Examination and validation

An examination is an assessment where you can demonstrate your knowledge and skills in a particular subject or course. The purpose of the examination is to obtain a grade in a subject or course that you have not taken. Another possible purpose is to improve your grade.

The examination usually consists of both written and oral tests. However, it may also consist of other forms of assessment, depending on the subject.

You take the examination without participating in any teaching. You can do this to obtain a grade in a course of subject level that you have not study or to improve a grade you already have.

When you undergo an examination, you need to prepare on your own and take responsibility for learning what is required.

Examination within municipal adult education

An examination tests your knowledge of what you would have learned if you had completed the entire course or subject level.

If you are a resident of Sweden, you can take an examination within municipal adult education (Komvux). You can take an examination in any course or subject level that is graded. You can also have a Komvux diploma project assessed.

You can take an examination to obtain a grade in a course or subject level for which you do not already have a grade, provided that you have knowledge equivalent to what is taught in the course or subject level.

You can also take an examination if you want to try to improve a grade you have already received in

• a course
• a subject level
• a Komvux diploma project

You may only take the examination at a municipality that offers the course of subject level you want a grade in.

Contact your municipality if you want to take an examination.

Examination for grade, skolverket.se (in swedish)

How much does it cost to take an examination through Komvux?

The school is allowed to charge a fee for your examination. The fee may not exceed SEK 500. The school is only allowed to charge a fee if you previously received a passing grade in the course or subject level you want to take the examination in.

Examination after validation

The school is not allowed to charge a fee if you, as a pupil, take an examination after you have undergone validation in a course of subject level.

Examination in Komvux for pupils in upper secondary school and in upper secondary school for pupils with intellectual disabilities

Are attending upper secondary school or upper secondary school for pupils with intellectual disabilities and have not received a passing grade in a specific course or subject level? If so, you have the option of taking an examination for that course or subject level through Komvux.

However, if you received a grade of at least E in a course or subject level, you are not allowed to take an examination for that course or subject level through Komvux.

How does an examination work?

The examination may include

• written and oral tests
• assignments
• laboratory work
• practical presentations
• group assignments.

You complete these elements individually or together with others who are taking the examination, or with pupils who are studying the relevant course or subject level through Komvux. The municipality decides how your examination will be conducted.

The schools themselves decide when it is possible to take an examination. You cannot demand to take the examination at a specific time. You need to register beforehand. You may have to pay a fee to take the examination.

Validation – have your knowledge and skills assessed

Do you have knowledge and skills from working life or some other activity, but lack formal proof? If so, validation may be a good choice for you. Validation means that you knowledge and skills are made visible, assessed and recognised so that you can shorten the duration of your studies or get a job.

Validation through Komvux

Contact your municipality if you want to have your knowledge and skills validation through Komvux.

Validation at a college or university

You can apply for validation through a college or university if you

• have knowledge and skills from previous studies, working life or the like and you want to use these to gain admission to a programme
• want to receive credit for parts of a programme

Contact the college or university you wish to attend if you want them to perform a validation for you.

Validation through a school offering higher vocational education

You can apply for validation through a school offering higher vocational education if you

• have knowledge and skills from previous studies, working life or the like and you want to use these to gain admission to a programme
• want to receive credit for parts of a programme

Contact the school you wish to attend if you want them to perform a validation for you.

Validation to get a job

Are you a jobseeker but do not have certificates or grades to confirm your abilities? If so, you can request a validation to have your vocational skills assessed. The Swedish Public Employment Service can help you to get your skills validated. Contact your employment officer if you want a validation performed to help you get a job.

Validation, Swedish Public Employment Service website (in Swedish)