Hunter's exam overview

Everything you need to know about the hunter's exam in Norway. Requirements, courses, exam, and shooting test.

The hunter's exam is mandatory for everyone who wants to hunt in Norway. The exam consists of a course with a theory exam and a practical shooting test. A passed hunter's exam is valid for life.

The course is organized by local hunting and fishing associations across the country. It normally lasts 30 hours spread over several weeks. The instruction covers firearms knowledge, species identification, hunting legislation, safety, and ethics.

To sign up, contact a local hunting and fishing association. The course typically costs 3,000 to 5,000 NOK including materials and shooting test.

Age requirement: You must turn 16 during the year you take the exam. There is no upper age limit.

After passing the course and shooting test, you are registered in the Hunter Registry and can pay the hunter fee. You then have the right to hunt throughout Norway.

Each year, around 8,000 people take the hunter's exam. The failure rate varies but is typically 10 to 20% on the theory exam.