fagprøve

Fagprøve is the final assessment in Norway’s vocational education system. It marks the end of the apprenticeship period in upper secondary vocational education and is required to obtain the fagbrev, the craft certificate that qualifies a person to work as a skilled tradesperson. The exam is organized for each trade and is designed to test practical competence in real work conditions.

The structure of the fagprøve typically includes a practical task carried out in a workshop or company, often accompanied by a portfolio review and an oral examination related to the trade. Tasks are defined by national curricula and reflect current industry standards. Depending on the trade and regional regulations, external examiners or industry professionals may participate in the assessment to ensure objectivity and relevance.

Grading is usually on a pass/fail basis (bestått/ikke bestått), though some trades may use a more detailed grading scheme or point system. If a candidate fails, there are opportunities to retake the exam, sometimes after targeted retraining or adjustment of the work tasks. Passing the fagprøve grants the fagbrev, a formal professional qualification that enables employment in the trade and may be required for licensing or further vocational advancement.

Preparation for the fagprøve occurs during the apprenticeship, with a focus on hands-on practice, documentation of work, and guidance from employers and vocational teachers. Regional and trade-specific variations exist in procedures, timelines, and assessment criteria, but the core purpose remains to verify practical competence and readiness for professional practice.