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Norwegian language test

Some test centres are closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Your test centre will contact you by SMS and email with more information. Frequently asked questions concerning the Covid-19 regulations.

Next time you can register:

You can register for the test in 30 days

You can register for the Norwegian language test AUTUMN (A1–A2, A2–B1, B1–B2) from 23rd of August at 09:00 until 27th of August at 23:59.

You can register for the test 4 times a year (winter, spring, summer and autumn).

The next Norwegian language test will take place from Monday the 20th of September until Friday the 1st of October.

Registration

You can choose to register for all four parts of the test at the same time, or one or more individual parts (reading, listening, oral and writing).

You choose the level (A1-A2, A2-B1, B1-B2) when registering. The registration is binding.

You are not permitted to take the same part of the test more than once in the same test period. If you take the same part of the test to or more times in the same period, only the first attempt will be valid.

It is important that you complete the registration. You choose how to pay for the test. You are registered when you receive confirmation by text message and email. 

Check that your correct address has been registered. If you have moved to a new address, you must notify the test centre.  

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.

 

Who can take the Norwegian language test?

A number of test centres only offer the test to people who are registered in the Norwegian Population Register as living in the municipality (kommune).

If you wish to take the test in a municipality other than the one you live in, you have to check with the test centre whether you can register to take the test there. This also applies if you live abroad. You must then check with a test centre in a municipality whether you can take the test there. You have to do this BEFORE you register to take the test, or you may lose your place. 

The test will not be held abroad. 

If you are entitled to participate in Norwegian language training and it is mandatory for you, you can take all parts of the test free one time. The test centre will register you for the free test.

If you are not entitled to free Norwegian language training, you must pay for the test.

If you retake the test, you will be charged.

You must register for the test yourself. You can do this here when registration opens.

You can find more information about times, tests and exemptions on IMDi's website (Norwegian site).


If you are unsure whether you are entitled to free Norwegian language training, you can read about the right and obligation to take language training on IMDi's website (Norwegian site).

What does the test cost?

Your municipality (kommune)  decides what the test costs. The price varies between NOK 300 and NOK 2,200. You will find the correct prices in the registration portal. You can also contact the test centre to find out what they charge for the tests. 

The test centres are responsible for payment. Common means of payment are by bank card or Vipps (when you complete the form in the registration portal), in your online bank, by invoice or by another arrangement with the test centre. Registration is not valid until you have paid. 

When will I receive notice of the test? 

You will receive a letter/email from the test centre two weeks before the date of the test. The letter will inform you about the date, time and location of the test. The written and oral tests are normally taken on different dates.

If you have any questions about the date of your test, contact your test centre.

Are you unable to take the test? 

Registration for the tests is binding. This means that when you register for the test, you have to pay for it even if you are unable to take it.

If you have a medical certificate, you can take the test at a later date without having to pay for it. 

If you are entitled to take one test free of charge, but cannot take the test, you have to pay for the next test. A medical certificate is valid absence, and you can take the test at a later date without having to pay for it. 

If you wish to cancel your registration, you  need to contact your test centre.

Here you will find all the test dates (periode, results) Do you want to practise?