Finland’s internationally unique exam system gains popularity
The popularity of the EXAM system has surged in recent years. It offers university students in Finland flexible options to choose their exam times and locations, significantly improving their daily lives. EXAM is internationally unique and has brought many benefits to both students and Finnish higher education institutions.
The use of the electronic EXAM system is increasing: In 2024, students completed over 350,000 exams using the system. Nearly 34,000 exam visits (exams taken at institutions other than the student’s home university) were made in 2024. Since 2016, the number of exams taken through EXAM has increased by an average of 44% per year, while the number of exam visits has grown by 106% annually since their introduction in 2019.
Currently, 28 Finnish higher education institutions use the EXAM system, covering 88% of the country’s higher education students. CSC maintains and develops the system in collaboration with universities and universities of applied sciences. The system originated in 2014 when ten higher education institutions decided to create a new digital exam solution to meet the requirements of modern study environments, with CSC providing development support.
Choosing the exam date and location allows for greater flexibility for students
The EXAM system has significantly improved students’ daily lives and learning experiences. Students can choose when and where they take exams, which helps with time management and reduces exam-related stress.
“Student feedback has been very positive. Flexibility is seen as a real benefit,” says Topi Litmanen, Development Manager at CSC.
Student feedback has been very positive. Flexibility is seen as a real benefit.
Topi Litmanen, CSC
EXAM also enables students to take exams at institutions other than their home university, making it particularly useful for those who live far away.
“Exam visits between institutions are one of the system’s greatest achievements. For adults learners, for example, the ability to choose the exam time and location can be invaluable, supporting lifelong learning,” continues Litmanen.
Supervised exam ensures integrity and security
Electronic exams have accelerated the assessment of exams, reducing teachers’ workload and making it smoother for students to progress in their studies, according to feedback from higher education institutions. The use of computers for exams makes it easier for students requiring special arrangements to participate.
Exam classes have real-time and recording camera surveillance to ensure fairness and security.
“Generative AI has challenged competence assessment extensively. Given the need for both academic integrity and flexibility, taking an exam in a supervised EXAM room is an optimal solution for the current era,” says Litmanen.
Exam visits unique on a global scale
Exam visits between higher education institutions are unique internationally.
“We haven’t identified any similar system elsewhere in the world,” says Litmanen.
“In most other countries, electronic exams rely on commercial platforms that may not be customizable to national needs.”
The significant improvements brought by the EXAM system to the daily lives of students and advancing digitalisation in education demonstrate the strength of innovation and collaboration between Finnish higher education institutions. Joint development has also proven to be a highly cost-effective way to implement the system, Litmanen concludes.
Topi Litmanen
Topi Litmanen is responsible for educational technology services.