The social studies test in Norwegian can normally be used for both permanent residence and citizenship. A result in another language you understand can be used for permanent residence, but normally not for citizenship. Choose a language based on your goal and what you can read well.
Social studies test in Norwegian or another language: what applies?
For permanent residence, you can take the social studies test in a language you understand. For citizenship, it must be in Norwegian. This is the main rule as of 1 October 2026, according to the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI). UDI assesses certain exceptions separately.
The Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills (HK-dir) offers the social studies test in 23 languages. You choose the test language at the test centre when the test begins, not when you register. Norwegian is available in Bokmål and Nynorsk. Questions can be read aloud in 10 languages. HK-dir describes the languages and test format.
| Your goal | Result that normally meets the knowledge requirement | What should you check? |
|---|---|---|
| Permanent residence now | A passed social studies test in a language you understand. | Your other conditions and any exception with UDI. |
| Citizenship later | The citizenship test or the social studies test in Norwegian. | The requirements that apply when you apply. |
| Citizenship without permanent residence first | Requirements for both schemes may apply. | UDI's specific guidance for this route. |
The table covers only the knowledge test. Spoken Norwegian is a separate requirement. For permanent residence, the main rule is A2; for citizenship, it is B1, with special rules for some groups. UDI's citizenship requirements provide details. Also see the Norwegian requirement for permanent residence.
Are you only applying for permanent residence now?
Choose the language you understand best if your goal is permanent residence. The test is meant to assess your knowledge of society. A test language you do not know well can make it harder to show what you know. As a general rule, UDI requires a passed social studies test in a language you understand; it does not have to be Norwegian.
Still consider whether you also want to apply for citizenship. A result in another language normally does not meet the knowledge requirement for a later citizenship application. You may then need to take the citizenship test or the social studies test in Norwegian. This does not mean you should risk an important residence goal just to avoid a possible retake later. Consider what you can manage now and check your timeline.
If the test is not available in a language you understand well, HK-dir says you can ask the test centre about an oral test or an interpreter. Contact the test centre early. This is a separate arrangement, not an automatic right to choose any interpreter on test day.
Are you also planning to apply for Norwegian citizenship?
A passed social studies test in Norwegian can normally meet the knowledge requirement for both applications. This may save you from taking another knowledge test later. For citizenship, UDI also accepts the citizenship test. It is available only in Norwegian, but it is a different test.
Try reading a page from the public curriculum and some sample questions in Norwegian. If you understand both the questions and answer options without guessing key words, Norwegian may be a good choice. If all your effort goes into the language and you cannot show what you know, another language may be wiser for permanent residence now. You can continue working on Norwegian later.
The citizenship test alone does not meet the social studies requirement for permanent residence. This matters especially if you apply for citizenship without first having permanent residence. UDI explains that you must then meet the permanent residence requirements as well as the citizenship requirements. UDI's guidance on citizenship without permanent residence notes, among other things, that one passed social studies test in Norwegian can meet both knowledge requirements. Read the comparison of permanent residence and citizenship for the other differences.
How to choose a test without an unnecessary retake
Start with the application you are actually going to submit, then consider your plans for the next few years. A language choice that suits one application may not suit the next.
- Open UDI's personal requirements for permanent residence or citizenship.
- Write down whether you need the social studies test, the citizenship test, or can document an exception.
- If you also want citizenship, consider whether you can take the social studies test in Norwegian now.
- Read a public sample question in the language you are considering. Assess your understanding, not just whether you recognize the words.
- Ask the test centre about language, dates and any accommodations before paying.
- Save your result and check that your personal details are correct.
Example: Sara is applying for permanent residence and reads Norwegian well. She passes the social studies test in Bokmål. This result can normally also be used for the knowledge requirement when she later applies for citizenship. Ali understands the topics well in Arabic but struggles with Norwegian test texts. He takes the test in Arabic for permanent residence. When he later wants to apply for citizenship, he must check whether he needs the social studies test in Norwegian or the citizenship test. Neither example determines any other application requirements.
If you have already passed the social studies test in Norwegian, check the recorded result before paying for another test. HK-dir displays your latest and best results in Vitnemålsportalen once your details have been registered there. Contact the test centre if your name or identity number is incorrect.
Where can you find the curriculum and practice?
Start with the free curriculum and sample test from HK-dir. The samfunnskunnskap.no resource covers the three main areas. The sample test shows how you answer on a computer, but does not contain the same questions as the actual test. HK-dir's practice page describes the resources.
On SamfunnPrep, you can use the free practice test to find topics you need to read more about. SamfunnPrep creates its own practice questions; they are not official test questions. Read the social studies test format guide and the registration guide before booking.
The sources were checked 1 October 2026. Requirements may differ depending on age, residence basis and exceptions. Ask UDI to clarify any doubt about your specific application. Once the test is clear, you can try SamfunnPrep for free.
