Norwegian Language TestNorskprøven

Overview

Norskprøven is the Norwegian language test from the Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills (HK-dir). It documents Norwegian at levels from A1 (beginner) to B2 (advanced) on the CEFR scale. It is for anyone who wants to show how well they can use Norwegian, whether or not they have taken a course. There is no syllabus: the test checks whether you can use Norwegian in daily life, education and work, not facts you have memorised.

Who can apply

The target group is people aged 18 to 67. The tasks are written for adults and can be hard for candidates under 18. Many test centres run the test only for people who belong to their own municipality. The test cannot be taken outside Norway. If you live abroad or in another municipality, HK-dir lists a few centres that accept outside candidates (at the time of review, Øvre Eiker, Lørenskog and Larvik, plus Trondheim for those in other municipalities). To use any other municipality, contact it before registering.

Exam pattern

The test has four parts. You can take all four, or only one, two or three of them, and you can retake parts later to improve your result. You may not take the same part more than once in the same test period; if you do, only the first result counts.

Reading and Listening. Everyone starts with the same first pre-test of 7 to 8 tasks. Your result decides the second pre-test, and the results of the pre-tests decide which main test you get: A1-A2, A2-B1 or B1-B2, with about 20 tasks. In Reading you may go back to tasks you skipped if you have time. In Listening, timing is fixed, you cannot go back, and questions and texts at A1 to B1 are played twice while those at B2 are played once.

Writing. At A1-A2 there are three tasks: write a message, describe a picture of about 50 to 80 words, and write about a familiar topic of about 80 words or more. At A2-B1 the tasks are describing a picture of about 80 to 100 words, writing about a familiar topic of about 80 to 200 words, and writing an email that gives reasons for an opinion. At B1-B2 there are two tasks: an email giving reasons for an opinion, and an argument for a viewpoint of about 250 to 350 words, chosen from two options. You must answer every task to receive a result, and memorised texts do not help.

Speaking. At A1-A2 the tasks are presenting yourself briefly, describing a picture, talking with the other candidate and talking about a topic. At A2-B1 they are talking about a topic, talking with the other candidate and giving and justifying an opinion. At B1-B2 they are giving and justifying an opinion, exchanging opinions with the other candidate, and taking a position on a statement. The test is assessed on fluency, pronunciation, vocabulary and grammar. If the assessor thinks you can do more, you may get an extra question from the next level up.

Marking and results

Reading and Listening are marked by computer. Writing is read by at least two assessors, and a third if they disagree. Speaking is assessed by an assessor in the room. All results for the parts you took are sent at the same time. Listening gives one of five results: below A1, A1, A2, B1 or B2. In Writing you cannot get a higher result than the level you registered for. In Speaking you can get a lower or higher result than the level you registered for. You can appeal the Writing result; the result may then go up, stay the same or go down, and you cannot appeal again afterwards.

Important dates

Most test centres hold the test four times a year. The HK-dir calendar for the periods still to come as of 2 October 2026 is as follows. The next registration week is 26 to 30 October. Not every centre runs the test in every period, so check your municipality's own page.

Fees

As listed on the official site in 2026, your municipality sets the price. It can range from 400 kroner or more for one part to 2,500 kroner or less for the whole test. People with the right and duty to Norwegian tuition can take all parts free once, and the test centre registers them for it. Everyone else registers and pays themselves, usually by card in the registration portal, online banking or invoice, depending on the centre.

How to apply

1. Choose your test centre. Read about the test and decide which level to take in Writing and Speaking.

2. Register in the registration portal during the registration week.

3. Complete the whole registration, including how you will pay. You are registered once you receive confirmation by SMS and email.

4. If you need adjustments such as extra time, contact the centre no later than three days after registering.

After the exam

Results are sent by email. The test certificate is sent by post. Keep it, because it is proof of your level. You can view results in My Page if your phone number and email are registered with the centre, and share them through the Vitnemålsportalen service, which is also used for higher-education applications.

Preparation tips

• Use the official practice tasks for each part and each level on HK-dir's site.

• Choose the Writing and Speaking level carefully. B1-B2 is very demanding, and a level that is too hard makes answers hard to understand.

• In Reading, spend 10 to 15 minutes at most on each pre-test and keep time for the main test.

• Read the question and answer options before reading the text.