Taitaja rules were revised in 2026 – what changed?

Taitaja2026. Photo: Inka Tikka / Keuda.

The most significant changes concern competition documentation, assessment practices, the selection of the Best of Taitaja, and competition categories.

Taitaja-competition rules (in finnish) 

Greater clarity for competition planning

The 2026 rules introduced entirely new appendices that define the structure of competition documentation more clearly than before. The rules now include:

• Competition Categories (Appendix 1)
• Skill Description and Competition Tasks (Appendix 2)

In the 2024 rules, the content of the technical description was defined in detail within the rule text itself, but there was no separate document structure. The 2026 model is based on clearly separated documents, creating a more standardized approach across all skills competitions.

Competition categories were updated

The category structure was simplified in the 2026 rules. Skills are now defined more precisely in Appendix 2, and the following principles were established:

• Two annually organized Taitaja skills competitions must be open to participants without age restrictions.
• The host organization must select at least five Regional Taitaja skills competitions.
• The host organization must select at least three TaitajaPLUS skills competitions.

Competence Levels of Competition Tasks Were Clarified

The 2026 rules specify that competition tasks in Taitaja skills competitions must be based on the Excellent (K5) level of the national qualification requirements and enable competitors to demonstrate their competence through their competition performance.

For TaitajaPLUS skills competitions, the required competence level was defined as at least Good (H3).

This change emphasizes accessibility while allowing competitors to demonstrate a broader range of vocational skills.

The technical description was redesigned

Under the 2024 rules, technical descriptions contained highly detailed information about competition tasks, schedules, assessment methods, and materials.

According to the 2026 rules, the technical description now serves as a permanent core document focusing on:

• Competence requirements
• Qualification requirements
• Sustainable development
• Entrepreneurship
• Occupational safety and wellbeing at work

The technical description is updated whenever qualification requirements are revised.

Competition-specific information has been moved into separate semifinal and final competition descriptions, making documentation more logical and easier to maintain.

The roles of skill competition leads and steering groups were clarified

The 2026 rules allow each skill competition to have either one or two Skill Competition Leads.

In addition, the responsibilities of skill steering groups were specified in greater detail, and members are expected to participate more actively throughout the various phases of the competition. Meeting procedures and documentation requirements were also clarified.

Assessment principles were refined

The overall assessment system remains largely unchanged, but several important clarifications were introduced:

• The highest level in the three-point qualitative assessment scale is defined as excellent competence.
• Assessment criteria must be based on qualification requirements.
• Assessment must be carried out using task-specific assessment criteria.
• The assessment criteria used in the CIS system are defined as the official competition assessment criteria.

These clarifications aim to improve transparency and ensure consistent assessment practices nationwide.

Best of Taitaja will be selected in a new way

One of the most visible changes concerns the selection of the Best of Taitaja.

In 2024, the selection was based on nominations from the skills competitions and interviews conducted by a jury. Particular emphasis was placed on the competitor’s personal qualities, professional representation, and communication skills.

Under the 2026 rules, the Best of Taitaja is determined as the competition's top competitor based on competition scores. In the event of a tie, points related to the competition's common themes will be used as a tiebreaker, followed by a draw if necessary.

This change makes the selection process more objective and directly linked to demonstrated competition performance.

The appeals procedure was clarified

The 2026 rules also introduced more detailed provisions regarding appeals, including:

• Electronic submission procedures
• Requirements for appeal justifications
• The finality of jury decisions

The goal is to ensure equal treatment of competitors and a consistent approach across all skills competitions.

Summary

The primary objective of the 2026 rules reform was to harmonize competition practices and improve the clarity of documentation. The most significant changes relate to competition documentation structures, competition categories, assessment principles, and the selection of the Best of Taitaja.

For competitors, the fundamental principles of the competition remain familiar. For organizers and skill competition stakeholders, however, the new rules provide a clearer and more consistent framework for participation and competition delivery.

Test your knowledge and take the general Taitaja Rules Quiz

Link to the Taitaja Rules Quiz (in Finnish).

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