Norwegian test sign language
Read about the test
The Norwegian language test has four separate parts. As a sign language user, you can take the test of Norwegian sign language communication, the test of Norwegian sign language comprehension, the writing test, and the reading test. The tests measure how well you read and write Norwegian, and how well you understand and communicate in Norwegian sign language.
Everything about the test
The film below gives a presentation of the test and what you need to know before you register for the test. The film has subtitles in Norwegian.
Four parts
The test for sign language users has four parts:
- Test of Norwegian sign language comprehension (or the listening test for hearing candidates)
- Test of Norwegian sign language communication (hearing candidates take the oral test)
- Reading test (the same test for hearing candidates and for sign language users)
- Writing test (the same test for hearing candidates and for sign language users)
The target group for the sign language tests are adult immigrants who are learning both Norwegian sign language and written Norwegian.
Test of Norwegian sign language comprehension
The test consists of multiple-choice tasks. Each task has a short video of one or two people speaking sign language. For each video there is a question, and you answer by choosing one of the options on the screen.
Questions are given both in written Norwegian and in sign language, but answer options are only in written Norwegian. To answer the questions, you must be able to read Norwegian, but the tasks require little literacy.
The test of Norwegian sign language comprehension has about 30 tasks and takes about 55 minutes.
You need to choose a level
The test of Norwegian sign language comprehension is offered at two levels. You must choose level A1-A2 or level A2-B1 when you register for the test.
Test of Norwegian sign language communication
The tasks of the test of Norwegian sign language communication and of the oral test are equivalent, but you, the examiner and the rater all communicate in sign language.
The test is conducted with a qualified sign language examiner and rater present. They assess according to the assessment criteria specified for Norwegian sign language.
If possible, the candidate takes the test at his/her test centre. In some cases, the external rater will participate digitally.
You need to choose a level
The test of Norwegian sign language communication is offered at three levels. You must choose level A1-A2, level A2-B1, or level B1-B2 when you register for the test.
Test of Norwegian sign language communication, level A1–A2
Level A1–A2 is the lowest level of the test Norwegian sign language communication.
- In the first task you speak alone and talk about yourself.
- In the second task you describe a picture. You speak alone.
- The third task is a conversation task, where you speak with another person.
- The fourth task asks you to describe something or talk about something. You speak alone.
It is important that you say a lot, so the rater can see how much sign language you know.
The film below tells you more about the tasks you will meet at level A1-A2. The film has subtitles.
Test of Norwegian sign language communication, level A2–B1
Level A2-B1 is the intermediate level of the test of Norwegian sign language communication.
Before the test starts, the examiner usually talks with you a little bit.
- The first task asks you to speak alone. You will talk about something or describe something.
- The second task is a conversation task, where you speak with another person.
- In the third task the examiner will ask you a question or give you an issue that you give your opinion on. You must give reasons for views.
It is important that you speak a lot, so the rater can see how much sign language you know.
The film below tells you more about the tasks you will meet at level A2-B1. The film has subtitles.
Test of Norwegian sign language communication, level B1–B2
Level B1-B2 is the highest level of the test of Norwegian sign language communication.
Before the test starts, the examiner usually talks with you a little bit.
- In the third task the examiner will ask you a question or give you an issue that you give your opinion on. You must give reasons for views.
- The second task is a conversation task, where you speak with another person.
- In the third task, the examiner gives you a statement, and you will agree or disagree and give reasons for your position. You will have time to reflect and take some notes before answering. You will speak alone.
The film below tells you more about the tasks you will meet at level B1-B2. The film has subtitles.
The reading test and the writing test
The reading test and the writing test are the same tests as for the hearing.
Sign language users are entitled to a sign language interpreter who is present in the classroom. The interpreter can interpret instructions (not the texts of the reading test) and they can also ask questions for you.
Sign language candidates can apply for extended time on the test.
You take the reading test and the writing test on a computer (PC).
Reading test
The reading test measures how well you can understand Norwegian texts. This test is the same for sign language users and for the hearing. Read more about the reading test.
Writing test
The writing test measures how well you write texts about various topics in Norwegian. This test is the same for sign language users and for the hearing. Read more about the writing test.
Using an interpreter
Sign language users might need an interpreter to understand the practical information on the day of the test.
If no one at the test centre can interpret this information, the candidate has the right to an interpreter.
The test centre is responsible for providing an interpreter. If you have questions about getting an interpreter, you should contact your test centre.
How tests are assessed
On the writing test and the test of Norwegian sign language communication raters will assess your test and set your result. The raters are teachers with a lot of experience of teaching and assessment in Norwegian as a second language for adults and in Norwegian sign language.
On the writing test, your text will be sent electronically to at least two raters.
On the test of Norwegian sign language communication, a rater will be present in the room and assess your signing. An examiner will also be present. The examiner will be a person from the test centre who will ask you the questions.
Both the rater and the examiner have been trained and have experience in assessing these tests.
There are no raters on the reading test or the test of sign language comprehension. These tests are automatically assessed electronically.
The assessment criteria for the test in Norwegian sign language communication were updated 01.10.24.
All results are announced at the same time
The results for all the tests are published at the same time. You will receive your results after a couple of weeks. Read more about the results on the test of Norwegian sign language (in Norwegian only)
You can appeal the result of the writing test. When you appeal, your result may be the same as before, lower than before, or higher than before. You cannot appeal again after you have received the results of the complaint procedure. Read more about how to appeal (in Norwegian only)
Rights and obligations
The test can be adapted or accommodated in various ways. Accommodations could include, for example, extra time or being allowed to sit in a separate room when taking the test.
You must contact your test centre as soon as possible, and no later than three days after registering for the test.
You are not allowed to use any notes, internet pages, or electronic aids during the test. If you use or try to use these, it is considered cheating.
The following are some examples of cheating:
- Using false ID
- Using or bringing electronic devices, smart glasses, smart watches or mobile phones
- Using web pages or computer programs other than the test application (e.g. Word, Notepad)
- Using a dictionary or notes brought to the test centre
- Communicating with anyone other than test centre employees during the test
- Copying or memorizing answers or texts from others, and using them in your own answer (plagiarism)
- Pasting text into the Norwegian language writing test (this will automatically count as cheating)
Cheating and attempted cheating can have the following consequences:
- You will be told to leave the premises
- You will not get a test certificate
- You must wait one year to resit
- You will have to pay to retake the test
Cheating may be discovered during or after the test, or when it is being marked.
If you are caught cheating, you will be issued with a formal decision. You may appeal this decision. Read more about appealing.
The texts you write on the writing test must be your own work. Copying and plagiarism are considered cheating and are not allowed.
Plagiarism is using all or part of someone else's text, for example, from the internet, textbooks or from other students, and passing it off as one's own work.
This also applies if you have learned such texts by heart and use them in your test.
Forging your test certificate is considered document forgery and can lead to prosecution.