Part of the main guide "Exams and tests for immigrants 2026".
Part of the main guide "Norwegian citizenship 2026".
Can you take the Samfunnskunnskapsprøven (the Norwegian civics test) in English? Yes. The test is available in around 23 languages, and English is one of them. You choose the language on the test day itself — not when you register. That means you can show what you know about Norwegian society even if your Norwegian is not fully in place yet.
Can you take the test in English?
Yes. The Samfunnskunnskapsprøven is available in English at every approved test centre. You do not need to prove that you know English — you simply select English when you start the test on screen. This makes the test accessible to many people who have not yet learned enough Norwegian to read long questions in Norwegian.
If you are applying for a permanent residence permit or Norwegian citizenship, this is a simple way to meet the requirement to document knowledge of society.
How to choose English
- Register for the test at prove.hkdir.no with BankID or MinID.
- Choose an approved test centre near you and a date that suits you.
- On the test day, select English as the language on screen before the test starts.
- Bring valid ID.
So you do not choose the language when you register, but when you sit down ready to take the test.
Is the test easier in English?
No. The content is exactly the same regardless of the language you choose. The test has 38 tasks, you have 60 minutes, and you must answer at least 26 of the 34 counting tasks correctly to pass. English only helps you understand the questions better — it does not give you easier questions.
The advantage of English is that you spend less energy interpreting the language and more energy on the actual knowledge about Norway.
How to prepare in English
The best preparation combines understanding the curriculum with realistic practice. With SamfunnPrep you can practise realistic questions in English and Norwegian side by side, take a full timed exam simulation, and see clearly which topics need more work.
Take a free test and find out where you stand — without signing up.
Should you take the test in English or Norwegian?
Choose the language you understand best right now. If you are also about to take the Norwegian language test, practising in Norwegian can be good training. But if your goal is to pass the civics test with confidence, English is a perfectly fine choice — many people pass in English every year.
Ready to practise? Try SamfunnPrep for free and see how well you know Norwegian society — in English or Norwegian.
