What is the format and passing score for the Samfunnskunnskapsprøven?

The test has 38 questions, including 34 scored and four unscored trial items. At least 26 correct scored answers are required within the standard 60-minute limit. Most questions have three alternatives; some picture tasks require placing a marker.

When do I choose the language, and can I use audio?

Choose the language when taking the test at the centre. HK-dir offers 23 language options and audio in ten language options. To use a social studies pass for citizenship, it must be in Norwegian, Bokmål or Nynorsk.

Is course attendance required for permanent residence?

Under the general requirements introduced in September 2025, applicants aged 18–67 normally need oral Norwegian at A2 or higher and a social studies pass, subject to exemptions. Course completion is no longer an additional permanent-residence qualification requirement. Separate integration training duties and transitional cases can still apply; check UDI and the municipality.

How does this differ from Statsborgerprøven?

Statsborgerprøven is the separate citizenship test in Norwegian. UDI accepts either that test or the social studies test passed in Norwegian for the citizenship civic-knowledge requirement. A social studies pass in another language can meet the permanent-residence civic requirement but does not by itself meet the citizenship civic requirement.

What curriculum should I study?

Study the current curriculum’s three modules: Education, competence and working life; Family, health and everyday life; and Norway before and now. They comprise 25 competence aims. The official learning resource is samfunnskunnskap.no. The modules each have 25 tuition hours, which are not published exam-question weights.

What does the test cost, and can I retake it?

The municipality sets the price and confirms entitlement to one free attempt. After an ordinary unsuccessful attempt, register again and check the local fee and availability; HK-dir does not set a maximum number of attempts. Cheating sanctions are different and can require a one-year wait.

How can I prepare, request adaptations and get the result?

Use the official curriculum and sample tasks as well as independent study and practice. Contact the test centre about adaptations as soon as possible, no later than three days after registering. HK-dir states that results are available within 2–4 weeks; follow the centre’s instructions for documentation.

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Free Samfunnskunnskapsprøven Exam Prep

Norwegian Social Studies Test

Prepare for the Samfunnskunnskapsprøven exam without spending hundreds on expensive prep courses. Free study guides, practice questions, flashcards, and related exam resources.

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Updated January 2026

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Norwegian Social Studies Test

Study Guide Practice Questions146 questions

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Your Study Path

Samfunnskunnskapsprøven Norwegian Citizenship & Social Studies Tests: Study Roadmap

Follow this path to organize your exam preparation

Module 1: Education, Skills & Working LifeYou are here

Study education and funding, work rights, tax-funded welfare, privacy, copyright, source criticism and opportunities to learn Norwegian.

hours

Module 2: Family, Health & Daily Life

Study children and family support, health services, finances, social participation, protection from coercion, consent and reproductive rights.

hours

Module 3: Norway Before & Now

Study historical democratic development, institutions and elections, diversity, sustainability, equality, human rights and changes in religion.

hours

Practice Testing & Exam Simulation

Use the official sample tasks and original practice checks to identify weak topics. The real test has 34 scored items and requires at least 26 correct.

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Estimated total study time

36 hours

That's about 4 weeks at 10 hours/week

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What You'll Study

11 chapters covering the exam topics in this guide

Chapter 1: Introduction & Test Logistics

2 sections

Chapter 2: New in Norway – Settlement & Public Services

4 sections

Chapter 3: Norwegian Geography, Regions & Minorities

3 sections

Chapter 4: Norwegian History from the Vikings to the Modern Era

3 sections

Chapter 5: Children, Family & Social Equality

5 sections

Chapter 6: Health & Public Health Services

4 sections

Chapter 7: Education, Competence & Qualifications

4 sections

Chapter 8: Working Life & the Norwegian Labor Market

4 sections

Chapter 9: Political System, the Storting & Local Democracy

3 sections

Chapter 10: The Welfare State, Rule of Law & Sustainable Norway

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Chapter 11: Critical Thinking, Privacy & Digital Judgement

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Samfunnskunnskapsprøven Exam Details

Norwegian Social Studies Test

Administered by HK-dir – Direktoratet for høyere utdanning og kompetanse

Official Source

26 of 34 scored questions correct (76% of scored items)

Passing Score

Questions

Minutes

Municipality sets the fee; ask the test centre about the current price and entitlement to one free attempt

Exam Fee

Study time: Suggested self-study plan: about 36 hours; individual needs vary and this is not an official requirement

Prerequisites: Registration and training rights depend on individual circumstances; permanent-residence applicants aged 18–67 generally need a pass unless exempt. A citizenship use requires the social studies test in Norwegian.

Exam Content Breakdown

Based on the official HK-dir – Direktoratet for høyere utdanning og kompetanse content outline

Education, competence and working lifeQuestion weights not published

Education and funding, employment rights and participation, tax-funded welfare, privacy, copyright, critical thinking and Norwegian learning.

Family, health and everyday lifeQuestion weights not published

Children and family support, health and services, newcomer rights, social participation, finances, safety, reproductive rights and identity.

Norway before and nowQuestion weights not published

Historical democratic development, holidays, government and elections, diversity and Sámi people, sustainability, equality, human rights and religion.

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What's Next After the Samfunnskunnskapsprøven?

After passing the Samfunnskunnskapsprøven, you can pursue these career paths

Permanent Residence in Norway

Document the civic knowledge component for a Norwegian permanent residence application where required; UDI assesses all conditions and exemptions.

Norwegian Citizenship

Candidates who complete the Samfunnskunnskapsprøven in Norwegian (bokmål or nynorsk) satisfy the civic knowledge requirement for Norwegian citizenship (statsborgerskap).

Samfunnskunnskapsprøven Exam FAQ

Official HK-dir – Direktoratet for høyere utdanning og kompetanse Resources

Verify information with these official sources

HK-dir: Social Studies Test (official)HK-dir: Curriculum & Practice for Social Studies Test Samfunnskunnskap.no – Official curriculum resource (23 languages)HK-dir: Register for the Social Studies Test HK-dir: Current curriculum for adult immigrants

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