Norskprøven is an official Norwegian language proficiency exam, which measures learners’ abilities in using the Norwegian language.
The exam is divided into two separate tests:
- a written test (3 parts) and
- an oral test (1 part).
The exam is aligned to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and reports on the levels from A1 to and including B2.
The Norskprøven certificate can be used …
- for educational purposes
- for job applications
- to apply for a permanent residence permit
- to apply for citizenship
One of the requirements for admission to higher education in Norway is documented skills in Norwegian at level B2. You can use a certificate from both Norskprøven and Bergenstesten for this purpose.
Norskprøven: The Written Exam
The written exam can be taken independently of the oral exam. It consists of three parts:
- listening comprehension (30 minutes)
- reading comprehension (75 minutes)
- writing tasks (90 minutes)
When you sign up for the exam, you will need to choose which level you would like to sit:
- A1-A2
- A2-B1
- B1-B2
You will have to do all of parts of the exam on a computer. The listening and reading comprehensions are corrected automatically, while the typed writing tasks are forwarded to an examiner for correction.
Dictionaries are not allowed during the Norskprøven.
Norskprøven: The Oral Exam
The oral exam is divided into two different parts:
- a conversation part
- an individual speaking part
You will take the oral exam with another candidate, and it will last for about 20 to 30 minutes.
Just as with the written exam, you will need to choose which level you would like to sit when you sign up for the exam:
- A1-A2
- A2-B1
- B1-B2
Norskprøven: Where to Take the Exam?
Every municipality (kommune) in Norway is obliged to offer the exam, so you can contact your local municipality for more information. Most municipalities will post details about the Norskprøven online and will offer the exam twice a year. You can also find information about the test on VOX.
It is down to each municipality to set the fee for the exam. If your immigration status gives you a right and an obligation to complete Norwegian language training, you can sit the exam for free once.
If you do not qualify for free Norwegian training, you will have to pay for the exam. Likewise, if you have to retake the exam or parts of the exam, you will need to pay an exam fee.
Norskprøven: Getting the Certificate
Your test centre will send out your Norskprøven certificate approximately six week after you took the exam. The certificate will be sent by post and you will not receive a statement of results prior to receiving the certificate. Some test centres may also send a transcript of all your results by email.
You will received a grade for each of the different parts of the Norskprøven. You can receive the following results: Under A1, A1, A2, B1 and B2.
