Norwegian social studies test practice guide
The social studies test, samfunnskunnskapsprøven, checks practical knowledge about life in Norway. It is commonly used in the permanent residence pathway, and it differs from the citizenship test because it may be available in several languages depending on the official test setup.
Quick answer
Samfunnskunnskapsprøven is about understanding how Norwegian society works in everyday life. It covers civic systems, public services, rights and duties, and practical participation in society.
Because requirements and language options can vary by situation and official setup, use HKdir for current test information and UDI when you need to connect a test result to an immigration application.
Language choice matters
The language you choose affects how you should practise. If you plan to take the test in a language other than Norwegian, make sure your study material helps you understand the concepts in that language rather than only drilling Norwegian vocabulary.
If you are preparing for both permanent residence and citizenship, keep the two practice paths separate. Social studies practice can build the knowledge base, but citizenship practice still needs Norwegian test wording.
- Confirm available test languages before you settle on a study plan.
- Practise full sessions in the language you expect to use.
- Switch to Norwegian wording when you begin citizenship-test preparation.
How the social studies test is structured
The official social studies test lasts up to 60 minutes. HKdir says it can be taken in one of 23 languages, and you choose the language when you take the test at the test centre. If you plan to use the result for Norwegian citizenship, the test must be taken in Norwegian.
The test has 38 questions. Most are multiple-choice questions with three options and one correct answer, and some picture questions ask you to place a marker in the right place. You need 26 correct answers to pass. HKdir explains that 34 questions are scored and four are new test questions that do not affect your final score.
- Duration: maximum 60 minutes.
- Format: 38 questions, mostly multiple choice, with some picture-marker questions.
- Passing score: 26 correct answers; 34 questions are scored and four are unscored trial questions.
What to study first
Start with the topics that explain the structure of society: democracy, rights and duties, education, working life, welfare, health, family, history, geography, and laws. These themes make later facts easier to place.
Then practise the practical questions that ask what you would do in a real situation, such as contacting a public service, understanding workplace rights, or recognising how local and national institutions fit together.
How to prepare efficiently
Use full practice sessions to build endurance, then slow down during review. The review is where most learning happens: wrong answers show which category, wording, or concept needs another pass.
Path to Norway helps by grouping results into categories and linking explanations to source material, so your next study session can be based on evidence rather than guesswork.
Common questions
Is the social studies test only for permanent residence?
It is commonly used in the permanent residence pathway, but requirements depend on your individual case. Check UDI for application requirements and HKdir for test information.
Should I practise in Norwegian or another language?
Practise in the language you plan to use for the social studies test. If you later need the citizenship test, add Norwegian-language practice because that test is taken in Norwegian.
What is the fastest way to find weak areas?
Take a full practice session, review every wrong answer, and look at category results. Weak categories are usually more useful than single missed questions because they show what to study next.