You register for the samfunnskunnskapsprøven through the registration portal of HK-dir, where you choose county and exam location. The exam costs between 500 and 1300 kroner – the municipality sets the price – but is free once if you have the right and duty to civic knowledge training. Here is everything you need to register correctly.
How to register step by step
- Go to the registration portal for exams in Norwegian and civic knowledge at prove.hkdir.no.
- Select the samfunnskunnskapsprøven and then your county.
- See which exam locations have available exams, and when exams are held in your municipality.
- Choose date and location, and complete the registration. If you are paying yourself, you do it in the portal.
- You receive a confirmation with time, location and practical information.
Register in good time – popular exam locations can fill up, and dates vary from place to place.
What does the samfunnskunnskapsprøven cost in 2026?
The municipality sets the price, and it can range from 500 to 1300 kroner. You find the exact price for each exam location in the registration portal. If you have the right and duty to civic knowledge training, you can take the exam free once. If you fail and want to take the exam again, you must usually pay yourself for the next attempts. The price for the statsborgerprøven is set in the same way.
Who can take the exam for free?
You can take the samfunnskunnskapsprøven free once if you are in the target group with the right and duty to Norwegian and civic knowledge training. This applies to many refugees, family-reunited persons and others with residence permits that provide grounds for permanent residence. If you are unsure whether you have the right and duty, your municipality or adult education can answer you. If you don't have the right and duty, you register and pay yourself.
Find an exam location near you
The samfunnskunnskapsprøven is held at approved exam locations – often municipal adult education centers. In the registration portal you choose county and see all exam locations with available dates nearby. The exam is digital and taken on a computer at the exam location, not from home. The exam itself is the same regardless of where in the country you take it.
Deadlines and exam periods
There is no common, national registration deadline for the entire country. Each exam location sets up its own exam dates throughout the year, and registration closes a few days before each exam. Therefore, it is worthwhile to check the portal early and register as soon as you find a date that suits you. If you need to pass the exam before an application deadline – for example for permanent residence permit or citizenship – you should register in good time, so that you have a chance for another attempt if you don't pass the first time.
Can you register for the statsborgerprøven in the same place?
Yes. You use the same registration portal for the statsborgerprøven, and you select the exam in the same way. The difference is that the statsborgerprøven is only available in Norwegian and is only used for citizenship, while the samfunnskunnskapsprøven can be taken in many languages and is also required for permanent residence permit. Choose the exam based on what you need it for and in which language you want to answer.
What happens after you register?
When the registration is confirmed, you receive time, location and practical information. Arrive in good time on the exam day with valid ID. The exam lasts a maximum of 60 minutes, and you usually find out whether you passed shortly after. You find the result and exam certificate digitally, and you can use it as documentation when you apply for residence or citizenship. If you don't pass, you simply register again for a new date.
This you must have ready before you register
- Valid, physical identification (passport, driver's license, national ID card or other approved ID) – you must show ID on the exam day.
- The right exam for your purpose. If you only want to document civic knowledge, the samfunnskunnskapsprøven is sufficient; for citizenship you can choose the statsborgerprøven instead. See the difference between the exams.
- Overview of format and topic, so you know what to expect. Read the guide about format, time and questions.
- Any need for accommodations – if you have dyslexia or a health condition, request an adapted exam in good time before registration.
Practice before you register
Preferably register only when you feel ready. On SamfunnPrep you can practice free with hundreds of questions from the curriculum and take a full timed exam simulation, so you know you are ready to pass. This way you use your free attempt as best as possible. If you want to see what the tasks look like, you can start with some practice questions with answers, and then practice further on SamfunnPrep.
Ready to practice? Try SamfunnPrep free and test yourself before exam day.
