation on the driver's license.
B driver's license ( Henkilöauton ajokortti B)
The B driver's license is beneficial and frequently essential for numerous jobs, such as sales, health and social care (including nurses and care assistants), security, courier services, and construction and civil engineering. Holding a driver's license enables you to operate cars and other light vehicles, making it valuable for tasks that involve traveling to customers, destinations, or for deliveries.
In summary, possessing these certifications and records not only enhances an individual's qualifications but also increases their competitiveness in the Finnish job market.
