# Social studies test in Arabic: rules and language choice

You can take the social studies test in Arabic and use audio. See how to choose the language, the test format and the rules for residence and citizenship.

Canonical: https://samfunnprep.no/en/articles/eksamen-arabisk-spraak
Language: en
Publisher: SamfunnPrep
Author: Hlib Suslov
Published: 2026-07-08T18:20:21.038+00:00
Modified: 2026-10-13T22:16:42.933646+00:00
AI use policy: https://samfunnprep.no/ai-policy.txt

## Key takeaways

- Choose Arabic on the test day You do not need to choose a language when you register. Arabic text and recorded audio are available in the test system.
- The format is the same The test has 38 questions, 34 scored questions, a requirement of 26 correct answers and a limit of 60 minutes.
- Residence and citizenship have different language rules Arabic can be used for permanent residence, but citizenship requires the citizenship test or the social studies test in Norwegian.

You can take the social studies test in Arabic. You choose the language on the computer when the test starts at the test centre. Arabic is also one of the languages with an audio recording, so you can have the questions read aloud.

A passed test in Arabic can meet the social studies requirement for a permanent residence permit. It does not by itself meet the social studies requirement for Norwegian citizenship. For citizenship, the test must normally be in Norwegian, or you must take the citizenship test.

## How to choose Arabic

You do not need to choose a language when you register. On the test day, choose Arabic on the screen before you begin.

The test centre gives you a computer. You cannot take the test at home or on your own computer.

Before the test, tell the test supervisor if you need help with the technical system. The supervisor can explain how to use the system, but cannot explain words or help you with the answers.

Do you first need to find a place and date? Read [how to register for the social studies test](https://samfunnprep.no/en/articles/melde-seg-pa-proven).

## Arabic text and audio

The social studies test is available in 23 languages. Arabic is one of them.

Ten languages also have recorded audio:

- Arabic
- Dari
- English
- French
- Norwegian Bokmål and Nynorsk
- Pashto
- Somali
- Sorani
- Tigrinya
- Urdu

You can therefore read the Arabic text and listen to the questions. The audio is a tool inside the test system and is allowed.

HK-dir uses qualified translators and two translators for each language for quality assurance. Norwegian names of institutions may appear in Norwegian in brackets. For example, you may see names such as Nav or UDI together with the translation.

## The test format is the same in every language

The language does not change the number of questions or the score needed to pass.

| Part | Social studies test |
|---|---:|
| Total questions | 38 |
| Questions that give points | 34 |
| Trial questions that do not give points | 4 |
| Correct answers needed to pass | At least 26 |
| Maximum time | 60 minutes |

Most questions have three answer choices, and only one answer is correct. There are also picture questions where you mark the correct place.

You do not know which four questions do not count. Therefore, answer every question.

See a more detailed explanation in the [guide to the test format](https://samfunnprep.no/en/articles/samfunnskunnskapsproven-format).

## What do you need to know?

The test is based on the social studies curriculum for adult immigrants. The official learning resource is samfunnskunnskap.no.

The subjects are grouped into three main areas:

- education, skills and working life
- family, health and everyday life
- Norway in the past and present

First, study in a language you understand well. At the same time, learn important Norwegian words used in daily life, such as municipality, tax, employment contract, regular doctor and the Storting.

Nobody can know the real questions in advance. The official questions are not public. Use the curriculum and original practice questions, not websites that promise the real answers.

## Does the Arabic test count for permanent residence?

For many applicants between the ages of 18 and 67, the answer is yes.

UDI states that the normal test requirements for permanent residence are:

- a passed oral Norwegian test at a minimum of level A2
- a passed social studies test in a language you understand

Arabic can be this language. You must still meet the other requirements for permanent residence, and some people may be exempt from the tests.

The rules changed on 1 September 2025. Passing the tests is now central; completing tuition alone is not the same as passing a test.

## Does the Arabic test count for citizenship?

A social studies test in Arabic is **not enough by itself** to meet the requirement for knowledge of society for Norwegian citizenship.

For citizenship, you must normally have passed one of these options:

1. the citizenship test in Norwegian, Bokmål or Nynorsk
2. the social studies test in Norwegian

In addition, the main rule for applicants between the ages of 18 and 67 is a passed oral Norwegian test at level B1. UDI describes separate exemptions and some groups with a different language requirement.

| Your goal | Can the Arabic test be used? |
|---|---|
| Permanent residence | Yes, normally as a social studies test in a language you understand |
| Norwegian citizenship when you already have permanent residence | No, not by itself; take the citizenship test or the social studies test in Norwegian |
| Citizenship without permanent residence | Arabic can meet the permanent-residence part, but you may also need the citizenship test or the social studies test in Norwegian |

The last situation is easy to misunderstand. UDI then assesses both the citizenship requirements and the requirements that you would otherwise have had to meet for permanent residence. A passed social studies test in Norwegian can meet both knowledge requirements. Another option may be the citizenship test in Norwegian together with the social studies test in Arabic.

