Samfunnskunnskapsprøven in Russian 2026: how to take it

The Samfunnskunnskapsprøven (Social Studies Test) in Russian is available to everyone taking the test in Norway. You choose your language on test day, not when you register. The test is available in 23 languages, and Russian is one of them. For those applying for a permanent residence permit, this is a straightforward way to demonstrate knowledge of Norwegian society — without needing to have perfect Norwegian skills yet. Russian is one of the most widely chosen languages on the test. In this guide we explain how to register, what happens on test day, what the test covers, what rules apply for residence and citizenship, and how to prepare most effectively.

How to choose Russian as your test language

You do not need to do anything special to take Samfunnskunnskapsprøven (Social Studies Test) in Russian. When you register through your test centre, you do not choose a language at registration. The language choice happens only when you are sitting in front of the computer on test day. You click on Russian in a menu, and all 38 questions appear in Russian.

HK-dir (Directorate for Higher Education) uses state-authorised translators who are native Russian speakers. Two independent translators verify each translation. Norwegian institutional names such as NAV and NOKUT appear in parentheses in Norwegian, even in the Russian version.

Please note that Russian does not have an audio file. Audio files are available only for ten languages, including Arabic, Dari, English, and French. This means you must read the questions yourself on the screen. If you have reduced vision or other needs, you can apply to the test centre for an adapted test. It is also possible to apply for an interpreter for languages not available in the test — but since Russian is already available, this is rarely relevant.

Many Russian speakers in Norway are unsure whether the translation is reliable enough. HK-dir states that all translators are native Russian speakers and that two translators always cross-check each other. Terms that are difficult to translate directly, such as "likestilling" (gender equality) or "foreldrepermisjon" (parental leave), are explained with context in the Russian version.

Practical tip: Practise with questions in digital format before test day so you are comfortable reading on screen under time pressure.

What the exam covers and how much time you have

Samfunnskunnskapsprøven (Social Studies Test) has 38 multiple-choice questions. Each question has three answer options, and only one is correct. You need at least 26 correct answers to pass. The time limit is 60 minutes.

The curriculum is the same regardless of language. The questions cover topics from the social studies curriculum for adult immigrants. This means you need to know something about Norwegian history, the political system, the healthcare system, school, working life, children's rights, and laws that apply in Norway.

Everything you need to study can be found at samfunnskunnskap.no, which is the official learning resource from HK-dir. The website covers the entire curriculum and is available in several languages. Also read our guide on preparing for Samfunnskunnskapsprøven for a practical study plan.

The questions are not sorted by topic, so you may get a question about Stortinget followed by a question about the child welfare service. The order is random, and there may be questions on everything from NAV and social security schemes to Norway's National Day and Grunnloven. Work through all topics systematically beforehand so you are not caught off guard.

The Russian version contains exactly the same questions as all other languages. The only difference is that the text is translated. If you have practised in Russian and switch to Norwegian on test day, you will encounter different phrasing — but the same content. Some candidates find the Russian translation more precise than the Norwegian original, because it is written for people who do not know Norwegian.

Practical tip: Start with the topics you are least familiar with, and use the last few days before the test to review everything.

Permanent residence: why Russian is a valid test language

If you are applying for a permanent residence permit in Norway, a passed Samfunnskunnskapsprøven (Social Studies Test) is one of the requirements. You can take the test in a language you understand well — and Russian is a valid choice. In addition, you must document spoken Norwegian at a minimum A1 level, but that is a separate test.

UDI (Norwegian Directorate of Immigration) determines which requirements apply to you. Always check the decision you have received from UDI to find out exactly which test you need. Some people have the right and obligation to attend social studies instruction through the introduction programme, in which case the municipality will assist with registration.

Many Russian speakers choose to take Samfunnskunnskapsprøven (Social Studies Test) in Russian first to secure permanent residence, and then take Statsborgerprøven in Norwegian once their Norwegian skills are stronger. This is a common and sensible strategy. Nothing is lost by taking the test in Russian first — it remains valid for residence even if you later take a new test in Norwegian.

Remember that a permanent residence permit also requires that you have lived in Norway for a certain period and meet other conditions. The Samfunnskunnskapsprøven (Social Studies Test) is just one part of the application. Check UDI's website for a complete overview of the requirements that apply to your situation.

Practical tip: Take the test in Russian early in the process so you have it ready when you submit your application for permanent residence.

Citizenship requires the test in Norwegian

Here is the most important distinction: Samfunnskunnskapsprøven (Social Studies Test) in Russian does not count towards Norwegian citizenship. If you want to become a Norwegian citizen, you must pass either Samfunnskunnskapsprøven (Social Studies Test) in Norwegian or Statsborgerprøven. Statsborgerprøven covers the same curriculum but the questions are written in simpler Norwegian (A2 level). This makes it more accessible if you are still working on learning the language.

In addition to social studies knowledge, citizenship requires that you document spoken Norwegian at a minimum B1 level. This is a higher language requirement than for permanent residence, where the requirement is A1 spoken Norwegian.

Statsborgerprøven has 36 questions and requires 24 correct answers. The test is taken only in Norwegian bokmål or nynorsk. You can have the questions read aloud using an audio file, which can be a great help if your spoken Norwegian is stronger than your written Norwegian. Read more about the difference in our article on Statsborgerprøven versus Samfunnskunnskapsprøven.

If you have already passed Samfunnskunnskapsprøven (Social Studies Test) in Russian, you do not need to retake it for permanent residence. However, you must take a new test — either Samfunnskunnskapsprøven (Social Studies Test) in Norwegian or Statsborgerprøven — for citizenship. These are two separate goals with two separate requirements.

Practical tip: Start practising the Norwegian version of the curriculum at the same time as you work on your Norwegian language test, so you avoid doubling your workload later.

How to register for the test step by step

Registration for Samfunnskunnskapsprøven (Social Studies Test) takes place through the test centre in your municipality. Most municipalities offer the test four to six times a year. Here is what to do:

• Find your test centre at prove.hkdir.no
• Register during the registration period (usually a few weeks before the test date)
• Bring valid ID on test day
• Choose Russian as your language when the test starts on screen
• Complete 38 questions within 60 minutes

You will receive your result by email approximately five weeks after the test period. The test certificate will arrive by post six to eight weeks later. If you do not pass, you can register again for the next test period. There is no limit to how many times you can take the test, but you must pay the fee each time unless you are entitled to a free test.

Some people live far from the test centre in their own municipality. You can take the test in another municipality, but you must contact that test centre directly and ask whether there are available places. Send an email with your full name, phone number, and which test you wish to take.

Bring valid ID — a passport or national ID card. A Norwegian driving licence is usually not accepted as ID at the test. Check with your test centre in advance if you are unsure.

If you are enrolled in municipal education, you are likely entitled to one free test. Ask your adult education programme about this. Read our guide on registration and test dates for updated deadlines.

Practical tip: Register early in the registration period — popular test centres can fill up quickly.