The financial sector offers several professional certifications and qualifications of its own. These are not included under the official education framework and core curricula enacted by the Finnish National Board of Education. 

Diploma in Insurance (VTS) 

The Diploma in Insurance (VTS, vakuutustutkinto) is a Finnish-language insurance qualification designed to provide a general overview of the insurance business and different types of insurance. It offers a thorough introduction to the principles of insurance, insurance law, the economic relevance of insurance, insurance services marketing, and the principles and types of social insurance. The VTS qualification is examination-based: participants study the materials independently and take the examinations online at their own pace. The qualification is intended for everyone looking to work or already working in the insurance sector and wanting to brush up on their skills.  

Read more about the VTS qualification in Finnish 

Advanced Diploma in Insurance (YVTS) 

The Advanced Diploma in Insurance (YVTS, ylempi vakuutustutkinto) is an advanced Finnish-language insurance qualification that combines in-depth insurance expertise with personal professional development. It is designed to be completed alongside work through a blended learning format. It is primarily intended for insurance professionals in expert roles who need a comprehensive understanding of the insurance industry in their work and wish to deepen their expertise.  

Read more about the YVTS qualification in Finnish 

Investment qualifications APV1 and APV2 

The APV investment qualifications include the General Securities Qualification (APV1) and the Investment Adviser Qualification (APV2). The MiFID II Directive on markets in financial instruments that took effect in January 2018 sets various requirements for the competence of investment advisers and people selling financial instruments. In Finland, their competence is ensured through the APV investment qualifications, which can be taken in Finnish or Swedish.  

The Finnish financial sector’s representative Finance Finland recommends that all persons who work in investment services complete the General Securities Qualification (APV 1). The APV1 is aimed especially at persons working in customer service roles.  

The Investment Adviser Qualification (APV2) is the more advanced of the two qualifications. It is aimed at people working in specialist, managerial or supervisory roles in investments services.  

Read more about the APV qualifications 

Financial analyst certifications CEFA and CESGA  

The Certified European Financial Analyst (CEFA) programme provides high-level training for investment and finance professionals leading to the highly respected CEFA qualification. The programme helps professionals develop, deepen and sharpen their analytical expertise. The key topics in the one-year programme include valuation, financial statement analysis, corporate finance, macroeconomics and portfolio management. 

Read more about the CEFA qualification 

The Certified ESG Analyst (CESGA) programme and qualification deepen financial and investment professionals’ understanding of the impact of environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors on the financial markets. The CESGA programme provides investment professionals with the skills to effectively value, measure and integrate ESG considerations into investment analysis and decision-making. The programme is intended for financial and investment professionals. 

Read more about the CESGA qualification (scroll down for the English version)