You can appeal the result of the writing test in Norskprøven A1–B2. For the reading, listening and oral tests, you can only appeal a formal error that may have affected the result. The deadline and recipient differ for the two appeals.
What can you appeal in Norskprøven?
You must first distinguish between an appeal of a result and an appeal concerning formal errors. A level lower than you hoped for is not itself a formal error.
| Situation | Can you appeal? | Where do you send the appeal? |
|---|---|---|
| Result in written production A1–B2 | Yes, a new academic assessment | HK-dir |
| Result in the reading test A1–B2 | No, not the assessment | Only a formal error to the test centre |
| Result in the listening test A1–B2 | No, not the assessment | Only a formal error to the test centre |
| Result in the oral test A1–B2 | No, not the assessment | Only a formal error to the test centre |
| Technical or practical error during a test | Yes, if it may have affected the result | The test centre |
| Decision on cheating | Yes | Whoever made the decision |
The rules apply to Norskprøven A1–B2. Norskprøven C1 has different result appeals. You also cannot appeal the actual result of the social-studies test or Statsborgerprøven, but you can appeal formal errors.
SamfunnPrep has a complete overview of levels and parts of Norskprøven.
Appeal of the writing-test result
Only the written-production subtest A1–B2 can receive a new academic assessment. You do not need to prove a technical error to request a reassessment.
The first text is normally assessed by two or three examiners. On appeal, it is sent to two or three new examiners. They assess the level again.
The appeal can have three outcomes:
- the same level as before
- a higher level
- a lower level
The last point is important. If you received B1, a reassessment can in principle give A2. The result after the appeal process is final. You cannot appeal the new assessment again.
If the level does not become higher, you receive information about which assessment areas prevented a higher result. These can be communication, structure, spelling, punctuation, vocabulary or grammar.
What is the deadline for a result appeal?
Use the specific date HK-dir shows for your test session, and submit early. The official texts give different general deadlines as of 25. July 2026.
HK-dir’s candidate page says the appeal deadline is always four weeks after the result is ready. The page also shows a specific date for each test session. The 2026 test regulations, at the same time, say three weeks after results are released.
This difference should not become your problem. The safest solution is:
- Check the date on Min side and HK-dir’s page for your test session.
- Take a screenshot or save the deadline information.
- Submit the appeal no later than within three weeks if you are unsure.
- Contact HK-dir or the test centre immediately if the dates are not the same.
Do not wait until the final evening. An appeal that arrives too late may be rejected.
How to submit an appeal of the writing result
A result appeal is sent to HK-dir, not to the municipality that arranged the test. HK-dir is the Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills.
You can use:
- the digital appeal form that opens when results arrive
- the appeal link on Min side
- ordinary post to HK-dir
In a letter, you must write your name and candidate number. Keep a copy and evidence of when you sent the appeal.
HK-dir states that the answer normally takes four to six weeks. It can take longer if there are many appeals. Candidates who can document an application for higher education may be entitled to rapid processing under the test regulations.
If the result changes, the test centre must send a new test certificate. Check that the new result is also shown correctly on Min side.
What is a formal error on the test day?
A formal error is something about the test administration that may have affected performance or the result. The appeal concerns conditions during the test, not the fact that tasks were difficult.
Examples may include:
- the computer or audio stopped working
- you lost substantial test time because of a technical error
- approved adaptations were not ready
- an incorrect instruction was given
- disturbance or interruption meant that the test was not conducted correctly
Write what happened, when it happened and which subtest it concerned. Explain how the error could have affected the result. Note the name of the test leader or invigilator if relevant.
If you need adaptations, you normally have to apply before the test. SamfunnPrep explains the difference between an agreed solution and an error in the guide on an adapted test.
Deadline and outcome for a formal error
An appeal concerning a formal error is sent to the test centre within three weeks after the test day. This is therefore a different deadline and recipient from an appeal of the writing result.
You may appeal in writing or orally. An oral appeal must be written down by the test centre and signed by you. A written appeal is often easier to document.
If your appeal is upheld, the test or affected subtest is annulled. You will be offered a new test without paying a new test fee. Being upheld does not automatically give a higher level, because the old test is no longer valid.
The municipality processes the appeal first. The test leader must provide a written statement about what happened. You receive information about further appeal in the response.
Can you appeal a decision on cheating?
Yes, a decision on cheating can be appealed. Read the decision letter carefully because it states the deadline and correct recipient.
If the test centre made the decision, send the appeal there. If HK-dir made the decision, send the appeal to HK-dir. If your appeal is not upheld, the case proceeds to Statsforvalteren.
Explain specifically why you believe the decision is wrong. Attach documents or information supporting the explanation. Do not send BankID codes, passwords or unnecessary personal information in ordinary email.
Appeal or take the test again?
An appeal is suitable when you believe the writing result should be reassessed, or when an error affected the test. A new test is suitable when you want to show better language on a new day.
You can register for a new test while waiting for the appeal. You must still pay. If the appeal later gives a better result and you do not want to take the new test, HK-dir says you must still pay for the registration.
Therefore consider time, cost and risk. A result appeal can go down. A formal appeal can give a free new test, but not a directly new level.
Before the next attempt, you can use the Norskprøven preparation plan. Practise especially in the area highlighted by the feedback.
Ready to practise for the Norwegian and social-studies tests? Try SamfunnPrep free and build a routine before the next test day.
