vitnemål

Vitnemål is an official Norwegian document that certifies that a student has completed upper secondary education (videregående opplæring) in Norway. The certificate is issued after successful completion of the program and is typically produced by the local school with support from the relevant education authorities.

The vitnemål contains several key elements. It identifies the student and includes the program studied, such as general studies or a vocational track. It lists the courses or subjects completed, the grades achieved in each course, and the final overall grade or grade average. It may also specify the total number of credits earned and whether the program was completed as planned. The document serves as formal evidence that the holder has fulfilled the requirements of upper secondary education.

Purpose and use are central to the vitnemål. It is the primary credential used for admission to higher education institutions, including universities and universities of applied sciences, and it is commonly requested by potential employers as proof of formal qualifications. In some cases, a student who follows an alternative route to qualification may receive a different document, such as a competence certificate, instead of or alongside the vitnemål.

Language and translation are practical considerations. The original vitnemål is issued in Norwegian, and official translations may be required when applying to programs abroad. The vitnemål is considered a lasting record of completed education and is widely recognized within Norway for education and employment purposes.