How many people take the Samfunnskunnskapsprøven (Social Studies Test) in Norway each year, and what proportion passes? Official statistics from HK-dir can show test sittings, language choices and results over time, but exact figures should always be checked directly in the statistics database before they are used for advice or applications. Knowing the main patterns can help you prepare more effectively. Below, we explain how to read the statistics, what the figures can and cannot tell you, and which practical conclusions you can use in your own preparation.
Statistics on the number of candidates each year
The Samfunnskunnskapsprøven is one of the most widely taken official tests for immigrants in Norway. For exact annual figures, numbers of test sittings, languages and municipal breakdowns, use HK-dir's statistics database, because the figures can be updated and filtered in different ways.
The Samfunnskunnskapsprøven normally has more potential candidates than Statsborgerprøven because it is often used for permanent residence, while Statsborgerprøven is linked to citizenship. Many candidates also take the test more than once, which means the number of sittings can be higher than the number of unique individuals.
The figures vary considerably from municipality to municipality. Oslo has by far the most candidates, followed by Bergen, Trondheim, and Stavanger. Smaller municipalities may have only a few dozen candidates per year. Some municipalities hold the test every month, while others only offer it a few times per half-year. You can find detailed statistics broken down by municipality and language in HK-dir's statistics database.
It is worth noting that some test centres do not hold the test every month. Always check the test calendar for your location early in the registration portal.
Tip: Register well in advance. Popular test centres in large cities often have waiting lists, especially in the months before summer.
Pass rates and results in recent years
The pass rate for the Samfunnskunnskapsprøven can vary between years, language groups, municipalities and candidate groups. Use official statistics as a broad picture, not as a guarantee of how your own test will go.
For Statsborgerprøven — which has the same curriculum but is in Norwegian at A2 level — the results can look different because the candidate group is different. Candidates have often lived in Norway longer and have Norwegian language requirements linked to citizenship.
The difference between the two tests can partly be explained by the composition of the candidate groups. The Statsborgerprøven is only taken in Norwegian, and candidates have often lived in Norway longer and completed more training. The Samfunnskunnskapsprøven has broader participation with many different language groups, varying lengths of residency, and different educational backgrounds. This means that the pass rate for the Samfunnskunnskapsprøven reflects a more mixed group of candidates.
There are also variations between counties and municipalities. Some municipalities have pass rates well above the national average, while others are lower. The reasons can range from the quality of local instruction to the composition of the candidate group.
Read more about the difference between the Statsborgerprøven and the Samfunnskunnskapsprøven to find out which test you need to take.
Tip: You need 26 correct answers among the 34 scored tasks. Since you do not know which four of the 38 tasks are unscored, you should answer everything.
Which languages candidates choose for the exam
An important part of the statistics concerns language choice. The Samfunnskunnskapsprøven can be taken in 23 different languages, which makes it unique among Norwegian official tests. Check HK-dir for updated figures before stating which languages were most used in a particular year.
Pass rates can vary between language groups. Candidates who take the test in Norwegian may have a different background than candidates who choose another language, for example longer residence or more Norwegian training. Do not interpret such differences as meaning that one language is "easier" than another.
Your language choice does not affect the content of the test — the questions are the same regardless of language. The only difference is which language you read the questions in. You can also have the questions read aloud as an audio file in one of 10 languages, which can help if you are stronger orally than in writing.
Many candidates use a strategy of first taking the test in their native language to secure permanent residence, and then taking it in Norwegian to qualify for citizenship. This approach can be sensible if you want to secure a passed result quickly but plan to apply for citizenship later.
Tip: Choose the language you understand best. You can always retake the test in Norwegian if you need it for citizenship later.
What the statistics tell us about preparation and test results
Experience from test preparation suggests that systematic practice gives better conditions than showing up unprepared. If you want to use figures about the link between training and results, retrieve them directly from HK-dir or another documented statistics source.
The curriculum is available for free at samfunnskunnskap.no, which covers the entire knowledge base for the test. Topics range from Norwegian history and the political system to health, education, working life, and rights. In addition, HK-dir offers free practice questions at prove.hkdir.no where you can practise with question types similar to the real test.
Many candidates take the test more than once. Statistics do not always distinguish between first-time candidates and those retaking the test. This means that the actual pass rate for a first attempt may be somewhat lower than the overall figures show. At the same time, it means that candidates who fail often succeed on their next attempt after more focused studying.
The municipality may be responsible for social studies training for people with rights and obligations under the integration rules. Contact your municipality to find out what applies to you, and use the training actively if you are entitled to it.
Read our guide on how to prepare for the Samfunnskunnskapsprøven for a concrete plan.
Tip: Use the practice questions from HK-dir as a mini-test. If you can answer 30 out of 38 correctly, you are well prepared for the real test.
How to use the statistics to pass the test
Statistics from the Samfunnskunnskapsprøven are not just interesting reading — they can help you prepare more effectively. Use them to understand patterns, but not as a guarantee of your own result.
Focus on the topics that cover the most questions. The test covers Norwegian history, the political system, health, education, working life, children's rights, and democracy. HK-dir does not publish exactly how many questions each topic has, but the curriculum at samfunnskunnskap.no gives a clear picture of what you should prioritise. Topics such as Stortinget, the welfare state, and the Integration Act come up frequently.
Use the 60 minutes wisely. With 38 questions, you have an average of 1.5 minutes per question. Candidates who fail often spend too long on difficult questions early in the test. A better strategy is to answer what you can first, and then go back to the harder questions afterwards.
Remember that the statistics include candidates with different backgrounds, languages, residence periods and preparation levels. They say little about one individual person's chance of passing. What you can control is how systematically you practise and whether you use updated curriculum.
Tip: Set aside at least two weeks for preparation. Read the curriculum once, do practice questions, and review the topics you find most challenging.
