Overview
The Norwegian citizenship test (statsborgerproven) is a computer-based knowledge test about Norwegian society. It is run by the Directorate for Higher Education and Skills (HK-dir). To apply for Norwegian citizenship you need to pass this test, or pass the social studies test (samfunnskunnskapsproven) in Norwegian. The test is in Norwegian only; the source pages are in Norwegian and were read as such.
Who can apply
The test is for people applying for Norwegian citizenship. The full citizenship requirements, including the Norwegian language and training rules, are set out by the Directorate of Immigration (UDI), whose site could not be read for this page. Check UDI for your own requirements.
The citizenship test and the social studies test share the same syllabus. The citizenship test uses a slightly lower Norwegian language level (A2), while the social studies test is above A2. HK-dir notes that Parliament raised the required level of spoken Norwegian for citizenship to B1, in force from 1 October 2022.
Exam pattern
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Format | On a computer at a test centre, using the centre's own machine |
| Questions | 36, each with three answer options and one correct answer |
| Scored questions | 32; four are trial questions that do not affect your score |
| Pass mark | 24 correct answers |
| Duration | Up to 60 minutes |
| Language | Norwegian, in Bokmal or Nynorsk, at A2 level |
Questions can be read aloud through audio files during the test.
Syllabus
Questions come from the curriculum for Norwegian and social studies for adult immigrants. HK-dir points to its learning site samfunnskunnskap.no, which covers education, skills and working life; family, health and everyday life; and Norway past and present.
Marking and results
Your result is sent by email and also shown when you log in to My Page (Min side) on the HK-dir test site. A pass is documented by a test certificate (provebevis) sent by post from the test centre 2 to 4 weeks after the test. You can also view and share results through the Vitnemalsportalen using a Norwegian electronic ID.
You cannot appeal your result. You can complain about a formal error in how the test was run, such as a technical fault that you believe affected your result. Send the complaint to your test centre within 3 weeks of the test.
Fees
The municipality sets the price. As listed on the HK-dir site in 2026, it varies between NOK 300 and NOK 1,800. The exact price is shown in the registration portal. You pay when you register, and registration is binding: you pay even if you do not sit the test, although a sick note lets you retake it.
How to apply
Open the registration portal and choose your county to see test centres and the dates they have set. Not every centre has a date open; if yours has none, contact the centre.
Register and choose how to pay (card in the portal, online banking, invoice or by agreement with the centre). Registration is not valid until payment is arranged.
About two weeks before the test, the centre sends an invitation letter with date, time and place.
On the day, bring valid physical ID with the same ID number you registered with. Accepted ID includes a valid passport, a Norwegian bank card with photo, a Norwegian driving licence (not the digital one), a national ID card from the EEA, a refugee travel document or foreigner's passport, a residence card for foreigners, or an asylum seeker card with name and place of birth.
To withdraw, contact your test centre. Requests for adjusted conditions (extra time, a separate room, or taking the test orally if reading is hard) must reach the centre as soon as possible and no later than 3 days after you register. Vision or hearing impairment, sign language, dyslexia, speech difficulties or trauma may need a statement from a doctor, psychologist, school psychology service or speech therapist.
After the exam
Keep your test certificate safe. If you lose it, ask the centre where you took the test for a copy.
Cheating, or trying to cheat, can mean you are removed from the room, get no certificate, must wait one year before retaking, and must pay for the next attempt. Forging a certificate is treated as document forgery and reported to the police. No aids are allowed, including dictionaries, notes, phones and smartwatches.
Preparation tips
Read the texts on samfunnskunnskap.no and take the sample test on the HK-dir site, which is not the real test but shows the question style and how to answer on a computer.
Can I take the test in English?
No. The citizenship test is in Norwegian, in Bokmal or Nynorsk, at A2 level.