Scoring below the level you need on one YKI subtest is frustrating, but not a disaster. You have two routes: ask for your result to be reassessed, or retake. Let's look at when to choose which, whether you can re-sit just one subtest, and what it costs.
The panic-remover first: each of the four subtests is graded separately. You may already have passed 3 of 4 and only need to top up one. And at intermediate level (keskitaso) there are special test days where you can register for only certain subtests — so you can re-sit exactly the part that went wrong.
First, understand your result
Your certificate shows a grade for each subtest (listening, speaking, reading, writing) on a 1–6 scale. For citizenship you need grade 3 in speaking and writing — the other subtests don't affect the passport. So first see exactly what fell short. How to read the result and when it arrives is covered in YKI results.
Option 1. Reassessment (oikaisu)
If you fell just short, you can request a reassessment — your answers are evaluated again by different assessors. Key conditions:
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Fee | €108 per subtest |
| Deadline | 30 days from the notification that your certificate is ready |
| Who reassesses | Different assessors from the first time |
| Processing time | About 3 months |
| Decision | Final — may not be appealed |
| Refund | The fee is refunded if the grade changes |
There's also an intermediate step: within 14 days you can request information on how the assessment criteria were applied — and then decide whether to ask for a reassessment. Oikaisu makes sense when you were right on the borderline; if you're well below the level you need, it's more honest to prepare for a retake.
Option 2. Retaking
A retake is a new registration for the exam. The important detail: for Finnish keskitaso there are special days where you can register for only certain subtests (for example speaking + reading, or writing + listening). That means you don't have to sit the whole exam again — you can re-sit just the subtest you failed. On ordinary days you take the full exam.
- Register as for a new exam in the yki.opintopolku.fi portal. Step by step in How to register for YKI.
- You pay as for a new exam (whole exam €165–216; registering for only some subtests has separate per-subtest fees).
- From 1 Jan 2026 registration is binding: you can no longer reschedule the date or change the subtests, so choose the date and parts carefully.
- Upcoming dates are in YKI test dates.
How many times can you retake it
There's no official hard limit on the number of attempts — but each retake is a separate registration and a separate fee, and the result takes about 2 months. The good news: the certificate never expires, so subtests you've already passed don't go away. Always verify the exact conditions and any exceptions on oph.fi.
How to prepare for the retake
Don't spread yourself across the whole exam — aim straight at the subtest you failed. We have a deep dive for each: writing, reading and listening. For overall level strategy, see the intermediate YKI explained.
Frequently asked questions
Can you retake just one YKI subtest?
Sometimes. For Finnish keskitaso there are special days where you can register for only certain subtests, so you re-sit exactly the one you failed. On ordinary days you take the full exam.
What is oikaisu and how much does it cost?
It's a reassessment of your answers by different assessors. It costs €108 per subtest, must be requested within 30 days of the certificate-ready notification, and takes about 3 months. The decision is final; the fee is refunded if the grade changes.
How many times can you retake YKI?
There's no official limit, but each attempt is a new registration and fee. The certificate never expires, so subtests you've already passed are kept.
Should I choose reassessment or a retake?
If you fell just short, requesting a reassessment (oikaisu) is smarter. If you're well below the level you need, prepare and retake the failed subtest.
Do already-passed subtests expire when you retake?
No. The YKI certificate never expires and subtests are graded separately, so the ones you passed stay with you.