NORSK CERTIFICATES - DETAILED ENGLISH VERSION
Norskprøve for voksne innvandrere
There are two official tests which are offered at more than 50 test centres throughout Norway.
- Norskprøve 2 for voksne innvandrere/Norwegian Test 2 for adult immigrants (Level A2)
- Norskprøve 3 for voksne innvandrere/Norwegian Test 3 for adult immigrants (Level B1)
These tests are held at fixed dates three times a year.
Folkeuniversitetet is in charge of registrations for the examinations, and candidates must register six weeks before the examination.
Results are sent directly to the candidates within five weeks after the examinations.
There is also a test at Level A1 - Norskprøve 1 for voksne innvandrere that is used exclusively within the language centres.
The tests are available in both Norwegian written forms ("bokmål" and "nynorsk").
Norwegian Test 2
This test measures language skills at level A2 (a basic level).
Dictionaries and other reference books are not allowed on the test.
It consists of two parts which can be taken separately:
1) writing
2) speaking
The writing part is marked centrally, while the speaking part is evaluated at the test centre.
1) Writing
It measures skills in reading, listening and writing.
Listening test
The listening test consists of a number of short conversations and messages related to situations such as personal relationships, shopping, transport, work and the immediate environment.
For each listening text, there is a written question. The question is read aloud on the CD before the listening text is played. The candidate answers by marking the correct answer, writing a short answer, etc.
The language is simple and clear, and each listening text is played twice.
Reading test
Reading test consists of short, simple texts (e. g. advertisements, announcements, brochures, notices, menus, instruction manuals and timetables, letters, short factual texts, or short newspaper items).
The tasks give the candidate the opportunity to demonstrate his/her ability to comprehend the main point and some details in the texts.
There are written questions for each reading text. The candidate answers by marking the correct answer, writing a short answer, etc.
Writing test
The writing test consists of two tasks.
In the first task, the candidate is asked to write a short message or announcement.
In the second task, the candidate is asked to write, for example, a short narrative, a description or a personal letter.
2) Speaking
Two candidates take the test together.
The speaking test consists of three tasks A, B and C.
Tasks A and C are individual tasks.
The candidate introduces herself/himself and tells something about (e. g. his/her personal background, family, interests, education, personal experiences).
Task B measures the candidate’s ability to handle a social exchange.
In this task the candidate talks to her/his partner candidate about everyday activities. They exchange simple information, state likes and dislikes, etc..
Norwegian Test 3 for Adult Immigrants
Test 3 is a final test at B1 level (an independent level).
Dictionaries and other reference books are not allowed on the test.
It has two parts:
1) writing
2) speaking
The two parts of the test can be taken separately.
The writing part is marked centrally, while the speaking part is evaluated at the test centre.
1) Writing
Writing measures the candidate’s skills in reading, listening and writing.
Listening test
The listening test consists of a number of short conversations and messages about familiar topics related to work, school, home and spare time.
Each listening text is played twice.
For each listening text, there is a written question. The candidate answers by marking the correct answer, writing a short answer, etc.
Reading test
The reading test consists of several shorter and longer reading texts, e. g. personal and official letters, brochures, notices, newspaper articles, literary texts and factual texts.
There are written questions for each reading text. The candidate answers by marking the correct answer, writing a short answer, etc.
Writing test
The writing test consists of two tasks.
In the first task, the candidate is asked to express his/her opinion on an issue and to state the reason and/or explain.
In the second task, the candidate is asked to write a longer narrative.
2) Speaking
Speaking measures oral production and interaction. Two candidates take the test together.
The speaking test consists of three tasks – A, B, and C.
Tasks A and C measure the candidate’s ability to participate in a conversation.
Task B is an individual task. Candidate describes personal experiences and plans, tells a story or provides a brief explanation of opinions, actions and plans.
Test i Norsk - høyere nivå
The Speaking test in Norwegian was designed mainly for healthcare workers and other foreigners, who are required to document their Norwegian speaking skills at advanced level, when applying for studies or a job in Norway.
The test is administered three times a year, independent of the written test, which is held on different dates.
Candidates are not required to have attended a particular course/class, or to have studied a specific curriculum before taking the speaking test.
Test in norsk høyere nivå - oral
There are two certified examiners present at the speaking test.
The candidate's oral skills are assessed according to criteria that are based on descriptions in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
It tests:
- The ability to understand spoken language in interactive situations: instructions, questions, explanations, standpoints.
- The ability to describe, explain, express opinions and give reasons for own opinions on a specific matters.
- The ability to communicate and interact, keep the conversation going and respond appropriately.
- The ability to use various language functions such as: describe and explain, discuss an issue, express views or standpoints, and account for own opinions.
- Pronunciation.
- Grammar and vocabulary.
- Fluency.
Candidates get to choose between two topics.
Part 1 Oral production: Description
The candidate looks at some photographs that illustrate the selected topic, and is asked to describe them.
Time: 1-2 min.
Part 2 Oral production: Expressing own opinion and presenting one’s reasons
The candidate is given a statement, which is related to the selected topic, written on a card. The examiner reads it aloud. The candidate is then asked to express whether he/she agrees or disagrees with the given statement and give reasons for his/her own views.
Time: couple of minutes for preparation before speaking that should last up to 3 minutes.
The examiner interferes only if the candidate is having difficulties, or if it is taking him/her too long to get started.
Part 3 Oral interaction: Interaction/discussion
The examiner initiates a conversation with the candidate about the chosen topic.
The candidate is asked to elaborate on or explain something he/she has already said.
Time: 6-8 minutes
Possible additional task
If the examiners feel they have insufficient grounds for assessing the candidate's performance, they can give the candidate an additional task.
The candidate is shown a graph/illustration and has to answer three questions about it. The candidate needs to demonstrate that he/she can respond spontaneously to the questions, based on the information contained in the graph/illustration.
Test results
There are following grades:
- “Fail” (Ikke bestått)
- “Pass” (Bestått)
- “High Pass” (Godt bestått)
About two weeks after the test date, an accredited Test Certificate is issued and sent to candidates by Folkeuniversitetet – Norsk språktest.
Test registration and practical information
Test fee: NOK 900,-
Registrations after deadline are not accepted!
Candidates are informed about the exact time and place about one week before the test date.
Enrolment here.
Sample Test.
