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Norwegian language test

About the test (in Norwegian)

The Norwegian language test has four parts:

  • Reading (75 minutes)
  • Listening (25–50 minutes)
  • Written presentation (90 minutes for A1–A2 and A2–B1, 120 minutes for B1–B2)
  • Oral test (20–30 minutes)

The reading and listening parts of the test are adaptive. This means that the tasks in the tests are adapted to your language level.

The number of tasks in the best will vary depending on the answers you give. The more correct answers you give, the more difficult the tasks will become and the more you will need to do. The  listening test will also last longer the more tasks you answer correctly.

The written test has several tasks that you need to answer in writing. You need to select level A1–A2, A2–B1 or B1–B2 when registering for the test.

The oral test is divided into a conversation part and an individual part. You need to select level A1–A2, A2–B1 or B1–B2 when registering for the test.

If you want to know how the tests are assessed, see the assessment forms:

Assessment form – written (bokmål, pdf)
Assessment form – oral (bokmål, pdf)

Do you want to practise?

Which level should you choose?

You need to choose either level A1–A2, A2–B1 or B1–B2 when you register for the oral test and the written presentation test. You do not need to do this for the reading test or the listening test.

You can get help to choose your level for the test. You can also ask your teacher at the test centre.

One of the requirements for admission to higher education in Norway is documented Norwegian language skills at level B2 for all parts of the test (in Norwegian).

The Norwegian language test measures language proficiency at levels A1, A2, B1 and B2.

For the written presentation part of the test and for the oral part of the test you need to register for a test at level A1–A2, A2–B1 or B1–B2. Our self-assessment forms can help you to choose the right level.

Here is a simple explanation of what the levels mean:

A1

You can understand and use familiar, everyday words and expressions. You can participate in a simple conversation if the person you are speaking to speaks slowly and clearly and helps you.

A2

You can participate in simple conversations about common and practical activities that you are familiar with. You can read and understand short, simple texts related to your work. You can write short, simple messages and describe experiences and events using simple phrases and sentences.

B1

You can understand the main points of clear text and speech about familiar topics that you often encounter in connection with work, school and leisure. You can manage in most situations that may arise, and can write simple texts on familiar topics and briefly explain and justify opinions and plans.

B2

You can understand the main content of complex or academic texts, including academic discussions within your own discipline, and are able to participate in conversations using relatively spontaneous and fluent language, and you can write clear, detailed and argumentative texts on a wide range of topics.

How can I improve my result?

To reach a higher level, you need to improve your language proficiency in various ways:

  • You need to be able to use the language more flexibly and more precisely, in more (unfamiliar) situations, and in connection with more topics.
  • At higher levels, you can understand spoken language even when there is background noise or several people talking at the same time. You can read long texts, including those without a clear structure.

A teacher can explain and give you advice on how to improve even more and reach the next level.

 

  • Norskprøve 2 is equivalent to level A2
  • Norskprøve 3 is equivalent to level B1
  • Språkprøven (before Sept. 2005) is equivalent to level B1
  • Level B2 provides a basis for admission to higher education

The test can be adapted in various ways. You can adjust the sound on the headphones and the size of the test text on the computer at the test centre. You do not need to apply for this beforehand. You can use the practice tests to find out how this works in advance.

If you have a visual or hearing impairment, you need to apply to your test centre to take a version of the test that is adapted for those who are blind, visually impaired or sign language users.

See the test for sign language users for more information and practice tests.

If you have dyslexia, a speech impairment or are dealing with trauma, you may also be entitled to take an adapted version of the test.

You must contact your test centre as soon as possible, but no later than three days after you register for the test.

You will also need to have a letter from a doctor, psychologist, the Educational and Psychological Counselling Service or a speech therapist, which you must attach to the application for special adaptations.

Special adaptations can entail extra time, or sitting alone whilst taking the test.

Cheating

You are not allowed to use any aids during the test. Use or attempted use of such is considered cheating. The following are some examples of cheating:

  • Using the internet, electronic devices, smart glasses, smart watches or mobile phones
  • Using computer programs other than the test application (e.g. Word, Notepad)
  • Copying all or parts of another person's answers
  • Using false ID
  • Using a dictionary or notes brought to the test centre
  • Communicating with anyone other than test centre employees during the test

Cheating and attempted cheating can have the following consequences:

  • You will be told to leave the premises
  • You will not get a test certificate for any of the tests taken during the test period (this includes both written and oral tests)
  • You must wait one year to resit
  • You will have to pay to retake the test

Your work during the written presentation will be logged.

Cheating will be discovered during or after the test, or when it is being marked.

If you are caught cheating you will be issued with a formal decision. You may lodge an appeal against this decision with the local authority.

Plagiarism/copying

The texts you write in the written presentation part of the test must be your own work. Copying and plagiarism are considered cheating and are not allowed.

Plagiarism is when you have used all or part of someone else's text, for example, from the internet, textbooks or from other students, and passed it off as your own work. This also applies if you have learned text by heart and use it in your test. If you are found to have plagiarised someone else's work, you will not be told the result of the relevant part of the test.

Forging your test certificate

Forging your test certificate is considered document forgery and can lead to prosecution.