SkandCert – Language certificates in Scandinavian languages

Would you like to have your language skills certified in Norwegian, Danish, Icelandic or Finnish? Or do you need a proof of your language skills for studies or work? Take the SkandCert exam at level B1 or B2!

SkandCert was developed in order to offer an exam and certificate for the Scandinavian languages in the German speaking countries. Currently SkandCert is available for Norwegian, Danish, Icelandic and Finnish at levels B1 and B2 (CEFR). If you want a certificate for your Swedish language skills, you can take the international SWEDEX exam.

SkandCert exam dates and places

The current exam dates and locations can be found here.

SkandCert FAQ

What can I use SkandCert for?

If you intend to go to Scandinavia for work, an internship or practical training, you can prove your language skills to your future employer. The CEFR-levels A1-C2 are internationally used for many languages nowadays and well-known in the working world.
If you want to make sure that SkandCert is recognized by the institution you are applying at, ask beforehand!

Students can provide proof of language skills for or after exchange studies in Norway, Denmark, Iceland or Finland.

… and last but not least? Consider passing the exam as an achievement for yourself!

Can I use the SkandCert certificate as a proof of language skills for my university or studies?

If you need to provide a proof of your language skills for your studies, you can use the SkandCert certificate. However, before attending the exam, do ask your university if they will accept the SkandCert certificate and on which level (B1/B2) you need to provide the proof.

In which languages is SkandCert available?

You can take the exam in Norwegian, Danish, Icelandic and Finnish.

Why isn’t SkandCert available in Swedish?

Swedish is tested in the international SWEDEX exam, which is also available in Germany.

How can I determine my level?

You can use this table to assess your own proficiency at levels A1/A2, B1/B2, C1/C2.

How can I prepare for the exam?

You can use the model test, which is currently available in Norwegian and Danish. Even if you want to be tested in Icelandic, the Danish and Norwegian model test will help you to get to know and better assess the individual parts of the test.

You can also book an exam preparation online. The preparation consists of a double lesson (90 minutes) with a native teacher. The preparation can also be booked without the exam. The advantage is that you can first find out what level you are at and then decide whether you want to sign up for the next possible exam date or whether you prefer to take a few more training lessons first.

Please contact SkandCert if you are interested in the exam preparation. We will get in touch with you personally in order to determine in which areas you need support. In the preparation, you can concentrate on these areas and carry out model exercises for which you will receive feedback. Experience has shown that it is valuable for many candidates to practice the oral part in a mock exam, as it counts for one third of the overall assessment. Support with writing is also helpful to avoid typical mistakes and to receive phrasing tips.

Why is the exam on levels B1 and B2?

The Scandinavian languages (with the exception of Finnish) are Germanic languages, which means that they are closely related to German and English. For native speakers from the Germanic language family (English, German, Dutch etc.) level A2 can be reached quite fast – it is almost too small a challenge! Whereas with the B-level you can score better in applications and other situations, in which you need to prove your language skills.

Can I study at a Norwegian, Danish, Icelandic or Finnish university with a SkandCert certificate?

The universities usually have their own entrance examinations: In Norway this is the Norskprøve, in Denmark the Studieprøve, in Finland the YKI-test, if you want to study in the local language. Also Iceland requires an official proof of your icelandic proficiency.

For exchange students within an ERASMUS or SOKRATES-Program, the university or language examinations are not a prerequisite for studying, but it is of course advisable to acquire basic language skills before a stay in the Nordic countries.

Which areas of language proficiency are tested?

The exam consists of 4 parts:
1. reading comprehension
2. listening comprehension
3. writing
4. speaking and interacting

Each candidate works on test parts 1-3 on his/her own. The oral examination is in pairs.

How long does the exam take?

The time required for the exam itself is 3-4 hours excluding breaks. Therefore, you should plan in around 4 hours!

Until when do I have to register for the exam?

You should register at least 4 weeks before the exam date. However, late registrations may be possible up to one week before the examination.

When and where do the exams take place?

Regular exam dates are offered at various locations. You can find the current exam dates here. Further exam dates and locations are available on request.

It is guaranteed that the exam will take place on the listed dates if the registration is received at least 4 weeks before the exam date!

What does the exam cost?

An overview of the exam fees can be found on this page.

Can I retake the exam?

Yes, the exam can be retaken as often as necessary, but at the earliest 3 months after the last exam. If the exam is cancelled due to illness, also parts of the exam can be retaken after presentation of a doctor’s certificate.

Can my own teacher test me?

Examiners cannot test candidates who they have taught during the last 6 months.

Do I have to attend a course in order to take the exam?

No, that’s not necessary. However, it is advisable to do your own assessment and/or preparation, a) in order to know what to expect, b) in order to train for the exam and c) to be sure of your level.

Are any tools (e. g. dictionaries) allowed?

Tools (like dictionaries) are not allowed during the exam. It is strictly forbidden and monitored to use mobile phones during the exam.

How is the exam assessed?

All 4 parts of the exam – written and spoken – must be successfully passed with at least 60 %. The result is reported as “Passed” or “Failed” with the reached score. The exam is corrected and assessed by two examiners. The results are checked and stored at the exam center.

On request we can send you the SkandCert exam regulations.

Do I receive a diploma or a certificate?

After passing the exam you will receive a certificate in German and in the tested language (Norwegian, Danish, Icelandic or Finnish) with the achieved scores. The certificate is issued by the SkandCert exam centre. It takes about 2 weeks until you receive the certificate electronically. On request and for an extra fee, we can provide you with an official print of the certificate and/or a certificate in English.

In which languages is the certificate issued?

Each certificate is issued in two languages: German and the exam language. So if you take the exam in Danish, you will receive a certificate in German and Danish. A certificate in English can also be issued on request.

How can I register? What is the procedure afterwards?

You can register online using the registration form (click on the red field below). After we have received your registration documents, you will be sent an e-mail with a confirmation and information about the exam fee. Once you have paid the exam fee, you will receive details of the location and time of the exam, what you should bring with you and how you can contact the examiner, if necessary.

And last but not least: What do candidates say about the exam?

The test went very well and also the whole procedure was great! Let’s see how I get on with the certificate now 🙂 If I need to take the next level, I will definitely come back to you and will gladly recommend you to others! (Silke, Norwegian SkandCert exam B1)

A list of further feedbacks can be found on this page.