Overview
Test i norsk - høyere nivå, commonly called Bergenstesten, is an official Norwegian language test at CEFR levels B2 and C1. It is offered through Folkeuniversitetet and is accepted as documentation for admission to higher education in Norway, for applications to employers, and in UDI applications for permanent residence or citizenship. It is available in Bokmål, and in Nynorsk on request.
Who can apply
The page sets no formal prerequisite. The test is aimed at people who need documented Norwegian at an advanced level for study, work or residence. The written test and the oral test can be taken independently.
Exam pattern
| Test | Length | Content |
|---|---|---|
| Written | About 5.5 hours | Five subtests: reading comprehension, listening comprehension, summary (referat), grammar, words and expressions, and written production |
| Oral | About 20 minutes | A presentation of yourself, a picture description, your view on a statement, and a conversation with the examiner |
The written test is digital. Bring your own PC (a Mac or Chromebook is not accepted) and headphones with a cable. The oral test examines speaking, listening, pronunciation, conversation and presentation.
Marking and results
The test measures B2 and C1.
To pass the written test you must pass all five subtests. To get "Godt bestått" (passed well) on the written test you need that grade on at least three subtests. Results are published in your candidate profile, and passing candidates can download a digital test certificate. Written results arrive about 5 weeks after the test, and oral results within about a week.
If you pass reading, listening and grammar but fail the summary or written production, you may appeal. The appeal deadline is 10 days after results are sent, and the answer deadline is 10 days after that. Once you have sat the whole test once, whatever the result, you can register for individual subtests to complete it.
Important dates
On the Folkeuniversitetet page at the time of review:
| Test | Date | Registration deadline | Next date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written | 6 November 2026 | 22 October 2026 | 22 January 2027 |
| Oral | 7 November 2026 | Not shown | 23 January 2027 |
Test places are Oslo, Bergen and Stavanger. A test abroad is possible if an approved test site, such as an embassy, consulate or the Norwegian Seamen's Church, agrees to host it. Contact Folkeuniversitetet for this.
Fees
On the Folkeuniversitetet page at the time of review, the written test on 6 November 2026 costs 2,500 kroner at each of the three Norwegian sites. The page also shows prices from 1,500 kroner for other tests and dates; check the registration list for the price of the oral test.
How to apply
Register on the Folkeuniversitetet page, choosing the test and place. The registration deadline is 14 days before the test date. You have a 14-day right to cancel from the time of registering, but never later than the registration deadline, and no cancellation is possible after the deadline. You can change test site up to 14 days before. If the test is full you are offered a waiting-list place. Candidates with special needs can apply for extra time of 30 minutes per part, or adapted assessment for documented dyslexia, within three days of the registration deadline.
Preparation tips
Folkeuniversitetet sells a sample test on its page; use it to try the tasks.
Practise writing a summary of a spoken or written text, since the summary subtest must also be passed.
Check your own laptop and wired headphones before test day.
Do I have to take the written and oral tests together?
No. They can be taken independently.
Which levels does it test?
B2 and C1 on the CEFR scale.