Digital Test Environment

The Matriculation Examination is organised digitally. The first digital tests were held in the autumn of 2016 in geography, philosophy and German language. The last test to become digital were the mathematics test in spring 2019. From then on paper tests have no longer been organised.

Reguirements

The digital Matriculation Examination initiative began in 2013 with the establishment of key requirements for the test environment. These requirements included:

  1. Examiantion candidates work during tests using a computer that offers the same diverse set of software to everyone 
  1. Tests are taken on the candidate's own computer, without the need for any permanent modifications (e.g., software installations) 
  1. Requirements for the devices used in the test are so low that they are easy to acquire and available throughout Finland 
  1. During the test, candidate's access to the computer's functions can be restricted. 
  1. Candidate's computer usage can be technically monitored during the test 
  1. The exam system can handle exceptional situations (e.g., computer or network failure, power outage) with the help of the test supervisors without requiring them to have special technical expertise 
  1. Candidate's test answers cannot be lost under any circumstances 

Abitti

The Matriculation Examination Board introduced the initial version of the digital test environment, known as Abitti, in early 2015. The first digital matriculation examinations were conducted in the autumn of 2016, covering geography, philosophy, and the German language. By spring 2019, all remaining subjects, including mathematics, had transitioned to the digital format.

During the test, candidates boot their computers using a custom Linux operating system from a USB drive. This secure and isolated environment limits access to local files and the internet, allowing only pre-installed software and materials. To reduce the risk of technical issues, candidates' answers are stored on local servers and remain disconnected from the internet until they are uploaded to a secure assessment web service after the test, ensuring a reliable and secure process.

The digital examination allows for the integration of diverse materials, including images, videos, and audio, into test items. Candidates are not confined to a simple form that only captures their answers. Instead, their laptops provide access to a range of applications commonly used in teaching and learning such as scientific calculators and paint programs. For example, a test item might include spreadsheet data that candidates must analyse using statistical tools, which can then be incorporated into their responses.

Abitti is freely available for schools and candidates, accompanied by a web service for creating and marking tests. Continuous development and frequent updates ensure that the Abitti system evolves to meet emerging needs and challenges.

Future development

In 2024, the Matriculation Examination Board initiated the development of Abitti 2, a browser-based test environment designed to succeed Abitti 1. The transition to Abitti 2 is planned for autumn 2026.