The upper secondary school diploma is intended to meet the emphasis that students should enjoy compulsory education until the age of 18 and that upper secondary schools offer education that suits the needs of each individual. It is also intended to meet the needs of students who do not plan on completing their studies in any other way. Thus, a school can either link the upper secondary school diploma to the completion of a defined study programme or link it to other participation of the student in the school that is tailored to his or her individual needs. However, the final objectives of the study should in all cases be clear.

Upper secondary school qualifications can be defined as either the first or second level of proficiency, depending on the requirements for the knowledge, skills and abilities of the students. The subject of the study can be classified as vocational, artistic or academic, but it works towards the goals that characterize the level of proficiency of the study.

The scope of studies leading to an upper secondary school diploma depends on the final objectives of the study but should always be between 90-120 credits. If there is a desire for a study program intended for students with intellectual disabilities to conclude with an upper secondary school diploma, the same rules regarding scope apply.

The upper secondary school examination concludes with the issuance of a diploma that states the level of proficiency at the end of the course, a statement of the student’s general knowledge, skills and abilities, a list of courses, grades as applicable, and a record of the student’s other participation in subjects related to the upper secondary school examination.

Professional qualifications are defined as the completion of a program of study that grants a certified professional qualification or qualifies students to take a journeyman’s examination in a certified trade. This completion can be defined as a level two, three or four qualification.

The qualification criteria for vocational education programmes shall take into account the Ministry’s requirements for key competences and the qualification requirements for jobs defined by the occupational council for the relevant occupational group or profession. In addition, certain rules apply to the structure of study programmes.

The scope of study varies depending on the qualification level to which the course is completed. Examinations for professional qualifications with a completion of a qualification level two are generally 90-120 credits, completion of a qualification level three is generally 150-240 credits, and completion of a qualification level four is generally 30-120 credits.

Examinations for professional qualifications are concluded with the issuance of a diploma from upper secondary school and a letter of permission from the Ministry of Education. The diploma from upper secondary school shall, among other things, state the qualification level at the end of the course, a summary of the courses, workplace learning, on-the-job training and grades.

The matriculation examination aims to prepare students for university studies in Iceland and abroad. The duration of the matriculation examination may vary between study programmes and schools, but the student’s contribution must never be less than 200 fin. In all cases, the end of the course is defined at level three. The content of the matriculation examination depends on the final objectives of the study programme but also depends on what kind of preparation the relevant study programme provides for university studies. The basis of the study can therefore include academic studies, art studies or vocational training.

The qualification criteria for matriculation programmes shall take into account the requirements of the Ministry and the qualification requirements of the academic fields at the university level. Special rules apply to studies leading to the matriculation examination, in addition to provisions on the minimum number of credits. These relate to the qualification requirements in core subjects and other subjects, in addition to the rules that generally apply to the content and structure of study programmes leading to the third qualification level.

The matriculation examination concludes with the issuance of a diploma stating the field of specialization of the examination, the proficiency level at the end of the course, a list of courses and grades.

The matriculation examination does not automatically guarantee access to all university-level studies. Individual universities or university departments may set various special requirements that students must also meet, and in some cases students may be required to take an entrance examination. It is important that students who are aiming to enter a specific university-level study programme obtain information about the requirements that the relevant school makes for preparation. It is also important that schools communicate information to students through academic and career counselling.

Completion of study programmes that do not end with a matriculation examination, a professional qualification examination or an upper secondary school diploma is classified as other final examinations. This includes a wide range of study programmes that are either defined at qualification levels one, two or three. The qualification criteria of the study programmes indicate a specialization that may fall under vocational training, arts studies, literature studies or general studies. The qualification criteria shall take into account the requirements of the ministry, the qualification requirements of jobs or fields of study at the university level, as appropriate. If the qualification criteria of study programmes are not aimed at preparing students for defined jobs or continuing studies at the university level, a school may seek guidance from the ministry on qualification requirements.

The scope of other final exams varies depending on the level of competence to which the completion of the course is related. Other final exams with a completion of the first level of competence are usually 30-120 credits, completion of the second level of competence is usually 60-120 credits, completion of the third level of competence is usually 150-240 credits and completion of the fourth level of competence is usually 30-120 credits. The scope of study programs for students with intellectual disabilities can be up to 240 credits despite being defined as other final exams at the first level of competence.

Additional upper secondary education includes completion of study programmes offered by upper secondary schools as a continuation of defined completion of studies at the third qualification level. Additional upper secondary education is defined at the upper secondary school level and the study shall be defined in upper secondary school credits.

Icelandic and foreign universities may decide to evaluate additional upper secondary school studies for ECTS credits, and this may be stated in the information about the study. However, the number of credits is entirely at the discretion of each university.

The content of the additional education varies depending on the final objectives. It focuses on increased professional specialization, management and development in the workplace. If the education includes a legally recognized professional qualification, such as a master’s degree, upper secondary schools must follow the qualification requirements set by the ministry in cooperation with the professional council.