Many candidates ask whether they need a specific textbook for the Samfunnskunnskapsprøven. The safest answer in 2026 is to start with the official free learning resource samfunnskunnskap.no, which HK-dir points candidates to. Books such as "Ny i Norge" can still be useful as supplements, but old book titles should not be treated as the official curriculum source.
Is "Ny i Norge" the curriculum for the exam?
"Ny i Norge" (New in Norway) is a textbook used by some learners and course providers. It covers topics such as democracy, health, school, working life and rights in Norway. That does not make it the official test curriculum by itself. For current preparation, use HK-dir's official test information and samfunnskunnskap.no as the baseline.
Textbooks are usually divided into chapters that follow social-studies topics — for example, how Stortinget works or what NAV offers. This means that textbook content can overlap with the test, but the test is not tied to one specific commercial book.
That said, the exam is not a book quiz. The test measures understanding, not memorisation. You do not need to remember page numbers or exact phrasings. What matters is that you understand the core principles behind each topic. A good textbook can give you a foundation, but understanding is what determines whether you pass.
Practical tip: Check the date and edition before using any book. Older editions may be missing updates about recent legislation, test format or official requirements.
Which topics should you prioritise?
The test covers Norwegian democracy, rights and duties, welfare, working life, education, health and family life. HK-dir does not publish a fixed public weighting for each test set, so avoid claims that one exact chapter always dominates.
Chapters on Stortinget, the government and the municipal council are among the most frequently tested. You should know the difference between these three levels, who passes laws, and what a parliamentary election entails. The chapter on the healthcare system also comes up regularly, especially questions about the GP scheme, emergency medical services, and who pays for healthcare services.
Topics such as Norwegian history and geography appear less often on the exam. That does not mean you can skip them entirely, but you do not need to memorise details. A broad overview is sufficient.
Read also our guide on the format and structure of the Samfunnskunnskapsprøven (Social Studies Test) to see the current number of tasks, scoring and time limit.
Practical tip: Make a list of topics you repeatedly miss in practice tests and spend most of your reading time on those.
How to read the textbook efficiently to pass
Reading "Ny i Norge" (New in Norway) from cover to cover is not the best strategy. The book is over 200 pages, and much of the content is background information that is rarely tested directly. A smarter approach is to read strategically.
Start by skimming each chapter and highlighting keywords in bold. These words often point to what the exam asks about. Then read the summary at the end of each chapter. The summaries give you the core of the topic without the details.
After reading a chapter, write down three sentences that summarise the most important points. This technique forces your brain to process the material rather than simply recognise it. Many candidates read the book several times yet still fail the exam because they never tested themselves along the way.
Feel free to use SamfunnPrep's practice tests alongside the book. You will quickly see which topics you already know and which ones you need to revisit.
Practical tip: Set aside 20 minutes daily rather than reading for many hours once a week.
"Ny i Norge" compared to other preparation resources
The "Ny i Norge" (New in Norway) book is not the only way to prepare. There are free online resources, apps and courses that also cover the curriculum. The question is how the book holds up against the alternatives.
The biggest advantage of "Ny i Norge" (New in Norway) is that it is systematic. The book follows the curriculum chapter by chapter and provides a comprehensive overview. Free online resources are often fragmented. You may find good explanations for one topic but lack coverage of others.
The disadvantage of the book is that it can feel dry. The language is factual and concise, and there are few everyday examples. This is where online resources and apps can be a useful supplement. Practice tests with explanations give you immediate feedback that the book cannot offer.
For those comparing alternatives, you can read our comparison of free and paid resources for a more detailed overview.
The best strategy is to combine the book with digital tools. Use the book as your foundation and supplement it with practice tests and explanatory videos. That way you get both breadth and depth in your preparation.
Practical tip: Start with practice tests to identify weak points, then use the book to fill the knowledge gaps.
Common questions from the book you should practise extra
Some types of questions overlap with topics often covered in textbooks and on samfunnskunnskap.no. Here are topics many candidates should practise extra.
Democracy and elections cause confusion because many people mix up roles. Who is the Prime Minister, and who is the President of Stortinget? What is the difference between the government and Stortinget? The book explains this, but you need to actively practise distinguishing the concepts.
The child welfare service (Barnevernet) is another topic with many wrong answers. The questions often concern what the child welfare service does and what rights parents have. The book presents a neutral account, but many candidates let their own experiences or assumptions influence their answers. Read the chapter carefully and answer based on Norwegian regulations as described by UDI (Norwegian Directorate of Immigration) and the law.
Taxes and working life are also difficult for many. The test often asks about the tax card, holiday pay and the Working Environment Act. This is practical knowledge that the book covers well, but it requires you to remember specific details.
Finally, healthcare services come up regularly. The GP scheme, out-of-pocket fees and the emergency number 113 are typical topics. Read the relevant chapter in the book and then take practice questions to make sure you have understood.
Practical tip: Keep a list of mistakes after each practice test and go back to the relevant chapter in the book for the topics you got wrong.
