Frequently asked questions about the Norwegian citizenship test and social studies test

How many questions are on the statsborgerprøven?

The citizenship test has 36 tasks. Four are unscored trial tasks, so 32 count. Each task has three answer options, and you have at most 60 minutes.

Source: regjeringen.no

How many correct answers do I need to pass?

On the citizenship test you need at least 24 correct of the 32 scored tasks. On the social studies test (38 tasks, 34 scored) you need at least 26 correct.

Source: HK-dir, regjeringen.no

What is the difference between statsborgerprøven and samfunnskunnskapsprøven?

The statsborgerprøven is the citizenship test: Norwegian only, aimed at a lower language level. The samfunnskunnskapsprøven is the social studies test: it can be taken in 23 languages and is required for permanent residence. For citizenship it is accepted only if taken in Norwegian.

Source: UDI

Who must take which test for citizenship?

Applicants aged 18 to 67 must have passed the citizenship test or the social studies test in Norwegian before handing in the application to the police. Someone who passed the social studies test in another language must also pass the citizenship test.

Source: UDI

Do I need a test for permanent residence?

Yes, for applicants aged 18 to 67: the social studies test in a language you understand and an oral Norwegian test at level A2 or higher. This replaced the training requirement for applications from 1 September 2025.

Source: UDI

Can I take the test in English or my own language?

The citizenship test is in Norwegian only (bokmål or nynorsk). The social studies test is offered in 23 languages, including English, Arabic, Ukrainian, Somali, Tigrinya, Persian, Russian, Turkish and Thai. Polish and Lithuanian are not offered.

Source: HK-dir

How much does the test cost?

There is no national price. Each test centre sets its fee. Examples seen on municipal pages are 650 to 1,250 kroner per attempt, and registration is binding. Check the fee with your test centre.

Source: Bærum kommune

Who is exempt from the tests?

Examples from UDI: grade 2 or better in social studies from Norwegian lower or upper secondary school, at least 10 ECTS of university social studies on the adult-immigrant curriculum, studies in Norwegian or Sami in Norway, documented health or personal reasons, or a municipal exemption (with some limits). Check the full rules with UDI.

Source: UDI

How many people pass?

In 2024, 5,116 people took the citizenship test and 92.5% passed.

Source: regjeringen.no

When do I get the result, and can I appeal?

The result and a certificate come by post, normally within two weeks. There is no appeal, but you can complain about formal errors within three weeks. Rules are from one municipal test centre, so confirm with yours.

Source: Bærum kommune

How many times can I retake the test?

We found no national limit in the sources we checked. Each attempt needs a new registration and a new fee at the test centre. Ask your centre for their rules.

Source: Test centre

What are the residence and language requirements for citizenship?

In general you must have lived in Norway for 8 of the last 11 years and have passed an oral Norwegian test at level B1 (A2 for some groups). A proposal for new residence rules was announced on 21 June 2026 but has not been adopted.

Source: regjeringen.no

What is the curriculum?

Both tests draw on the curriculum in social studies for adult immigrants (HK-dir). Free official study material is at samfunnskunnskap.no, and HK-dir publishes sample tests.

Source: samfunnskunnskap.no

Can I practise for free?

Yes. HK-dir offers official sample tests, and this website has free practice tests and sample questions with explanations. The Hei Norge app adds the full question bank and mock exams.

Source: HK-dir

Is Hei Norge an official service?

No. Hei Norge is an independent study app. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by HK-dir, UDI or the Norwegian government. Always check the official pages for current rules.