If you are applying for a permanent residence permit in Norway, you need to pass the Samfunnskunnskapsprøven — Norway's civics test. Unlike the language test, this one can be taken in a language other than Norwegian, which makes it accessible even at an early stage of learning. This guide explains what the test covers, how to register, and how to prepare effectively.
Requirements are set by UDI (the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration). Always verify the latest rules at udi.no before submitting your application.
What Is the Samfunnskunnskapsprøven?
The Samfunnskunnskapsprøven (literally "social knowledge test") is a multiple-choice test that measures your knowledge of Norwegian society. It covers how Norway is governed, the rights and responsibilities of residents, the welfare system, working life, and Norwegian history and values.
The test is administered by HK-dir (the Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills) and is available in a wide range of languages — you do not need to take it in Norwegian. This is one of the key differences between this test and the Statsborgerprøven, which is required for citizenship and is conducted only in Norwegian.
Who Needs to Take It?
Most people applying for a permanent residence permit in Norway need to pass the Samfunnskunnskapsprøven. As of 1 September 2025, passing this test — along with the Norskprøven at A2 oral level — is a mandatory requirement for permanent residence. Completing hours of Norwegian instruction no longer substitutes for passing the tests.
Some groups are exempt from the requirement, including people who have previously passed it, people over a certain age, and others in specific circumstances. Check udi.no to confirm whether you are required to take it for your specific application type.
What Does the Test Cover?
The test is based on the official learning material published by HK-dir. The topics covered fall into six main areas:
Norwegian society and values. Democracy, human rights, equality, freedom of speech, and Norway's secular values. Questions may ask about how Norwegian society is organised and what rights residents have.
Government and political system. How the Storting (parliament) works, how laws are made, how local government is structured, and the role of the monarchy. You do not need detailed political knowledge — the questions focus on the structure of the system.
Working life. Employment rights, the role of trade unions, the three-party collaboration between employers, employees, and the state, and basic rules around sick leave and working conditions.
Health and welfare. How the Norwegian health system works, access to GP services (fastlege), NAV (the welfare agency), maternity and paternity leave, and the Norwegian pension system.
Education. The Norwegian school system from primary level to university, how education is structured, and the rights of children to free education.
History. Key moments in Norwegian history — including the constitution of 1814, the Second World War, and the discovery of oil. Questions are factual, not analytical.
How the Test Works
The test consists of 30 multiple-choice questions. You have 60 minutes to complete it. Each question has three answer options. To pass, you need to answer at least 24 out of 30 correctly — a passing threshold of 80 percent.
The test is taken at an approved test centre, usually a local adult education centre (voksenopplæring). You choose which language to take it in when you register. You may not use a dictionary, phone, or any other aids during the test.
| Detail | |
|---|---|
| Number of questions | 30 multiple choice |
| Time allowed | 60 minutes |
| Passing score | 24 out of 30 (80%) |
| Available languages | Norwegian and many others |
| Aids permitted | None |
| Re-sit allowed | Yes, unlimited attempts |
Which Language Should You Take It In?
Take it in whichever language you are most comfortable with. There is no advantage to taking the test in Norwegian — the result is the same regardless of language, and it does not affect your Norwegian language requirement (which is assessed separately via the Norskprøven).
Available languages include English, Polish, Somali, Arabic, Tigrinya, Turkish, Vietnamese, and others. The full list of available languages is published on the registration portal. If your language is not available, Norwegian is the fallback option.
How to Register
Registration is done through your local adult education centre (voksenopplæring) or directly through the official portal at prøveadministrasjon.no. The steps are:
- Find your nearest test location — search for "voksenopplæring" followed by your municipality name, or use the location finder at prøveadministrasjon.no.
- Select the Samfunnskunnskapsprøven and choose your preferred language and test date.
- Pay the registration fee. If you are enrolled in a Norwegian language course at a voksenopplæring, ask whether the fee is covered as part of your programme — in some municipalities it is.
- Bring valid photo ID on the day of the test.
Test dates are held several times per year. Register well in advance — spaces at popular test centres fill up quickly, especially in the weeks before common application deadlines.
How to Prepare
Use the official study material
HK-dir publishes the official textbook "Norge — samfunnskunnskap for voksne innvandrere" in multiple languages. This is the primary source for all test questions. There is no official shortcut — the questions are drawn directly from this material. Download the version in your preferred language from samfunnskunnskap.no.
Take the official practice tests
HK-dir publishes sample questions at samfunnskunnskap.no. These are the closest available equivalent to the real test. Work through them after reading each chapter of the textbook to check your retention.
Focus on structure, not detail
The test does not ask for fine-grained factual detail — it tests whether you understand how Norwegian society is organised and what your rights and responsibilities are. When reading the textbook, focus on understanding the system rather than memorising dates and numbers. Exceptions: the year the Norwegian constitution was signed (1814) and the year Norway discovered oil (1969) come up often.
How long does preparation take?
Most candidates who read through the official textbook carefully and complete the practice questions are ready in two to four weeks of part-time study. The test is designed to be passable for someone who has engaged with the material — not a knowledge test that requires months of preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the test more than once?
Yes. There is no limit on the number of attempts. If you do not pass, you can re-sit at the next available test date.
Does passing the test expire?
A passing result is valid indefinitely — it does not expire. If you pass now, you do not need to retake it for a later application.
Is this the same as the Statsborgerprøven?
No. The Samfunnskunnskapsprøven is required for permanent residence and can be taken in multiple languages. The Statsborgerprøven is required for citizenship and is conducted in Norwegian only. They cover similar content but are separate tests with different requirements.
What if the test is not available in my language?
If your language is not among the available options, you take the test in Norwegian. In that case, prepare your Norwegian reading comprehension alongside the civics content — you will need to understand the questions and answer options clearly.
Do I need to pass both this test and the Norskprøven?
Yes, for permanent residence you need both: A2 oral Norwegian (Norskprøven) and a passing result on the Samfunnskunnskapsprøven. Passing one without the other is not sufficient.
Relationship to the Norwegian Language Requirement
The Samfunnskunnskapsprøven and the Norskprøven are separate requirements that must both be met for permanent residence. They can be taken in either order and at different times — passing one does not depend on passing the other.
If you are working toward permanent residence, it often makes sense to take the Samfunnskunnskapsprøven first, while you are still building your Norwegian to A2 oral level. The civics test can be completed in English, so it removes one requirement from your list while you continue language study.
Summary
The Samfunnskunnskapsprøven is a 30-question multiple-choice test on Norwegian society, required for permanent residence. You need to answer 24 out of 30 correctly (80%), and you can take it in your own language. The official HK-dir textbook is the only study material you need. Most candidates pass with two to four weeks of focused preparation.
If you are planning to apply for permanent residence and have not yet taken this test, register early — test dates fill up, and removing this requirement from your list ahead of time reduces pressure on the Norwegian language side of your application.