Which test do you need?
- Permanent residence: you usually need to pass the social studies test, in a language you understand (Utlendingsloven § 62, permanent residence (Lovdata, Norwegian)).
- Norwegian citizenship: if you are between 18 and 67, you must pass the citizenship test (Statsborgerloven § 8, the citizenship test (Lovdata, Norwegian)). You must also pass an oral Norwegian test at level B1 or higher.
- Both: if you passed the social studies test in Norwegian, you do not need the citizenship test. A social studies test taken in another language does not count for citizenship.
The two tests side by side
| Rule | Social studies test | Citizenship test |
|---|---|---|
| Questions | 38, of which 34 count | 36, of which 32 count |
| To pass | At least 26 correct | At least 24 correct |
| Time | 60 minutes | 60 minutes |
| Answer options | Three, one is correct | Three, one is correct |
| Language | 23 languages | Norwegian only (bokmål or nynorsk) |
| Fee | NOK 500–1,300, set by the municipality | NOK 300–1,800, set by the municipality |
Four questions on each test do not count. They are being tried out for later tests, and you do not know which ones they are. Both tests are taken on a computer at a test centre. If you have the right and duty to training in social studies, your first social studies test is free (Integreringsloven § 37, free first test (Lovdata, Norwegian)). You always pay for the citizenship test yourself. Source: HK-dir: content of the tests (Norwegian).
What the tests cover
Both tests are based on the curriculum in social studies for adult immigrants, which has three parts:
- Education, skills and working life: school, work, pay, tax, trade unions and the welfare state.
- Family, health and everyday life: family, children's rights, health services, housing, money and the right to a free life.
- Norway then and now: facts about Norway, history, democracy, human rights, the Sami people and sustainability.
The citizenship test has simpler, more everyday questions than the social studies test, but it is in Norwegian.
Who is exempt?
You can be exempt from the citizenship test if, for example, you passed the social studies test in Norwegian, have grade 2 or better in social studies from Norwegian lower secondary school or upper secondary school, or have 10 credits in social studies about Norway (Statsborgerforskriften chapter 4, exemptions (Lovdata, Norwegian), § 4-2). Citizens of another Nordic country who understand Norwegian do not need the test (§ 4-3).
Booking and the test day
- You book at a test centre, often the municipality. Each centre sets its own dates.
- Booking is binding. You do not get the fee back if you do not show up, unless you can document illness.
- The invitation comes about two weeks before the test.
- Bring valid photo ID, for example a passport, a Norwegian bank card with photo or a Norwegian driving licence (not the digital one).
- If you need adjustments, such as extra time, tell the centre no later than three days after booking.
- The test is marked automatically. The certificate usually arrives by post after 2–4 weeks and is also in Vitnemålsportalen. If you fail, you can book again, and there is no fixed waiting time.
How the Kurs.ing course helps
Kurs.ing is a private online course in simple Norwegian. It follows the curriculum in ten lessons, with help text in English, Ukrainian, Arabic and Polish, and has practice exams with 34 questions in 60 minutes and three options per question, like the real test. The questions are written by Kurs.ing, not taken from the real tests.
The course costs NOK 297 with 8 weeks' access. The test fee is paid separately to the test centre.
Pass guarantee: If you fail the official test on your first attempt after buying, you get the course fee back, provided you completed all the lessons and passed the full practice exam in the course at least once before the test. You can choose 8 more weeks of access instead. The test fee is not refunded. See the terms (§ 17, Norwegian).
More guides in English
Sources
Important: Kurs.ing is a private course provider. We do not hold the exams, we are not affiliated with Statens vegvesen, and we issue no certificates. The Norwegian law text and Statens vegvesen's pages are authoritative. Always check the current rules before you book.