National testing system as a tool of the country 's language policy (as exemplified by the ‘Yleinen kielitutkinto’ Finnish system)

The experience of Finland in the creation and development of a national system of language testing is examined. The reasons for the of this system, due to unique history of this country and successes in the methodology of knowledge control, are disclosed. The relationship between language testing and language planning is shown. Attention is focused on the importance of language planning in the development of national culture and enhancing the country's prestige in the international on a global scale.