56 per cent opt for social studies test in Norwegian
The social studies knowledge test is available in over 30 languages. Even so, there is a large increase in the number of adult immigrants who opt for the social studies test in the Norwegian language.
“Knowledge about Norwegian language and about Norwegian working and social life is crucial for gaining access to working life and being integrated,” Director of Competence Norway (Directorate for Competence Policy), Gina Lund, states.
In 2018 there were 17,629 candidates who took the test in social studies. On a nationwide basis, 84 per cent of the candidates passed it. This is an increase from 2017 when 79 per cent passed. The aim is for 90 per cent of the participants to do so.
Permanent residence or citizenship
In order to obtain a permanent residence permit in Norway, candidates must complete and pass the social studies test in their mother tongue. In order to be granted Norwegian citizenship, the test in social studies must be completed and passed in Norwegian. The national test was launched in 2017. Those who later apply for Norwegian citizenship can skip taking it again, if they opt for the Norwegian language first time around.
More take the test in Norwegian than before
The number of those who take the social studies examination in Norwegian has increased from a mere 11 per cent in 2016 to 56 per cent in 2018.
The test can be taken after 50 hours of social knowledge training for adult immigrants. The intention of the training is for immigrants to be introduced to Norwegian social conditions shortly after they arrive in Norway. It is, therefore, available in a number of languages. The test is currently offered in 30 languages. It is further possible to take it in other languages through an interpreter.
“With the introduction of the Citizenship Test, alternatively the social studies test in Norwegian, we see that more and more elect to postpone the social studies test, and then in Norwegian,” Lund explains.
The social studies test consists of 38 questions. At least 29 of those must be answered correctly in order to pass. It takes about one hour to complete the test.
Some have taken the exam more than once, often taking it in their own language before they do so in Norwegian. There is a large variation in the success rate, both in the different languages and between municipalities.
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Results of the social studies test by county (2018)
|
County |
Candidates |
Passed |
% |
Failed |
|
Akershus |
1,683 |
1,431 |
85% |
252 |
|
Aust-Agder |
498 |
443 |
89% |
55 |
|
Buskerud |
855 |
718 |
84% |
137 |
|
Finnmark |
335 |
281 |
84% |
54 |
|
Hedmark |
596 |
477 |
80% |
119 |
|
Hordaland |
1,389 |
1,222 |
88% |
167 |
|
Møre og Romsdal |
902 |
776 |
86% |
126 |
|
Nordland |
1,289 |
980 |
76% |
309 |
|
Oppland |
641 |
487 |
76% |
154 |
|
Oslo |
2,146 |
1,910 |
89% |
236 |
|
Rogaland |
1,557 |
1,308 |
84% |
249 |
|
Sogn og Fjordane |
463 |
375 |
81% |
88 |
|
Telemark |
647 |
518 |
80% |
129 |
|
Troms |
666 |
579 |
87% |
87 |
|
Trøndelag |
1,870 |
1,608 |
86% |
262 |
|
Vest-Agder |
678 |
536 |
79% |
142 |
|
Vestfold |
738 |
635 |
86% |
103 |
|
Østfold |
676 |
602 |
89% |
74 |
|
Total |
17,629 |
14,808 |
84% |
2,821 |
Further information
- Those who are entitled to free education in social studies receive the exam free of charge the first time they take it. After this, the price is determined by the municipal test dates locally, but the pricing must be based on the principle of self-cost. You can find the cost of taking the test by accessing the registration portal.
- Candidates can find texts that cover the curriculum at samfunnskunnskap.no. They can also practice by answering sample questions.
- For requirements for Norwegian citizenship, see here.
© Kompetanse Norge / #Norway Today
