About the reading test
The reading test in Norwegian (A1–B2) tests if you understand Norwegian texts.
The structure of the test
Everyone who registers for the reading test starts with the same test, but not everyone gets the same tasks.
The reading test has three parts. It starts with two pre-tests. The pre-tests are short and have 7–8 tasks. The first pre-test has tasks at level A2.
Your pre-test result determines which tasks you get on the next part of the test (the next pre-test and the main test). This is to ensure that the tasks you get in the main test suit your skill level.
The main test is long and has about 20 tasks. Task difficulty depends on the results of your pre-tests.
The main test is taken at one of three different levels:
- A1–A2 (the easiest level)
- A2–B1 (medium level)
- B1–B2 (hard level)
The figure below shows that you start on the first pre-test, before moving on to one of two pre-tests, and finally on to one of three possible main tests.
The test lasts 75 minutes
You have 75 minutes to complete the whole reading test. This means that you can spend less than 75 minutes (1 hour and 15 minutes) on the test, but no more than 75 minutes.
Use your time well
The tasks that suit your level are the most important ones. Make sure you have enough time for these tasks.
The pre-tests will have some tasks that are too hard for you. Do not spend a lot of time on difficult tasks in the pre-tests. 10 to 15 minutes should be enough time for a pre-test. Answer as best you can, and then go on, so that you get enough time to answer the tasks in the main test.
It is ok to answer even if you are uncertain about your answer. You will receive 0 points if you do not answer, or if you give the wrong answer.
There are easy and difficult tasks throughout the whole test. If a task is too difficult for you, you should move on to the next. You can go back to difficult tasks later if you have time.
Read the question first
It is important to adapt your reading to each task to save time. Read the question and options before you read the text, so that you know what to look for in the text.
You might not have to read the text very carefully to answer the question correctly, but it is always a good thing to read the question slowly and carefully.
The test covers several levels
The main test has tasks at two different levels. That is why some candidates will think that the test is easy, while others will find it hard.
How hard the tasks seem to you, does not necessarily tell you anything about your test result.
Pre-test 1 and 2A have tasks at A2 level, and the main test at level A1-A2 has mostly tasks at A1 level. This is why the candidates at a lower level will get difficult tasks at the start of the test, and easier tasks (which better suit their level) at the end of the test.
If you spend too much time on the tasks in the pre-tests, you might end up with a main test that is too difficult for you. You will probably get the right result anyway, but you will not get the tasks that best suit your level, and you will find the test frustrating and very hard.
The result reflects your skill level
Everyone who takes the reading test will get a result that reflects their Norwegian reading skills level. There are five possible reading test results:
- Under A1 (below A1)
- A1
- A2
- B1
- B2
You need B2 for university study
Level B2 in reading is the requirement for admisstion to university or university college (høyskole).
If you are not able to finish the reading test within the allotted time, you are not at B2 level, and you would probably struggle with the reading you have to do for a university course.