If you are an EU or EEA citizen and have qualified as a crew member, a sub-officer or a fire officer within fire and rescue services in another EU or EEA country, you may apply to the Finnish National Board of Education for a decision on eligibility to work in a corresponding post or position within fire and rescue services in Finland. The decision will be issued by virtue of the Act on the Recognition of Professional Qualifications.

The Finnish National Board of Education may issue a decision to a person who is fully qualified for a corresponding fire and rescue services position in another Member Country. The content of studies and professional activities is also examined when processing the application. The applicant’s professional experience may be taken into account when making the decision.

The decision may require you to complete an adaptation period or an aptitude test as a compensation measure if your training or the content of professional activities in the country of origin differ substantially from the training qualifying for a corresponding position or from the content of professional activities in Finland. Where necessary, the Finnish National Board of Education will request the Emergency Services College to issue an opinion on the compensation measure that you will be required to complete.

You are free to choose whether to complete an adaptation period or an aptitude test. The aptitude test may be completed in Finnish or Swedish.

During an adaptation period, you are expected to work in the position mentioned within the decision under guidance and supervision. In practical terms, you are required to work for a fixed term in those fire and rescue services assignments for which the conditional decision on eligibility was issued. Once you have completed the adaptation period, you should apply for the final decision regarding your eligibility from the Finnish National Board of Education.

In an aptitude test, you are expected to demonstrate your command of knowledge and skills required in the profession in Finland. In addition, the Finnish National Board of Education decision determines the content of and the methods of completing the aptitude test. The aptitude test will be taken at the Emergency Services College. Once you have completed the aptitude test, you should apply for the final decision regarding your eligibility from the Finnish National Board of Education.