Do you have dyslexia, reduced vision, or another disability? If so, you have the right to apply for an adapted Samfunnskunnskapsprøven (Social Studies Test). Accommodation may mean extra time, a separate room, or questions being read aloud. The scheme exists to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge of Norwegian society. In this guide we explain who can apply, what documentation you need, and how to proceed step by step. You will also find practical tips on how to prepare for the adapted test. The goal is that you feel confident on test day.
Who is entitled to accommodation on the exam?
The adapted test is available to candidates who have documented challenges that affect their ability to complete the test. According to HK-dir (Directorate for Higher Education), this includes people with dyslexia, speech difficulties, visual impairment, hearing impairment, trauma-related conditions, and other physical or mental disabilities.
You do not need to have a Norwegian diagnosis beforehand. Documentation from your home country can also be used, but it should be translated into Norwegian or English. What matters most is that a qualified professional confirms that you have a condition that makes it difficult to complete the test under standard conditions.
The scheme applies to both Samfunnskunnskapsprøven (Social Studies Test) and Statsborgerprøven. It does not matter whether you take the test as a private candidate or through adult education. All candidates with documented needs can apply.
Dyslexia is the most common reason people apply for special arrangements. However, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain can also qualify. Speak to your doctor if you are unsure whether you are eligible. The first step is always to contact your test centre.
How to apply for an adapted test — step by step
The application process is straightforward, but you must respect a short deadline. You must apply to your test centre no later than three working days after the registration deadline. If you apply too late, you may lose the right to accommodation for that particular test date.
Here is how to proceed: First, register for the test at prove.hkdir.no. Then contact the test centre in your municipality and request special arrangements. Submit a written application with your documentation attached.
The documentation must be a statement from a doctor, psychologist, educational and psychological counselling service (PP-tjeneste), or speech therapist. It must describe your diagnosis and explain how it affects your ability to complete a written, digital test. General medical certificates without a specific description of your functional level are often not sufficient.
The test centre will process your application and inform you of the decision. If your application is approved, you will be registered via a separate form in the system. You do not need to do anything more once your application has been approved. Also read our guide on the format of Samfunnskunnskapsprøven to understand what the test contains. Apply as early as possible — do not wait until the last day.
What adjustments can you receive on test day?
There are several forms of accommodation, and the test centre will assess which ones suit your situation. The most common adjustments are extended time, a separate room, and the use of assistive tools such as a screen reader or refreshable Braille display.
You can adjust the font size in your browser without applying. This counts as a local adjustment, not formal accommodation, and is available to all candidates on test day.
For candidates with dyslexia, extended time is the most important adjustment. The test normally has a 60-minute time limit for 38 questions. With extended time you have more room to read each question carefully. The questions are also available with audio files in 10 languages, which can help you understand the tasks better.
In exceptional cases you may take the test orally. This means that an invigilator reads the questions aloud and you answer verbally. Oral completion requires a separate application and is only granted when other adjustments are not sufficient.
Some candidates are allowed to use an interpreter if the test is not available in a language they understand well enough. This is assessed by the test centre. Clarify what adjustments you need before applying, so that your documentation covers the right requirements.
Preparing for the test with dyslexia or reading difficulties
Samfunnskunnskapsprøven (Social Studies Test) has 38 multiple-choice questions with three answer options each. You need at least 26 correct answers to pass. With good preparation and accommodation, this is achievable even if you have reading difficulties.
Use audio files when you practise. The demo test at prove.hkdir.no lets you try the question types and the audio function in advance. Practise under realistic conditions: sit at a computer, use headphones, and set a time limit. This way you get used to the format.
Focus on learning the curriculum through listening. You can listen to SamfunnPrep's practice questions or use text-to-speech tools to go through the curriculum. Many people with dyslexia learn better through audio than text. Consider combining listening with brief notes in bullet-point form.
Make a plan for the final weeks before the test. Divide the curriculum into topics such as Stortinget and democracy, health, school, and working life. Practise one topic at a time and review each topic at least twice. Also read about permanent residence permit requirements to understand the connection between the test and the application process. Start preparing at least four weeks before the test date.
Your rights as a candidate with a disability
The right to accommodation is regulated by the regulations under the Integration Act § 25. The test centre cannot refuse you the right to apply, and they must process your application individually. You are entitled to a written response.
If you feel that the test centre is not taking your application seriously, you can contact HK-dir (Directorate for Higher Education), which is responsible for the tests at the national level. They can advise you on your rights. You can also request to lodge a complaint if you believe a formal error occurred during the test.
The deadline for complaining about formal errors is three weeks after the test date. A formal error might be, for example, that you did not receive the accommodation that was approved, or that technical problems arose. You cannot appeal the actual result of Samfunnskunnskapsprøven (Social Studies Test).
It is important to know that accommodation does not make the test easier. You receive the same questions as everyone else. Accommodation is about ensuring that you can demonstrate your knowledge without your disability getting in the way. Keep all letters and decisions you receive — you may need them if you have to make a complaint.