Statsborgerprøven and samfunnskunnskapsprøven have the same curriculum, but are used for different purposes. In short: samfunnskunnskapsprøven can be taken in 23 languages and is required for permanent oppholdstillatelse, while statsborgerprøven only exists in Norwegian and is used only for statsborgerskap. Here are all the differences, so you choose the right exam.
Who must take which exam?
Which exam you need depends on what you are applying for:
- Permanent oppholdstillatelse: You must have passed samfunnskunnskapsprøven in a language you understand, in addition to an oral Norwegian exam at least at level A2 (main rule for people between 18 and 67 years old). Statsborgerprøven does not count here.
- Norwegian statsborgerskap: You can choose – you must have passed either statsborgerprøven or samfunnskunnskapsprøven in Norwegian, in addition to an oral Norwegian exam at least at level B1 (A2 for certain groups).
Note that for statsborgerskap, samfunnskunnskapsprøven must be taken in Norwegian to count – it is not sufficient to have taken it in another language for permanent oppholdstillatelse. The requirements apply as a main rule to people between 18 and 67 years old; if you are older or have special reasons, you may be exempt (see below). Always check the updated requirements at UDI before you apply, as the regulations can change.
Number of tasks and requirements to pass
The exams are structured almost the same, but have slightly different numbers:
| Samfunnskunnskapsprøven | Statsborgerprøven | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of tasks | 38 (34 give points) | 36 (32 give points) |
| Correct to pass | at least 26 | at least 24 |
| Time | max 60 minutes | max 60 minutes |
| Language | 23 languages | Norwegian only |
| Language level | – | A2 |
| Used for | permanent oppholdstillatelse and statsborgerskap | statsborgerskap only |
Both are digital multiple-choice exams, and both are taken at an approved exam center. If you want to understand the setup better, read the guide on format, time and questions.
Language: this is where the exams differ most
The biggest difference is language. Samfunnskunnskapsprøven can be taken in 23 languages, including Arabic, Russian, Ukrainian, Somali, Tigrinya, Dari and Urdu, with audio support in ten of them. This way, the exam tests what you know about society, not how well you read Norwegian.
Statsborgerprøven, on the other hand, exists only in Norwegian (Bokmål or Nynorsk), but at a lower language level (A2). For some it is easier to answer simple Norwegian than to read long questions in another language – for others it is the opposite. Choose what works best for you.
Same curriculum, different packaging
Both exams are based on the same curriculum in society knowledge, which you can find free on samfunnskunnskap.no. It covers democracy, history, geography, health, family, education, work and economics. Because the curriculum is the same, you can prepare for both exams in the same way. Practice with real practice questions with answers from each topic, regardless of which exam you are taking. On SamfunnPrep, the practice questions cover the entire curriculum, so the training counts regardless of which exam you ultimately register for.
Can you get exemption from the exam?
Some are exempt from taking the exam. You may have the right to exemption or exception, for instance if you have documented sufficient training in Norwegian and society knowledge beforehand, for health reasons that are documented, or because you are over 67 years old. From 1 September 2025, the police and UDI can also consider exceptions from the requirement for society knowledge if you have documented previous education in the subject. The rules for exemption are detailed, so read more about exemption from the exam and check your own situation at UDI. If you are unsure whether you must take the exam, it is safest to prepare as if you must.
Which exam should you choose?
The answer depends on your situation:
- Are you only applying for permanent oppholdstillatelse? Then you take samfunnskunnskapsprøven, preferably in a language you speak well.
- Are you applying for statsborgerskap, and do you find Norwegian challenging? Then statsborgerprøven may be easier, because it is at a lower language level (A2).
- Are you applying for statsborgerskap, and do you read well in another language? Then you can take samfunnskunnskapsprøven in Norwegian – but remember that it must be in Norwegian to count for statsborgerskap.
Does the result expire?
No. Once you have passed, the exam result does not expire. The certificate is stored digitally, and you can use it when you apply later – for example, first for permanent oppholdstillatelse and then for statsborgerskap. If you have already passed samfunnskunnskapsprøven in Norwegian for an earlier application, you therefore do not need to take a new exam for statsborgerskap. So it is worth thinking ahead when you choose your exam and language.
Regardless of which exam you choose, you register in the same portal. See price, deadlines and exam centers in the guide on registration and price.
Ready to practice? The curriculum is the same for both exams – try SamfunnPrep for free and practice until you are confident to pass.
