Statsborgerprøven and Samfunnskunnskapsprøven are two different exams for immigrants in Norway, but many people confuse them. One grants you the right to permanent residence, the other is linked to citizenship. The differences involve the number of questions, language options, curriculum, and who needs which test. In this guide we compare Statsborgerprøven and Samfunnskunnskapsprøven point by point. You will find out exactly which test you need in 2026, what is required to pass, and how to prepare most effectively. Already made up your mind? You can start practising right away.
Who needs to take Statsborgerprøven or Samfunnskunnskapsprøven?
Which test you need depends on what you are applying for with the immigration authorities. The rules are set by UDI (Norwegian Directorate of Immigration), and you will find the answer in your decision letter.
Samfunnskunnskapsprøven (Social Studies Test) is mandatory for most people applying for a permanent residence permit in Norway. You must have lived legally in the country for 3–5 years and passed the Norwegian language test at a minimum A2 level. The test covers Norwegian society, democracy, history, and laws. It applies regardless of which country you come from.
Statsborgerprøven (Citizenship Test) is for those applying for Norwegian citizenship. You only need it if you have not already passed Samfunnskunnskapsprøven in Norwegian. The Norwegian language requirement is higher here: B1 oral. You must also hold a permanent residence permit and have lived in Norway for 5–8 years, depending on your situation.
There is an important shortcut that many people are unaware of. If you take Samfunnskunnskapsprøven in Norwegian, it covers both requirements. You will then not need to take Statsborgerprøven later. This strategy can save you a great deal of time and stress. Read more about the requirements for permanent residence for a complete overview of all conditions.
Always check your decision letter from UDI to find out exactly which test applies to you. Do not rely on what others tell you — the rules can vary depending on your basis of residence. Some groups may also be exempt from the test requirement, for example due to age or health. UDI provides information about exemptions on their website.
Number of questions and requirements for passing
The two tests have different structures, even though both are digital multiple-choice exams with 60 minutes available. Here are the specific figures you need to know.
Statsborgerprøven has 32 questions. You must answer at least 24 of them correctly to pass. That means you need 75 per cent correct answers. The margin for error is small: you can only get 8 questions wrong in total. Each question has several answer options, and only one is correct.
Samfunnskunnskapsprøven has 38 questions in total, but only 34 of them are scored. Four questions are pilot questions that HK-dir (Directorate for Higher Education) uses to test new tasks. These do not count, but you will not know which four they are. You must answer at least 26 of the 34 scored questions correctly — approximately 76 per cent.
In practice, this means Samfunnskunnskapsprøven gives you slightly more room for error, because you have more questions in total. However, the questions may be more detailed and require you to apply knowledge in context, not just recognise facts.
Both tests cover similar topics: Norwegian history, the political system, rights, and social structure. The difference lies in the depth and difficulty level of the questions. Results are sent digitally, and you will receive an answer within a few weeks of the test date. Read our guide on the format of Samfunnskunnskapsprøven for more details about the structure.
Practise until you score at least 90 per cent correct on practice tests before registering for the real exam.
Language options for Statsborgerprøven and Samfunnskunnskapsprøven
Language is perhaps the most important difference between the two tests, and the one that affects your strategy the most.
Statsborgerprøven is only available in Norwegian. You choose between bokmål and nynorsk, but there are no other options. You therefore need sufficient Norwegian skills to fully understand the questions and answer options. If you struggle with formal Norwegian, this can be a challenge.
Samfunnskunnskapsprøven, on the other hand, can be taken in more than 20 different languages. Options include English, Arabic, Polish, Ukrainian, Spanish, French, and Somali. You choose the language on the day of the test at the test centre. In addition, you can have the questions read aloud in ten different languages, which helps if you prefer spoken support.
If you take Samfunnskunnskapsprøven in Norwegian instead of another language, you avoid Statsborgerprøven entirely. This strategy saves you time, money, and an extra exam attempt later on.
For many people, this is a decisive choice. If your Norwegian is strong enough, it is worth taking Samfunnskunnskapsprøven in Norwegian straight away. That way you cover the requirement for both permanent residence and future citizenship with a single test. You avoid having to prepare for two separate exams.
Not all languages are available at all test centres in all periods. Check which languages are offered in your test period at prove.hkdir.no before registering.
Curriculum and subject content compared
The curriculum for Statsborgerprøven and Samfunnskunnskapsprøven overlaps considerably, but they are not identical. Both tests are based on the learning material available for free at samfunnskunnskap.no.
Both tests cover Norwegian history, the political system including Stortinget (Parliament) and the government, welfare arrangements, school and education, health, working life, and basic rights. You need knowledge of the Constitution (Grunnloven), democratic values, and how Norwegian society is organised.
Statsborgerprøven has a somewhat narrower curriculum. It focuses more on Norwegian identity, democratic values, and a basic understanding of society. The questions are worded in simpler language, and you rarely need to apply knowledge to entirely new situations.
Samfunnskunnskapsprøven has a broader curriculum. It goes deeper into topics such as the Integration Act, children's rights, gender equality, and the rules of working life. The questions can be more detailed. For example, you might be asked which historical event is marked in a particular year — requiring you to connect dates and events yourself. Memorising facts alone is not enough.
The official curriculum for both tests can be found at samfunnskunnskap.no, which is the free learning resource from HK-dir. Start with the curriculum and read it thoroughly. Then use practice tests to test yourself and identify weak areas.
Focus on understanding connections and applying knowledge, not just memorising individual facts.
How to choose the right test for your situation
The choice between Statsborgerprøven and Samfunnskunnskapsprøven comes down to two things: what you are applying for, and how well you know Norwegian.
If you are applying for a permanent residence permit, you must take Samfunnskunnskapsprøven. There is no way around it, and this requirement applies to the vast majority of applicants. You can take it in a language you are comfortable with, which makes preparation easier for many candidates.
If you are applying for citizenship, you need Statsborgerprøven — unless you have already passed Samfunnskunnskapsprøven in Norwegian. Check your decision letter from UDI carefully. It states precisely which test is required of you.
Are you planning to apply for permanent residence first and citizenship later? Then the smartest strategy is to take Samfunnskunnskapsprøven in Norwegian right away. You fulfil both requirements with one test, saving both time and the 1,000-kroner fee for an extra exam. Many people regret not having chosen this approach from the start.
Is your Norwegian not yet strong enough? Then take Samfunnskunnskapsprøven in your mother tongue to secure permanent residence. You can then take Statsborgerprøven in Norwegian later, once you have reached B1 oral level. This two-step approach is entirely normal and works well.
Regardless of which test you choose: start preparing at least 30 days before the test date, and practise with realistic questions that resemble the real exam. Good preparation is the best investment you can make for your future in Norway.