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. The test consists of three parts, which measure different aspects of spoken language.

Candidates are assessed on their general oral language skills and the ability to communicate in Norwegian at an advanced level:

Comprehension
The ability to understand spoken language in interactive situations: instructions, questions, explanations, standpoints

Oral production
The ability to describe, explain, express opinions and give reasons for own opinions on a specific matters

Interaction and discussion
The ability to communicate and interact, keep the conversation going and respond appropriately

The use of language functions
The ability to use various language functions such as: describe and explain, discuss an issue, express views or standpoints, and account for own opinions

Linguistic skills
Pronunciation: the extent to which candidates master pronunciation of individual sounds, correct use of emphasis in words and phrases, and intonation that characterises Norwegian pronunciation
Grammar and vocabulary: the extent to which candidates are able to use different grammatical structures, broad and varied vocabulary and idiomatic expressions
Fluency: the extent to which candidates manage to express themselves spontaneously and without any extra effort

Test format
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 these. TIME: 1-2 min.
The candidate needs to demonstrate the ability to describe the situation and people in the photographs.

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: The candidate has a couple of minutes to prepare before speaking at length for up to 3 minutes.

This is a task in independent oral production. The candidate needs to demonstrate the ability to talk coherently about a given subject. The examiner interferes only if the candidate is having difficulties, or if it is taking him/her too long to get started. The examiner may challenge the candidate by asking him/her to elaborate on something he/she has said.

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. The examiner may introduce new elements that the candidate is required to take a stand on, or challenge the candidate to expand on his/her own statements or opinions.
TIME: 6-8 minutes

Possible additional task: Questions regarding a graph/illustration
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. The difficulty increases with each question, as the first requires a description of information, while the remaining two questions require some reflection and ability to express own opinions.

Assessment
There are two certified examiners present at the speaking test. One of them is leader of the test, interacting with the candidate. The assessment is the external examiner’s main responsibility.

The candidate's oral skills are assessed according to criteria that are based on descriptions in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

Test results
The formerly used scoring system (150-700 points) has been replaced with the following grades: “Fail” (Ikke bestått), “Pass” (Bestått) and “High Pass” (Godt bestått). ”Pass” now equals 500 points, while ”High pass” equals 600 points used in the past.

Make sure you check with your institution or employer what result/grade is required in order to be admitted.

About two (2) weeks after the test date, an accredited Test Certificate is issued and sent to candidates by Folkeuniversitetet – Norsk språktest. On the other side of the Test Certificate, there are descriptions of each of the levels of proficiency, represented by the various grades.

Test registration and practical information
Test fee: NOK 900,-
This registration is binding and is confirmed after the payment of the test fee, before the registration deadline. Registrations after deadline are not accepted!

Candidates are informed about the exact time and place about one week before the test date.

Cancelling a registration
Candidates will lose their full test fee unless they are able to provide appropriate medical evidence. Refunds are provided with the deduction of an administrative fee NOK 350,-. Medical evidence must be sent no later than one week after the test date to: Folkeuniversitetet, Chr. Krohgs gate 34, 0186 Oslo