The information on this page applies to those who are applying for validation of professional studies.

Validation means the recognition of previously acquired competences

Validation involves recognising competences you have acquired previously in relation to the degree you are currently pursuing. Instead of participating in tuition, you submit any relevant certificates and demonstrate your knowledge through assignments, an exam, a presentation, or similar.

Can I apply for validation?

You can apply for validation of competences you have acquired either formally or informally before or during your studies through:

  • work experience
  • active involvement in association or organisational activities
  • individual course certificates/diplomas not completed at a higher education institution
  • competence based on several different courses
  • competence acquired in other ways
  • thesis or practical training completed within a previous education

If you are applying for validation of several course units, you must first create an individual study plan together with the study counsellor of your degree programme.

Before applying

Before submitting your application, make sure of the following:

  • Read through your study plan carefully and identify the course unit(s) or study module(s) that correspond to the competence you wish to validate.
  • Review the learning outcomes and compare them to your existing competence. How well do they match?

As a student, you are responsible for demonstrating the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that correspond to the course unit or study module you wish to validate. You should be prepared to answer the following:

  • How did you acquire the competence?
  • In what contexts have you used this competence?
  • How has this competence shaped your professional approach?
  • How does this competence support your ongoing professional development?

Gather all background information and documentation to prove your competence. Prepare the attachments you wish to include in your application (read more about attachments here).

Make sure your personal details in Sisu are up to date. You can update them here .

The link to the application form can be found on this page.

How to fill in the application – practical instructions

To clarify the application process, we have created a step-by-step guide matching the structure of the form.

The application is available on this page.

Having problems with your application? Check the FAQ!

Step by step

1. Personal details

2.  I request the validation of the following:

  • choose the correct alternative for your situation
  • Describe the course unit or study module at Arcada you wish to have registered based on your previously acquired competence.
  • If you are applying for validation of several course units and have an individual study plan you can upload it under "Individual study plan" (see next step).

You must include:

  • Course unit/module code
  • Course unit/module name
  • Examiner (teacher)

3. Individual study plan

4. Learning outcomes of the course unit/module

Copy and paste the learning outcomes from the relevant course unit or study module at Arcada (found in Sisu under course/module descriptions ).

5. How was the competence acquired?

Choose how you obtained the competence you wish to have validated. You can choose from:

  • Thesis
  • Work experience
  • Competence acquired through a course/training
  • Active involvement in association or organisational activities
  • Competence acquired in another way

6. Describe how the competence was obtained

Depending on your previous selection, appropriate fields will appear in the form. Complete these carefully. Upload all necessary attachments. (Read more about attachments on this page.)

7. Previously acquired skills

Be thorough when completing this section. Reflect on the following questions:

  • How did you acquire the competence and in which contexts have you used it?
  • Compare how your competence matches the course unit/module’s learning outcomes in Sisu.
  • How does this competence support your professional development and approach?

Provide details of the time and duration. Upload all required attachments.

8. Comments

If you have additional comments, write them here.

9. Submit the application!

 

What happens after you’ve submitted the application?

Be prepared to demonstrate your competence orally, in writing or through practical demonstration if needed.

You will receive a decision on your application approximately three weeks after submitting a complete application. If anything is missing, we will contact you and request additional documents. During August and September, the processing time may be longer due to the volume of applications.

The accreditation process works as follows:

  1. Once submitted, Student affairs checks that the application is complete. We’ll contact you if anything needs to be added.
  2. Decision: The examiner and/or degree programme director evaluates the application.
  3. Student affairs processes the application and the decision will be sent to you via email.
    • If the accreditation is approved as such, it will be registered in Sisu.
    • If it is partially approved, you will receive instructions for how to supplement the application.
    • If the application is rejected, you will be given a justification of the decision.
  4. Archiving of the application and decision by student affairs.

If you have questions, check the FAQ. If you still need help, you’re welcome to contact the study coordinators at Student affairs – E-mail:studentaffairs@arcada.fi.