Read about [the difference between the social studies test and the citizenship test](https://samfunnprep.no/en/articles/statsborgerproven-vs-samfunnskunnskap), and check your own situation with UDI.

## On the test day

Bring valid physical identification. The ID number must be the same as the one used when you were registered.

You cannot use:

- a phone or smartwatch
- your own notes
- a dictionary
- other websites
- help from other people

You can use the audio recording included in the test. It is part of the approved test system.

If you need extra time or a separate room, you must apply to the test centre for accommodations. HK-dir says that you must contact the test centre quickly and no later than three days after registration.

## Result and test certificate

The result arrives two to four weeks after the test. You can see it on My page. If you pass, the test centre sends you a test certificate.

If a Norwegian national identity number is registered in the test system, you can also view and share the result in Vitnemålsportalen.

Keep the test certificate. It documents your result, but UDI decides whether the result meets the requirement in your specific application.

## How to practise in Arabic

Start with the official curriculum. Study one subject at a time and write down important words in Arabic and Norwegian.

SamfunnPrep has original practice questions in Arabic and Norwegian. You can use them to check your understanding. SamfunnPrep does not have access to the secret exam questions.

Practise with a time limit, read all three answer choices and use the audio when you need it. [Take a free test](https://samfunnprep.no/register) when you want to check your level.

## FAQ

### Can I take the social studies test in Arabic?

Yes. Arabic is one of 23 test languages. You choose Arabic on the computer when the test starts at the test centre.

### Does the Arabic test have audio?

Yes. Arabic is one of ten languages with recorded audio. You can read the text and have the questions read aloud in the test system.

### Is the test format different in Arabic?

No. You receive 38 questions, but 34 give points. You need at least 26 correct answers and have a maximum of 60 minutes.

### Does the Arabic test count for permanent residence?

Yes, it can normally meet the requirement for a social studies test in a language you understand. You must also meet the Norwegian-language and other requirements, or have an approved exemption.

### Does the Arabic test count for Norwegian citizenship?

Not by itself. For citizenship, you must normally pass the citizenship test or the social studies test in Norwegian. UDI has separate age rules and exemptions.

### When will I receive the result?

HK-dir states that the result arrives two to four weeks after the test. You can see it on My page and receive a test certificate if you pass.

## Sources

- [Les om samfunnskunnskapsprøven](https://prove.hkdir.no/samfunnskunnskapsprove/les-om-proven-samfunnskunnskap)
- [Innhold i prøvene](https://hkdir.no/voksenopplaering/norsk-og-samfunnskunnskap/administrere-og-gjennomfore-prover/praktisk-informasjon-til-provestedene/innhold-i-provene)
- [Dette skjer på prøvedagen](https://prove.hkdir.no/nb-NO/samfunnskunnskapsprove/dette-skjer-pa-provedagen-samfunnskunnskapsprove)
- [Finn resultatet ditt](https://prove.hkdir.no/samfunnskunnskapsprove/finn-resultatet-ditt-samfunnskunnskap)
- [Krav om prøver for å få norsk statsborgerskap](https://www.udi.no/ord-og-begreper/krav-om-prover-for-a-fa-norsk-statsborgerskap/)
- [Unntak fra prøver ved søknad om permanent oppholdstillatelse](https://www.udi.no/ord-og-begreper/unntak-prover-norsk-samfunnskunnskap-permanent-oppholdstillatelse)
- [Søke om norsk statsborgerskap uten permanent oppholdstillatelse](https://www.udi.no/ord-og-begreper/soke-om-norsk-statsborgerskap-uten-permanent-oppholdstillatelse/)
- [Endringer i kravene om norsk og samfunnskunnskap for permanent oppholdstillatelse](https://udi.no/viktige-meldinger/endringer-i-kravene-om-norsk-og-samfunnskunnskap-permanent-oppholdstillatelse/)

Citation: Hlib Suslov, "Social studies test in Arabic: rules and language choice", SamfunnPrep, 2026-07-08T18:20:21.038+00:00, https://samfunnprep.no/en/articles/eksamen-arabisk-spraak