Social studies test (samfunnskunnskapsprøve)

The social studies test, or Norwegian Society course, is only required as part
of the application for permanent residence or citizenship. You will also have to
pass language tests.
• Go to Skills Norway for information about how to take the social studies
test
• Go to IMDi for information about who has the right and obligation to
take the social studies test
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• Learn Norwegian

Language tests and skill levels

The language tests for both Norwegian and English skill levels (proficiency levels) follow
European guidelines.
Norwegian language tests (norskprøve)

Find your language skill level

Language requirement for pupils and students

Language requirements in the work place

Social studies test (samfunnskunnskapsprøve)

Citizenship test (statsborgerprøve)

English language tests

Norwegian language tests (norskprøve)

The basic language skills levels have four categories; A1, A2, B1, B2. Level C1 is an
higher academic skill level.

Norwegian language tests (Norskprøve) test your reading, listening, writing and oral
skills. You can take the test for skill levels A1-A2, A2-B1, B1-B2 and C1 at Skills
Norway (Kompetanse Norge).

• Go to Skills Norway (Kompetanse Norge) for descriptions of the levels and information about test
Norwegian level A1-B2
• Go to Skills Norway (Kompetanse Norge) for information about test in Norwegian level C1

Find your language skill level

Folkeuniversitetet has online placement tests that help you evaluate your skill level.
At Skills Norway you can see sample tests for levels A1-C1:

• See sample tests for levels A1-B2

• See sample tests for level C1 and take a 20 minute test to determine your recommended test
level

Language requirement for pupils and students

Higher education
To enter a study programme taught in Norwegian, the minimum requirement is that you
pass the Norwegian language test on level B2. These programmes are administered by
the Norwegian Universities and Colleges Admission Service (NUCAS/NOKUT) through
the application portal called Samordna opptak.

• Go to Samordna opptak for information about language requirements for higher education

To enter a study programme taught in English, most universities and colleges will ask
you to take the TOEFL or IESTL test. The requirements might vary between the
different institutions, but this will be specified in their admission requirements.
• Go to Samordna opptak for more information about English proficiency tests
• Go to Study in Norway for information about study programmes taught in English

Primary and secondary school

• Go to the information about adapted language education in Oslo

Language requirements in the work place

There are professions where good communication skills are essential, for example in
the health and education sectors. These companies will have clear language
requirements and can tell you what tests or documentation they need.

Social studies test (samfunnskunnskapsprøve)

The social studies test, or Norwegian Society course, is only required as part of the
application for permanent residence or citizenship. You will also have to pass language
tests.
• Go to Skills Norway for information about how to take the social studies test
• Go to IMDi for information about who has the right and obligation to take the social studies test

Citizenship test (statsborgerprøve)

To apply for citizenship, you have to pass either the citizenship test or the social studies
test. You also have to pass language tests.

• Go to Skills Norway for information about how to take the citizenship test

English language tests

 In jobs or study programmes where Norwegian is not a required skill, you may be asked
to document your English skills instead.

There are several recognised tests to validate your English language skills. The two
most common are:

• The International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

Important words
• Språk = language
• Språkkompetanse, språkkunnskap = language skills
• Kompetansenivå = skills level, proficiency level, competence level

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