Learn Norwegian and take the tests: right and duty, A2, B1
If you are an adult immigrant aged 18 to 67, you may have a right and duty to free Norwegian and social studies classes through your municipality. A permanent residence permit requires a passed oral Norwegian test at level A2 or higher plus a social studies test. Citizenship requires oral Norwegian at B1 or higher plus the citizenship test or the social studies test in Norwegian.
What does “right and duty” to Norwegian training mean?
The municipality must offer training in Norwegian and social studies (norsk og samfunnskunnskap), and if you are covered, you have both a right and a duty to take part. The rules are in the Integration Act (integreringsloven), and the Directorate of Integration and Diversity (IMDi) supports the municipalities. Your age and type of residence permit decide whether you have right and duty, duty only, or neither. Those not covered may have to pay for classes.
How long does the training last, and what does it include?
According to IMDi:
- The municipality must offer a start as soon as possible, and within three months of registration in the population register or of the demand to take part.
- With upper secondary education or higher: right and duty for up to 18 months.
- Without such education: up to three years.
- With a duty only: until your Norwegian goal is reached, with a maximum of 225 hours.
- Social studies is 75 hours for everyone, to be completed within one year of the offer to start.
- The municipality makes a plan with your Norwegian goal and the scope of training.
What is the Norwegian test (Norskprøven)?
It is run by the Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills (HK-dir, formerly Kompetanse Norge). It measures levels A1, A2, B1 and B2, and there is a separate Norskprøven C1. It has oral and written parts, each with its own result.
Important: for permanent residence and citizenship, the oral part is what counts.
What are the language requirements for permanent residence?
If you submit your application to the police on or after 1 September 2025 and are 18 to 67, you must have passed:
- an oral Norwegian test at level A2 or higher
- a social studies test (samfunnskunnskap) in a language you understand
The old requirement to have completed classes no longer applies. UDI can grant exemptions, for example a grade of 2 or better in Norwegian from school, 30 credits in Norwegian, documented health reasons, or a municipal exemption decision. If you do not yet meet the requirements, you can wait to apply and renew your permit. See also our guide on residence permits and renewal.
What are the language requirements for citizenship?
When you submit your documents to the police, aged 18 to 67, you must have passed:
- an oral Norwegian test at level B1 or higher
- the citizenship test (statsborgerprøven) or the social studies test in Norwegian
Oral A2 is enough if you are stateless, over 55 and came through a protection application or as a resettled refugee, over 55 and receiving disability benefit, or if you applied before 1 October 2022.
If you do not hold permanent residence when you apply for citizenship, you must meet the test requirements for both. Having passed the citizenship test alone is not enough.
| Purpose | Oral Norwegian | Social studies |
|---|---|---|
| Permanent residence | A2 or higher | in a language you understand |
| Citizenship | B1 or higher (A2 in some cases) | citizenship test or social studies test in Norwegian |
How do I get started, step by step?
- Ask your municipality whether you have right and duty or duty only.
- Start the classes it offers and review your plan and Norwegian goal.
- Attend regularly, as participation is part of the duty.
- Decide your goal: permanent residence (A2) or citizenship (B1).
- Register for the test through your test centre and the HK-dir test site.
- Keep your results and attach them to your application.
- Check UDI’s pages before applying, because rules change.
What if I have no right to free classes?
- Adults who have used up their right or have none may be offered classes through the grant scheme “Tilskudd til norskopplæringsordning” (formerly the clip card scheme), at approved providers.
- NAV (the Labour and Welfare Administration) can consider Norwegian training as a labour market measure for jobseekers whose main barrier is language. Offers vary. See our guide on social security and NAV.
- Training at an approved provider can be used as documentation of the language requirement.
What free resources are there?
- Norsktrening: free, low-threshold speaking practice with volunteers and others. Ask your municipality or library.
- Online courses: offered by public and private providers, plus independent online resources. IMDi and HK-dir link to them.
- Sample tests: on the HK-dir test site.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a written test for citizenship?
No. UDI requires oral Norwegian at B1, not written.
Is the social studies test in Arabic enough for citizenship?
No. For citizenship you need the citizenship test or the social studies test in Norwegian. In a language you understand, it counts for permanent residence.
I am over 67. What applies?
The requirements we reviewed apply to ages 18 to 67. If you are outside that range, ask UDI.
Do the tests cost money?
Some people have a right to a free test, others pay. We give no amounts because they change. Check the current price with your test centre or HK-dir.
Do the rules change?
Yes. Check UDI and HK-dir before you apply.
Official sources
- IMDi: Training in Norwegian and social studies
- IMDi: Training under the Integration Act
- UDI: Changes to permanent residence requirements
- UDI: Test requirements for Norwegian citizenship
- UDI: Social studies test requirements
- HK-dir: Test site
Last reviewed: 2026-10-29. This is general information, not legal advice; check with the official authority for your situation.
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