Norskprøven for permanent residence – A2 oral
To get permanent residence you must, as a main rule, pass the oral Norskprøven at level A2 or higher. Here you can see what the requirement means, when the test is held, and how to get ready – with courses in central Oslo or online.
The requirement in short
- Pass the oral Norskprøven at level A2 or higher
- Pass a test in social studies (in a language you understand)
- Some people can get an exemption, including from the oral test
The requirements are set by the authorities and can change. Always check the current rules with UDI before you apply. udi.no
What does A2 oral mean?
- You can talk about yourself, your family, your job and your daily life.
- You can shop, ask for directions and make appointments in simple Norwegian.
- You understand and answer simple questions when people speak clearly.
- In the oral test at A1–A2 you get four tasks, and you may use a dialect.
About the oral test
The oral test is part of Norskprøven from HK-dir, and it is this part that counts for the requirements for permanent residence (A2). You register during a registration period, about five weeks before the test period, and the test is held at a test centre in a Norwegian municipality.
When you register, you choose which level the test will measure. To document A2, choose a test that goes up to at least A2. If you plan to apply for citizenship later, it can pay off to choose a test that goes up to B1. At A1–A2 you get four tasks, and at the other levels three tasks.
The examiners assess whether you are understood, how varied and precise your language is, and how well you can describe, explain and give reasons. You may use a dialect, and you do not need difficult idioms. Clear, understandable Norwegian is what matters most.
Courses that get you ready
Choose based on where you are today. Not sure? Take the free level test. →
RecommendedA2–B1Norskprøven – oralTargeted practice for the oral test, with lots of speaking and feedback from your teacher.Read more and book →
Most speakingA2–C1Conversation coursesThe best speaking practice: small groups of 4–10 students, where you speak Norwegian the whole lesson and the teacher corrects you.Next start 10 NovFrom 2 555 NOKRead more and book →
A1–A2Norwegian for beginnersStarting from zero or with little Norwegian? Build the foundation for A2 here.Next start 3 NovFrom 3 650 NOKRead more and book →
A1–C1Norskprøven – all skillsTaking several parts of the test? Reading, listening, writing and oral.Next start 16 NovFrom 4 976 NOKRead more and book →
FlexibleA1–C1Private lessonsOne-to-one with a teacher, in the classroom or online, focused on what you need.Read more and book →How to practise for the oral test
Speaking skills come from speaking – a lot and often. These are the tips that give our students the best results:
See our conversation courses →
Norskprøven dates
Norskprøven A1–B2 is held four times a year. You register with HK-dir. prove.hkdir.no
- Registration
- 26 Oct–30 Oct
- Test period
- 30 Nov–4 Dec 2026
- Result
- 7 Jan 2027
- Registration
- 25 Jan–29 Jan
- Test period
- 8 Mar–12 Mar 2027
- Result
- 6 Apr 2027
- Registration
- 12 Apr–16 Apr
- Test period
- 18 May–28 May 2027
- Result
- 19 Jun 2027
How to get there
- Check your levelTake the free level test so you know how much practice you need.
- Take a preparation coursePractise the oral task types with a teacher in a small group.
- Register for the testRegister with HK-dir during the registration period, about five weeks before the test.
Why prepare at Alfaskolen?
Alfaskolen is a Norwegian language school at Kongens gate 15 in central Oslo, teaching adults Norwegian since 2006. The school is approved by HK-dir as a private provider of Norwegian language training. More than 13,000 students have learned Norwegian with us.
- Approved by HK-dir as a provider of Norwegian language training
- Conversation courses with 4–10 students – lots of speaking time
- Small groups with max 16 students in other courses
- Teachers who know Norskprøven and its task types
- Classroom in central Oslo or live online
- Daytime, evening and weekend
- ★ 4.5 out of 5 on Google (260 reviews)
- Courses at every level from A1 to C1
★★★★★“I learned a lot during the course and became much more confident speaking and understanding Norwegian. The teachers were highly professional, patient, and supportive.”
Fatema J., B1 – Google review
Questions and answers
What level of Norwegian do I need for permanent residence?
As a main rule you must pass the oral Norskprøven at level A2 or higher, and a test in social studies. Some people can get an exemption. Always check the current requirements with UDI.
Do I have to take the whole Norskprøven?
For permanent residence the requirement is oral Norwegian. You can register for the oral part only.
What if I do not pass?
You can take the test again in a later test period. If you take a part several times, the latest and best result is shown on your certificate.
Will I apply for citizenship later?
Then you need B1 oral. It can pay off to aim for B1 straight away, so you do not have to take the test twice.
Can I use a dialect in the oral test?
Yes. You may use a dialect in the oral test.
Where do I register for the test?
You register for Norskprøven with HK-dir (prove.hkdir.no) during the registration period. Alfaskolen offers preparation courses, not the test itself.
Does a conversation course help with the oral test?
Yes. In the oral test you must speak fluently and understandably about familiar topics. In a conversation course you speak Norwegian almost the whole lesson, and the teacher corrects your pronunciation, word order and word choice. The groups have only 4–10 students, so you get a lot of speaking time. Many students combine a conversation course with our Norskprøven oral course.
Which level should I choose when I register for the oral test?
For permanent residence you need A2 or higher, so choose a test that goes up to at least A2. If you will apply for citizenship later, it can pay off to aim for B1 straight away.
Can I prepare online?
Yes. Alfaskolen offers live online courses with a teacher, as well as classroom courses in central Oslo. Private lessons can also be taken online.
Applying for citizenship later? See the B1 oral requirement →
Ready to start?
Small groups, experienced teachers and real test tasks. Approved by HK-dir · in Oslo since 2006 · ★ 4.5 on Google.
Sources: UDI and HK-dir.
