How to pass the Norwegian citizenship test and social studies test

A realistic plan for most adults: about four weeks, 20 to 30 minutes a day. It is our own suggestion, not an official programme.

Last updated: 2026-11-06

Find out which test you need
Applying for citizenship: the citizenship test, or the social studies test taken in Norwegian. Applying for permanent residence: the social studies test in a language you understand. Check the current rules at UDI before you book.
Week 1: read the basics
Read the official study material at samfunnskunnskap.no or go through our 13 study modules, one or two per day. Focus on understanding, not memorising word by word.
Week 2: practise by topic
Take the practice questions module by module. Read the explanation after every answer, also when you were right. Mark the topics where you miss more than one in four.
Week 3: full practice tests
Take full practice tests of 36 tasks (citizenship) or 38 tasks (social studies) within 60 minutes. Aim for at least 80 percent correct so that you have a margin above the pass mark.
Week 4: repair and rest
Repeat the questions you got wrong, take one more full practice test, and sleep well before the test. Check the time, place and what to bring with your test centre.

Good to know

The citizenship test is in Norwegian at about level A2, and 24 of the 32 scored tasks must be correct. The social studies test needs 26 of 34 and can be taken in 23 languages. See the citizenship test guide and the social studies test guide.
You register through a test centre run by your municipality or an adult education centre. People in municipal training are usually registered by the centre. Fees are set locally, so ask the centre or your municipality.
If you need accommodations, tell the test centre as soon as possible.
No app or course can guarantee a pass. Use official sample tests too: HK-dir practice tests.

Facts checked against official sources in November 2026. Need the sources? See the FAQ.