Norwegian language test A1-B2
Read about the test
The Norwegian language test has four parts. They measure how well you speak and write Norwegian, and how well you can understand written and spoken Norwegian.
The Norwegian language test has four parts
The test has four separate parts. These are: reading test, listening test, writing test and oral test (speaking).
You take the reading test, the listening test and the writing test on a computer (PC). These tests are usually on the same day.
When you register for the writing test and the oral test, you must choose a level.
- The reading test measures how well you understand Norwegian texts.
Read more about the reading test. - The listening test measures how well you understand spoken Norwegian (listening to people talking).
Read more about the listening test. - The writing test measures how well you write Norwegian. When you register for the test, you must choose your level. You cannot achieve a higher result than the level you register for.
Read more about the writing test. - The oral test measures how well you speak Norwegian. When you register for the test, you must choose your level. The test has one conversation part and one individual part. You take the with another candidate (another student/person taking the same test).
Read more about the oral test.
Most test centres offer the Norwegian language test four times a year. You decide which parts to take. You can take all four parts, or you can take one, two or three parts. You can retake one or more parts later if you want to improve your result.
The test measures your skill level
There is no curriculum for the Norwegian test. That means that you do not have to read particular textbooks or know particular facts. Everyone should have the same chance to do well on the test, whether you have attended a Norwegian course or not.
The test measures if you can use the Norwegian language in ways you need in daily life, in school or at work. The test does not measure factual knowledge.
What is tested is your ability to use the language to understand what you hear and read, and to express yourself in speech and writing.
On the Norwegian language test, A1 is the lowest skill level and B2 is the highest skill level. Read more about all skill levels, what they mean and what level you need to study, work or gain citizenship in Norway.
The rater sets the result of the test
On the writing test and the oral test, raters will assess your test and set your result. The raters are teachers with a lot of experience of teaching and assessment in Norwegian as a second language for adults.
On the writing test, your text will be sent electronically to the at least two raters.
On the oral test, a rater will be present in the room to listen to your spoken Norwegian. An examiner will also be present. The examiner will be a person from the test centre who will ask you the questions.
Both the rater and the examiner have been trained and have experience in assessing these tests.
There are no raters for the reading and listening tests. These tests are automatically assessed electronically.
All results are announced at the same time
The results for all four parts of the test are available at the same time. You will receive the results of your after a few weeks. Read more about the results of the Norwegian language test.
You have the right to appeal the result on the writing test. When you appeal, your new result may be lower, the same or higher than the first. You cannot appeal a second time Read more about appeal for the Norwegian language test.
Rights and obligations
The test can be adapted or accommodated in various ways. Accommodations could include, for example, extra time or being allowed to sit in a separate room when taking the test.
You must contact your test centre as soon as possible, and no later than three days after registering for the test.
You are not allowed to use any notes, internet pages, or electronic aids during the test. If you use or try to use these, it is considered cheating.
The following are some examples of cheating:
- Using false ID
- Using or bringing electronic devices, smart glasses, smart watches or mobile phones
- Using web pages or computer programs other than the test application (e.g. Word, Notepad)
- Using a dictionary or notes brought to the test centre
- Communicating with anyone other than test centre employees during the test
- Copying or memorizing answers or texts from others, and using them in your own answer (plagiarism)
- Pasting text into the Norwegian language writing test (this will automatically count as cheating)
Cheating and attempted cheating can have the following consequences:
- You will be told to leave the premises
- You will not get a test certificate
- You must wait one year to resit
- You will have to pay to retake the test
Cheating may 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 appeal this decision. Read more about appealing.
The texts you write on the writing test must be your own work. Copying and plagiarism are considered cheating and are not allowed.
Plagiarism is using all or part of someone else's text, for example, from the internet, textbooks or from other students, and passing it off as one's own work.
This also applies if you have learned such texts by heart and use them in your test.
Forging your test certificate is considered document forgery and can lead to prosecution.