How many people take the Samfunnskunnskapsprøven (Social Studies Test) in Norway each year, and what proportion passes? Statistics from the Samfunnskunnskapsprøven show that tens of thousands of candidates complete the test annually. Figures from HK-dir (Directorate for Higher Education) paint a clear picture of who takes the test, which languages they choose, and how the pass rate has developed over time. Knowing the statistics can help you prepare more effectively. When you know that the vast majority of people who prepare properly do pass, it can provide motivation and confidence. Below, we review updated figures, compare with the Statsborgerprøven, look at language choices and trends, and give you concrete tips based on what the results actually show.
Statistics on the number of candidates each year
The Samfunnskunnskapsprøven is one of the most widely taken official tests for immigrants in Norway. In 2018, more than 17,600 candidates completed the test nationwide, according to figures from what was then Kompetanse Norge (now HK-dir). The number has remained stable in recent years, with a slight increase after the Integration Act of 2021 tightened requirements for training and documentation.
By comparison, around 5,100 people took the Statsborgerprøven in 2024, and almost 6,000 in 2025. The Samfunnskunnskapsprøven has far more candidates because it applies to everyone applying for permanent residence — not just citizenship. Many candidates also take the test more than once, which means the number of sittings is higher than the number of unique individuals.
The figures vary considerably from municipality to municipality. Oslo has by far the most candidates, followed by Bergen, Trondheim, and Stavanger. Smaller municipalities may have only a few dozen candidates per year. Some municipalities hold the test every month, while others only offer it a few times per half-year. You can find detailed statistics broken down by municipality and language in HK-dir's statistics database.
It is worth noting that some test centres do not hold the test every month. Trondheim, for example, does not arrange the Samfunnskunnskapsprøven in May, July, August, or December in 2026. Always check the test calendar for your location early.
Tip: Register well in advance. Popular test centres in large cities often have waiting lists, especially in the months before summer.
Pass rates and results in recent years
The pass rate for the Samfunnskunnskapsprøven has risen steadily. In 2017, 79 percent of candidates passed. The following year, the proportion increased to 84 percent. The government's target is for 90 percent of all participants to pass, and the trend is moving in the right direction.
For the Statsborgerprøven — which covers almost the same curriculum — the pass rate is even higher. In 2024, 92.5 percent of the just over 5,100 candidates passed. In 2025, the figure was 92.4 percent of almost 6,000 candidates. This stability shows that the test is predictable and that thorough preparation pays off.
The difference between the two tests can partly be explained by the composition of the candidate groups. The Statsborgerprøven is only taken in Norwegian, and candidates have often lived in Norway longer and completed more training. The Samfunnskunnskapsprøven has broader participation with many different language groups, varying lengths of residency, and different educational backgrounds. This means that the pass rate for the Samfunnskunnskapsprøven reflects a more mixed group of candidates.
There are also variations between counties and municipalities. Some municipalities have pass rates well above the national average, while others are lower. The reasons can range from the quality of local instruction to the composition of the candidate group.
Read more about the difference between the Statsborgerprøven and the Samfunnskunnskapsprøven to find out which test you need to take.
Tip: You need 26 out of 38 correct answers to pass — that is approximately 68 percent. With good preparation, this is a realistic goal for the vast majority of candidates.
Which languages candidates choose for the exam
An important part of the statistics concerns language choice. The Samfunnskunnskapsprøven can be taken in 23 different languages, which makes it unique among Norwegian official tests. In 2018, more than half of candidates chose to take the test in Norwegian, according to HK-dir. This was a clear increase from previous years, and the trend has continued.
If you take the Samfunnskunnskapsprøven (Social Studies Test) in a language other than Norwegian, the result is only valid for a permanent residence permit. For citizenship, you must take the test in Norwegian or choose the Statsborgerprøven.
The most popular languages after Norwegian are English, Arabic, Tigrinya, and Somali. Pass rates vary between language groups. Candidates who take the test in Norwegian generally have a higher pass rate because they have typically completed more Norwegian language training and have lived in the country longer.
Your language choice does not affect the content of the test — the questions are the same regardless of language. The only difference is which language you read the questions in. You can also have the questions read aloud as an audio file in one of 10 languages, which can help if you are stronger orally than in writing.
Many candidates use a strategy of first taking the test in their native language to secure permanent residence, and then taking it in Norwegian to qualify for citizenship. This approach can be sensible if you want to secure a passed result quickly but plan to apply for citizenship later.
Tip: Choose the language you understand best. You can always retake the test in Norwegian if you need it for citizenship later.
What the statistics tell us about preparation and test results
Figures from HK-dir (Directorate for Higher Education) show a clear link between preparation and results. Candidates who have followed instruction in social studies — either 75 hours arranged by the municipality or through self-study — have a significantly higher pass rate than those who show up without systematic preparation.
The curriculum is available for free at samfunnskunnskap.no, which covers the entire knowledge base for the test. Topics range from Norwegian history and the political system to health, education, working life, and rights. In addition, HK-dir offers free practice questions at prove.hkdir.no where you can practise with question types similar to the real test.
Many candidates take the test more than once. Statistics do not always distinguish between first-time candidates and those retaking the test. This means that the actual pass rate for a first attempt may be somewhat lower than the overall figures show. At the same time, it means that candidates who fail often succeed on their next attempt after more focused studying.
The Integration Act entitles you to 75 hours of instruction in social studies. This instruction is provided by your municipality and is free of charge for those who have the right and obligation to attend. Research shows that those who complete the full course have significantly better results than those who skip parts of the training.
Read our guide on how to prepare for the Samfunnskunnskapsprøven for a concrete plan.
Tip: Use the practice questions from HK-dir as a mini-test. If you can answer 30 out of 38 correctly, you are well prepared for the real test.
How to use the statistics to pass the test
Statistics from the Samfunnskunnskapsprøven are not just interesting reading — they can help you prepare more effectively. When you know that the pass rate is around 84–92 percent, you also know that the vast majority succeed with the right effort. That should give you confidence.
Focus on the topics that cover the most questions. The test covers Norwegian history, the political system, health, education, working life, children's rights, and democracy. HK-dir does not publish exactly how many questions each topic has, but the curriculum at samfunnskunnskap.no gives a clear picture of what you should prioritise. Topics such as Stortinget, the welfare state, and the Integration Act come up frequently.
Use the 60 minutes wisely. With 38 questions, you have an average of 1.5 minutes per question. Candidates who fail often spend too long on difficult questions early in the test. A better strategy is to answer what you can first, and then go back to the harder questions afterwards.
Remember that the statistics include everyone — including those who show up unprepared or take the test too early in their training. Those who put in 10–15 hours of focused preparation have, in practice, a very high chance of passing on the first attempt. Statistics from the Samfunnskunnskapsprøven show that the test is designed to be passed — not to weed out candidates.
Tip: Set aside at least two weeks for preparation. Read the curriculum once, do practice questions, and review the topics you find most challenging.