You want to register for Samfunnskunnskapsprøven (Social Studies Test) but are not quite sure where to start? Registration takes place digitally via prove.hkdir.no, and the whole process takes only a few minutes. You choose a test centre, a date and pay — done. This guide shows you exactly how to register, what it costs, and which test centres are available in 2026. You will also get tips on what to check before clicking "confirm". Whether you are applying for a permanent residence permit or citizenship, everything starts with registering for the right test at the right time.
How to register for the test step by step
All registration for Samfunnskunnskapsprøven (Social Studies Test) takes place via the website prove.hkdir.no. HK-dir (Directorate for Higher Education) administers the test at a national level. You need BankID or MinID to log in.
Once you are logged in, select "samfunnskunnskapsprøven" and find a test centre near you. You will see available dates and can choose the one that suits you. You then fill in your contact details and choose a payment method.
Complete the entire registration in one session. You are not registered until you have received confirmation by SMS and email. Make sure you have entered the correct phone number and email address, otherwise you risk missing important information about the test day.
You cannot register for the same test twice in the same test period. Also read our guide on the format and content of Samfunnskunnskapsprøven to know what to expect. Tip: Register early in the registration period — popular test centres fill up quickly.
How much does Samfunnskunnskapsprøven cost in 2026?
The price of Samfunnskunnskapsprøven (Social Studies Test) varies between municipalities. In most places the test costs between 620 and 1,100 kroner. In Oslo the price is 1,100 kroner, while smaller municipalities often charge around 620–1,000 kroner.
If you have the right and obligation to 75 hours of social studies education under the Integration Act, you are entitled to one free test. This entitlement applies only in your home municipality. If you wish to take the test in another municipality, you must pay yourself — even if you would otherwise have been entitled to a free test.
Registration is binding regardless. If you do not show up, you will not get your money back. If you fall ill on the test day, you must send a medical certificate to the test centre within 7 days. You may then receive a refund or the right to a new free test.
If you are not entitled to a free test and want to retake it, you pay the full price each time. Check with your municipality or your adult education centre for the exact price before registering. Important: Contact your municipality before registering to clarify whether you are entitled to a free test.
Find test centres near you in 2026
Samfunnskunnskapsprøven (Social Studies Test) is organised by adult education centres and municipalities across Norway. Most large cities hold tests several times a month. Smaller municipalities typically offer tests four to six times a year.
You can find all available test centres and dates at prove.hkdir.no. Filter by municipality and test type to see what is available in your area.
In Oslo you can take the test at Oslo Voksenopplæring Servicesenter, which offers tests several times per month. Bergen, Trondheim, Stavanger and Tromsø all have their own adult education centres with regular test dates. If you live in a smaller municipality, it may be worth checking neighbouring municipalities for more options.
Test centres have different registration periods. Some centres open registration several months in advance, while others have shorter deadlines. Keep an eye on prove.hkdir.no for updated dates. Read our article on preparing for the test in 3 days to make good use of the waiting period. Tip: Register at a neighbouring municipality if your local test centre is full.
Registration deadlines and test periods you should know about
Tests are held in fixed periods throughout the year. There are usually test periods in winter, spring, summer and autumn. Each period has its own registration deadline, which closes a few weeks before the actual test date.
Once registration is closed, you cannot sign up — for any reason. It is therefore wise to be aware of the deadlines well in advance. For spring 2026, several municipalities had a registration deadline in January, with tests in February and March.
Results are usually sent by email approximately 5 weeks after the test period ends. The certificate is posted out after 6–8 weeks. If you are planning to apply for permanent residence or citizenship, you should factor in this waiting time.
Some municipalities do not publish all dates for 2026 at once. Check back on prove.hkdir.no regularly, or contact your local adult education centre to find out when the next test period opens. Tip: Set a reminder in your calendar two weeks before the registration deadline so you have time to register.
What you need to have ready before registering for the exam
Before you start the registration process, there are a few things you should have in place. This will save you stress and mistakes.
You need a valid electronic ID — either BankID or MinID — to log in to prove.hkdir.no. If you do not have this, you must obtain it first. Contact your bank for BankID, or order MinID via eid.difi.no.
Decide which language you want to take the test in. Samfunnskunnskapsprøven (Social Studies Test) is available in 23 languages. You choose the language on the actual test day, but it is a good idea to know this in advance so you can practise in the right language. If you are applying for citizenship, you must take the test in Norwegian Bokmål or Nynorsk.
Make sure you choose the correct test. Samfunnskunnskapsprøven (Social Studies Test) and Statsborgerprøven (Citizenship Test) are two different tests with different requirements. Read the decision from UDI (Norwegian Directorate of Immigration) to see which test you need. If you choose the wrong test, you must register again and pay again.
Have a payment card or Vipps (Norwegian payment app) available. Most test centres require payment at the time of registration. Double-check your email address and phone number — the confirmation will be sent there. Tip: Take a screenshot of the confirmation so you always have documentation available.