Placement test
Find your Norwegian level
Not sure which Norwegian course is right for you? Take one of our free placement tests to get an indication of your current level and which course you could continue with.
If you have never studied Norwegian before, you do not need to take a placement test. You can start with A1.1.
Choose your placement test
Choose the level you have already studied. The test helps us assess whether you are ready to continue to the next course.
If you are unsure which level you have completed, you can take more than one test.
A1
Have you completed A1.1?
Take this test if you have studied A1.1 and want to continue with A1.2.
Take the A1.1 testHave you completed A1?
Take this test if you have completed A1 or A1.2 and want to continue with A2.
Take the A1 testA2
Have you completed A2?
Take this test if you have studied Norwegian at A2 level and want to continue with B1.
Take the A2 testB1
Have you completed B1 part 1?
Take this test if you have completed the first part of B1 and want to continue with B1 part 2.
Take the B1 part 1 testHave you completed B1?
Take this test if you have completed B1 and want to continue with B2.
Take the B1 testB2
Have you completed B2?
Take this test if you have studied Norwegian at B2 level and want to find out whether C1 may be suitable for you.
Take the B2 testYou can take more than one test
You do not need to know your exact level before you start. If you are unsure, you can take several different placement tests. This can give us a better overview of your reading and writing skills.
For example, if you are unsure whether your level is around A2 or B1, you can complete both relevant tests and tell us which tests you have taken when you contact us.
There is normally no reason to take the same test several times. If the same test is completed repeatedly, we will use your first attempt when assessing your level.
What does the placement test measure?
The free online placement tests focus on your reading and writing skills. They do not assess all four language skills.
Included in the online test
- ✓ Reading
- ✓ Writing
Not included in the online test
- – Speaking
- – Listening
Your result therefore gives us an indication of your level, rather than a complete assessment of your Norwegian across all four skills.
Full level assessment with a teacher
If you are unsure of your level or want all four language skills to be assessed, you can book an individual assessment with one of our teachers.
Who is the assessment for?
The assessment is particularly useful if your language skills are uneven. For example, you may speak Norwegian confidently but have less experience with grammar and writing, or your written Norwegian may be stronger than your spoken Norwegian.
What happens after the assessment?
The teacher assesses your Norwegian level based on all four language skills. Reception will then follow up with a recommendation for the course level that is likely to suit you best.
You will also receive a simple email confirming the teacher’s assessment of your Norwegian level.
Need a more detailed written assessment?
If you would like a more detailed evaluation of your performance in reading, writing, listening and speaking, you can also order a written assessment report.
The report costs NOK 1,198.
How the tests work
A1–B1 placement tests
These tests mainly consist of questions where you choose the correct answer. They assess your understanding of written Norwegian and your knowledge of language structures at the relevant level.
B2 placement test
The B2 test includes a longer writing task. Because your answer needs to be assessed by a teacher, it may take some time before you receive feedback on your result.
What happens after the test?
Your test score is only one part of deciding which course is right for you. Contact Alfaskolen after you have completed the test, and we can help you interpret your result.
Complete the test
Take the test that corresponds to the level you have already studied. You may take more than one different test if you are unsure.
Contact Alfaskolen
Tell us which placement test or tests you completed so that we can review your result.
Get a course recommendation
Based on your result, we can recommend which of our Norwegian courses is likely to suit your current level.
Have you completed the B2 writing test?
The B2 writing task must be assessed manually by one of our teachers. Please contact reception after submitting your answer and let us know that you have completed the B2 test.
You can normally expect to receive your assessment within five business days.
Contact AlfaskolenGet an accurate result
The purpose of a placement test is not to achieve the highest possible score. The purpose is to find the course that matches your actual Norwegian level.
Complete the test independently and without using AI tools, translation services, dictionaries or help from another person.
Using these tools may give you a higher score, but it can also result in a recommendation for a course that is too difficult for your current level.
Do your best, but do not worry if you do not know every answer. That is exactly what the placement test is designed to identify.
Placement test FAQ
Which placement test should I take?
Choose the test for the level you have already studied. For example, if you have completed A2 and are considering B1, take the A2 placement test.
I have never studied Norwegian. Do I need a placement test?
No. If you are a complete beginner and have not studied Norwegian before, you can normally start directly with A1.1.
Can I take more than one placement test?
Yes. If you are unsure which level best reflects your current Norwegian, you may take several different placement tests. This can give us more information when recommending a course.
Can I take the same test more than once?
You can, but there is normally no benefit in repeating the same test to improve your score. When assessing your level, we use your first attempt. Repeating the test can make the result less representative of your actual language level.
Does the placement test assess speaking and listening?
No. The free online placement tests assess reading and writing. Speaking and listening are not included.
If you want all four language skills to be assessed, you can book our 45-minute full level assessment with a teacher.
What if my speaking and writing are at different levels?
This is common, particularly if you have learned Norwegian through work, everyday life or independent study.
Because the online tests do not assess speaking or listening, we recommend a full level assessment if there is a significant difference between your spoken and written Norwegian.
What do I receive after a full level assessment?
After the assessment, you will receive a simple email confirming the teacher’s assessment of your Norwegian level.
If you would like a more detailed evaluation of your skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking, you can also order a written assessment report. The report costs NOK 1,198.
Can the written assessment report be used as proof of my Norwegian level?
No. The written assessment report is a professional evaluation by a teacher, but it is not an official language examination. It therefore cannot be used as formal proof of Norwegian language level in the same way as a result from Norskprøven or another official language examination.
Will the placement test tell me my exact CEFR level?
Not necessarily. The placement test gives us an indication of your reading and writing level and helps us recommend a suitable course. It is not a formal language examination or an official CEFR certification.
How do I find out what my result means?
Contact Alfaskolen after completing the test and tell us which test or tests you have taken. Based on your result, we can advise you about which course is likely to suit you best.
Can I change courses if I choose the wrong level?
Yes, a course change may be possible if there is availability. It is your responsibility to register for the correct course level, and the standard course-change fee applies if you have selected the wrong level.
How long does it take to receive my B2 writing assessment?
The B2 writing task is assessed manually by one of our teachers. After submitting your answer, contact reception to let us know. You can normally expect an assessment within five business days.
Ready to find the right course?
Start with the placement test that matches the Norwegian level you have already studied. If you are still unsure afterwards, contact us and we will help you choose.
